Meet Your New York City Taxi Accident Attorneys
We know that being in a car accident can be overwhelming. At Ajlouny Injury Law, we're here to make the process easier and provide the support you need.
Paul Ajlouny
Paul Ajlouny is a top personal injury lawyer in Brooklyn, with a reputation that extends across New York State. After earning his degree from St. John’s University and gaining experience at the Daniel Galinson firm, Paul has secured over $150 million in settlements.
Michael Levitz
Michael Levitz brings a mix of fairness and expertise to personal injury law. A graduate of Hofstra University’s Maurice A. Deane School of Law, Michael has been recognized as one of the Top 40 National Trial Lawyers under 40 and has received the Rising Star award from Super Lawyers Magazine.
Important Initial Advice After Being Injured In A Taxi Accident
Taking the right steps immediately can significantly impact your case if you've been injured in a taxi accident. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Get a thorough medical evaluation even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. Follow all medical advice and keep detailed records of your treatments.
- Avoid Social Media: Refrain from posting about the accident or your injuries on social media. Insurance companies and opposing parties may use this information against you.
- Don’t Accept the First Insurance Offer: Insurance companies often offer settlements lower than you may be entitled to. Consult with a lawyer before accepting any offer.
- Be Cautious with Communication: Be careful about what you say to the insurance company. Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used to diminish your claim.
- Gather Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible from the scene, including photos of the accident, contact information of witnesses, and police reports.
- Contact Our Law Firm: Contact our experienced New York personal injury attorneys who specialize in taxi accidents. We can guide you through the injury claim process, help you understand your rights, and ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and any other costs. This documentation will be vital for your claim.
Deadlines to File a Personal Injury Claim in New York State
In New York State, the deadline for filing a claim is known as statute of limitations, and it determines how long you have to bring legal action after an injury.
Here’s what you need to know:
- General Personal Injury Claims: For most personal injury claims relating to taxi accidents and car accidents, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. This period starts on the day the injury occurs or is discovered.
- Wrongful Death: In wrongful death cases as a result of a taxi accident, you must file a claim within two years from the date of the person’s death. This period can vary if the death resulted from negligence by a government entity.
- Claims Against the Government: If your claim is against a city, state, or municipal entity relating to a taxi collision, you generally have 90 days from the date of the accident to file a notice of claim, with a lawsuit to follow within one year and 90 days.
Consulting with our NYC taxi accident lawyers as soon as possible after an injury ensures that you understand your deadlines and that all necessary steps are taken to preserve your right to seek compensation.
Gathering Evidence as a Taxi Passenger
After a taxi accident, gathering key evidence is essential for building a strong claim. Here’s a streamlined list of what to collect:
- Police Documentation: Secure the police report and incident number from the responding officers. This official record is crucial for verifying the accident details and establishing liability.
- Medical Records: Seek prompt medical attention and retain all records and bills related to your treatment. These documents will help prove the extent of your injuries and associated costs.
- Eyewitness Statements: Obtain contact information and detailed statements from any witnesses to the accident. Their observations can provide additional support for your case.
- Photo/Video Evidence: Capture photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Visual evidence can be vital in illustrating the impact of the collision.
- Examples of Driver Negligence: Document any signs of negligent behavior by the taxi driver, such as reckless driving or violations of traffic laws. This evidence supports your claim of driver fault.
- Insurance Information: Collect the taxi driver's and your own insurer's insurance details. This information is necessary for filing claims and understanding coverage.
- Personal Accounts: Maintain a journal detailing your injuries, recovery process, and how the accident affects your daily life. This personal account can provide insight into your suffering and impact.
We know this is a tough ordeal when suffering with a serious injury. That's why our lawyer can help you get the needed evidence while you recover.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
At our firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything upfront.
Instead, our fee is a percentage of the compensation we secure for you, and you don’t owe us any legal fees if we don’t win your case.
Why Choose Us Over Other New York City Taxi Accident Attorneys?
When you choose our firm, you’re opting for more than just legal representation—you’re choosing a dedicated partner in your recovery. Here’s why we stand out:
- Personalized Attention: We treat every case with the attention it deserves, ensuring you receive tailored legal strategies and compassionate support.
- Proven Track Record: Our firm has a strong history of successfully handling taxi accident cases and securing favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients.
- Expertise in Taxi Accident Claims: We have in-depth knowledge of New York City’s specific taxi regulations and insurance issues, giving us a distinct advantage in navigating these complex cases.
General Information on Taxi Accidents in New York City
Taxi accidents are common in New York City, given the dense traffic and the high number of taxis operating daily. These incidents can range from minor fender-benders to severe collisions involving passengers and other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Who is Usually Liable in a Taxi Accident?
