During a recent winter, a 17 year old female student was a passenger in a motor vehicle traveling on the north side of the Van Wyck expressway in Queens, New York.
Birth injuries are serious complications that can occur during the birthing process, potentially leading to lifelong challenges for the child. These injuries can range from minor bruising and swelling to severe, permanent disabilities, such as cerebral palsy or brachial plexus injury.
Common surgical errors include performing the wrong procedure, leaving foreign objects in the body, damaging vital organs, or causing infections. Such mistakes can lead to severe pain, disability, and even death.
Fellows Hymowitz Rice — Your Trusted Taxi Accident Lawyers in New City, NY
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.
The Reality of Taxi Accidents in New York State: Crash Statistics
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’s Taxi Laws and Regulations
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.
Main Causes of Taxi Accidents in New City
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.
What to Do After a Taxi Accident
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:
Prioritize Your Safety: If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic. Then, call 911 to report the accident, even if it seems minor.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your well-being is paramount. Head to the nearest emergency room or clinic to get checked out, even if you feel okay at the moment.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, damage to your vehicle, and any injuries you’ve sustained, and collect contact information from witnesses.
Avoid Admitting Fault: Be careful about making statements regarding who was at fault — let the police and your lawyer handle that.
Keep Detailed Records: Hold onto all of your medical bills and documents related to other expenses after the accident, including those showing your lost wages.
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.
Need Help After a Taxi Accident?
Fellows Hymowitz Rice is here to help you get back on track. Contact our taxi accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Taxi Accident in New City?
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:
The Taxi Cab Driver: If the driver acted negligently, they may bear fault for the accident.
The Taxi Company: The employing company may be responsible if they failed to properly train or supervise their drivers or have a history of negligence.
Other Parties: Another party could also be liable, such as a third-party driver or property owner who contributed to the accident.
Your attorney can help identify who’s at fault to get your claim for compensation underway.
Damages You Can Recover After a Taxi Accident
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:
Medical Bills and Expenses: The cost of hospital stays, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy
Lost Wages: Income lost due to your injuries, including missed workdays and reduced earning capacity
Property Damage: Repairs or replacement costs for your vehicle or other property damaged in the accident
Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional pain you’re left dealing with as a result of the accident
Emotional Distress: Any psychological trauma or stress you may have experienced, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD
Wrongful Death: Compensation for the loss of a loved one if an accident ended in a fatality
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.
Legal Options After a Taxicab Accident in New City
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:
Death
Permanent or significant disfigurement
Permanent loss of use of a body organ or member (e.g., a limb)
Significant limitation of use of a body function or system for at least 90 days (e.g., inability to walk, lift, or perform daily tasks)
Fracture (excluding a simple fracture of a finger, toe, or nose)
Permanent consequential limitation of a body organ or member (e.g., loss of sensation in a limb)
Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit will allow you to seek additional compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and further lost wages.
Deadline for Filing a Personal Injury Claim
In New York, you generally havethree yearsfrom 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.
Helpful Tips After a Taxi Accident
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:
Be Careful Who You Talk To: Don't give insurance adjusters or claims representatives information about your case until you’ve spoken with a qualified lawyer.
Don't Discuss Fault: Avoid making any statements about who was at fault to anyone aside from the police and your attorney.
Keep Detailed Records: Keep track of all your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident; they’ll be central to your resulting claim.
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.
How Fellows Hymowitz Rice Can Help You After a Taxi Accident in New City, NY
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:
Thorough Investigation: We’ll conduct an exhaustive investigation of the accident, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing relevant documents.
Skilled Negotiation: Our lawyers can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, advocating for a fair settlement that meets your needs.
Forceful Litigation: If we can’t work out a fair settlement, we’re prepared to aggressively litigate your case in court.
Dedicated Advocacy: We treat every client with respect and compassion, ensuring that they understand their legal options and feel comfortable at every step.
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.
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.
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