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At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, we understand that a taxi accident can impact you in more ways than one. We’re a dedicated personal injury law firm with a long history of helping victims of car accidents — including those involving taxis — secure the compensation they deserve.
Our team of experienced New City taxi accident lawyers knows how to fight for your rights, interpret New York’s taxi laws, and hold responsible parties accountable. Taxi accidents can lead to serious injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and emotional distress. We’re here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Taxi accidents are a serious concern in New York, especially within the city proper.
According to the New York Police Department, there were over 300 taxi accidents reported in New York City in December of 2023 alone. These events can involve a range of vehicles, including taxi cabs, for-hire vehicles, unlicensed cabs, and rideshare vehicles, and result in serious injuries and even fatalities.
New York has a complex system of laws governing taxi operations throughout the state. These regulations are designed to promote safety and hold those responsible for mishaps accountable. Here's what you need to know.
New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) Section 370 mandates that taxi companies carry at least $100,000 in coverage per person for personal injury and no less than $300,000 per occurrence. Laws like this guarantee that victims of taxi accidents have access to financial resources to cover the costs of their injuries and losses.
Per New York City Administrative Code Section 19-505, taxi drivers must meet specific requirements, including age restrictions, criminal background checks, and driving record review, before being eligible for a license.
This serves to ensure the safety of passengers and pedestrians in New City and throughout New York State by ensuring that only qualified drivers are behind the wheel.
§ 58-29 of New York’s legal code sets forth the inspection requirements for taxis, including tri-annual safety inspections and regular maintenance checks. Such inspections are crucial for maintaining the safety of taxis and confirming that they meet proper operating standards.
New York’s recently passed fatigue prevention rule limits the number of hours taxi drivers can work (no more than 10 hours per day or 60 hours in one calendar week) to prevent driver fatigue and reduce the risk of accidents.
The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) also has regulations regarding driver breaks and rest periods to further address fatigue concerns.
Last but not least, § 19-504 establishes the general responsibilities of taxi companies, including their duty to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and the public at large.
Taxi accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, most often stemming from negligence. Here are some of the most common causes of accidents involving for-hire passenger vehicles:
Taxi drivers may be pressured to meet quotas or rush passengers to their destinations, leading to reckless driving behaviors like speeding, aggressive driving, and failing to yield.
Taxi companies are required to maintain their vehicles properly. Neglecting to do so can result in breakdowns, malfunctions, and preventable accidents.
Like any other vehicle operator, taxi drivers can be distracted by cell phones, passengers, or other factors, leading to crashes. Distracted driving is a major contributor to traffic accidents in general, and taxi accidents are no exception.
Long hours and demanding schedules can lead to driver fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents. This is a serious concern for taxi cab drivers and other professionals who work long hours.
Taking immediate and appropriate action after a taxi accident in New City is critical for protecting your health and legal rights. Here are the essential steps:
The last and arguably most important step is to contact an experienced New York taxi accident lawyer to discuss your rights and options. Your lawyer can provide more insight into the importance of each of the aforementioned steps.
Fellows Hymowitz Rice is here to help you get back on track. Contact our taxi accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
If you hope to receive compensation for your injuries, it’s necessary first to determine who’s legally responsible for the accident that caused them. Several parties could be liable, depending on the circumstances. They include:
Your attorney can help identify who’s at fault to get your claim for compensation underway.
If you get hurt in a taxi accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation to offset your financial strain. This may include awards for the following categories of losses:
It’s important to note that New York follows a pure comparative negligence system. You can still obtain compensation if you’re found to be partially responsible for the accident, though your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
You have two main legal avenues open to you following a taxi accident in New City. Both options can help you secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses:
New York State operates under a no-fault insurance system. This means that your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will typically cover your medical bills and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. This system is designed to provide prompt financial assistance and reduce the number of lawsuits for minor accidents.
If you’ve suffered a serious injury as defined by New York law, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
The following conditions constitute a "serious injury" in New York:
Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit will allow you to seek additional compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and further lost wages.
In New York, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as in cases involving medical malpractice, which may have a shorter statute of limitations.
It’s a good idea to consult an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to understand the applicable deadlines and ensure that your rights are protected.
Doing the right things (and avoiding the wrong ones) after a taxi accident in New City can greatly strengthen your subsequent legal case. Here are three important tips to keep in mind:
When you meet with an attorney, they can tell you more about what you can do to maximize the strength of your claim and avoid unnecessary obstacles or delays.
Our capable team of legal professionals is here to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Here's how we can help:
We understand that you’re going through a difficult time, and we’re here to offer the support you need. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us nothing unless we win your case. The goal is to get you the fair and adequate compensation you deserve so you can focus on recovering.
Rob Fellows is more than just a lawyer; he's a seasoned advocate and a respected leader in the legal community. With over 40 years of experience, he's earned a reputation for meticulous preparation, unwavering advocacy, and a genuine commitment to his clients.
Steve Hymowitz is a champion for the underdog, specializing in medical malpractice and construction accident cases. He’s known for his warmth and unwavering dedication, relentlessly pursuing justice for those who feel powerless against insurance companies.
Matthew brings an unparalleled level of energy and drive to every case, earning a reputation for achieving exceptional results. He goes beyond financial wins, building deep connections with clients and becoming a trusted advisor during their most difficult times.
Joanne Horowitz is a skilled legal strategist and a strong advocate for those facing injuries due to negligence, construction accidents, and medical malpractice.
Margaret is a seasoned negotiator, expert in civil dispute resolution, with extensive experience handling homicide cases.
Don't let an injury define your future. Get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation!
We're one of New York’s most trusted legal teams, with experienced lawyers serving numerous communities, including New City, Manhattan, and Westchester. Get the support you deserve right in your neighborhood.
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a taxi accident runs out quickly. You should be prepared to act faster.
Our experienced taxi accident lawyers are ready to help you secure the compensation you need for your injuries. Contact us now to set up a no-cost consultation.