In New York State, determining who is liable in a taxi accident involves understanding the state's fault and negligence laws. Here's a straightforward breakdown of how liability is typically assessed:
- Taxi Driver: Often, the taxi driver is the primary party responsible for the accident if they are driving recklessly, distracted, or violating traffic laws. In cases where the taxi driver’s negligence directly causes the accident, they or their employer may be held liable.
- Taxi Company: If the taxi driver was working at the time of the accident, the taxi company could also be held responsible under the principle of vicarious liability. This means the company is liable for its employees' actions while performing their job duties.
- Other Drivers: If another driver’s actions caused or contributed to the accident, they may be held liable. This could include situations where another driver was speeding, running a red light, or otherwise acting negligently.
- Pedestrians and Cyclists: In some cases, if a pedestrian or cyclist was at fault (for example, by suddenly crossing the road without warning), they may share some liability. However, this is less common and often depends on specific circumstances.
- Shared Liability: In many accidents, fault is shared among multiple parties. New York follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that each party can be assigned a percentage of the blame. If you’re partially at fault, you may still recover damages, but your compensation could be reduced based on your degree of fault.
Contact our expert NYX taxi accident attorneys so we can advise on who is liable in your situation
New York Taxi Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
In addition to being properly licensed and a registered vehicle, all taxicab owners must ensure that their vehicles are adequately insured under New York State Insurance Law. New York Vehicle & Traffic Law Section 370 requires all motor vehicles to carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per occurrence.
However, the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission further requires that all licensed taxis must have minimum liability coverage of:
- $100,000 per person
- $300,000 per occurrence
One of the difficulties in obtaining a settlement after a taxicab accident is that the defendant may have multiple insurers. In many cases, they may have a second insurer and an excess policy to whom you must give notice of the claim to obtain a settlement.
Common Causes of Taxi Accidents
Whether you are a passenger or a pedestrian, you are at risk of being injured by a taxicab. When a negligent operator causes your injuries, you deserve compensation. In many cases, taxi accidents are preventable.
The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) is responsible for licensing New York City's taxi cabs, for-hire vehicles, commuter vans, and paratransit vehicles. According to their records, they have over 200,000 licensees, which complete an estimated 1,000,000 trips each day.
Some of the most common causes of taxi accidents include:
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Driver fatigue
- Inattention
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failing to obey traffic signals
The TLC has identified driver fatigue as one of the leading contributors to traffic accidents noting that “driving while fatigued can be as dangerous as driving after heavy drinking. The TLC has put forward fatigued driving prevention rules to address both acute and chronic fatigue in taxicab operators.
Typical Types of Taxi Accidents in The Big Apple
Taxi accidents in New York City can vary, but common scenarios often include:
- Rear-End Collisions: When one vehicle hits the back of a taxi, usually due to sudden stops or traffic congestion.
- Side-Impact Collisions: Also known as T-bone accidents, where a taxi is struck on the side, often happening at intersections.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Involving taxis and pedestrians, especially in busy crosswalks.
- Cyclist Accidents: When taxis and cyclists collide, often due to lane changes or lack of visibility.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: Where another vehicle hits a taxi and leaves the scene, complicating claims.
- Taxi vs. Taxi Accidents: Collisions between two taxis can occur due to misjudgment or aggressive driving.
Other common causes of accidents include driver fatigue, inexperience, and speeding. Mechanical issues, weather conditions, and road hazards like potholes and uneven surfaces also contribute to accidents.
Types of Injuries We See as Lawyers
In taxi accidents, the types of injuries we commonly encounter can range from minor to severe. Each case is unique, but here are some of the most frequent injuries we see:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden impacts often cause the head and neck to snap back and forth, leading to whiplash. This can result in chronic pain and limited mobility.
- Back and Spinal Injuries: Injuries to the spine can range from herniated discs to more serious conditions that require surgery. These can lead to long-term pain and disability.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Even if a head injury is not immediately apparent, concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have serious consequences. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of the accident can cause fractures or broken bones, which may require surgical intervention and extended recovery periods.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: These include injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, often causing pain and limiting movement. Common examples are sprains and strains.
- Internal Injuries: Internal injuries to organs or tissues can be less visible but are critical. They may require immediate medical attention and could have long-term effects.
- Psychological Trauma: The emotional and psychological impact of an accident can be significant. PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common among accident survivors.
Other Locations We Serve
No matter where your accident occurred, we're here to provide expert legal assistance and support. At Ajlouny Injury Law, we proudly serve clients throughout all of New York City:
- Brooklyn
- Garden City
- New York
- Queens
Speak to a New York City Auto Accident Lawyer Today!
If you've been involved in a car accident in New York City, whether it was with a Lyft, Uber, taxi cab, or even a hit-and-run, it's best to get experienced legal support.
From understanding your rights to seeking the compensation you deserve, our NYC auto accident lawyers are committed to providing compassionate and effective representation.
Contact us before you file a personal injury lawsuit and schedule a free consultation with our New York taxi accident lawyer team.
