What Happens if I Get Into an Accident in a Taxi?

Were you involved in an accident as a passenger in one of New York City’s taxi cabs? Like any motor vehicle collision, taxi accidents can cause severe neck and back injuries, lacerations, broken bones, whiplash, and other types of trauma. When injuries result, who is responsible for your medical bills?

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All New York taxis are required to carry No-Fault insurance. This insurance is the first line of recovery for injured taxicab passengers. This coverage provides up to $50,000 in benefits for medical care, hospital expenses, and lost wages, no matter who is at fault. 

Given the astronomical cost of medical care in New York, it doesn’t take much to exceed these No-Fault limits. Even an uncomplicated bone fracture or herniated disc can necessitate surgery, physical therapy, and months of missed work.  Once the no-fault benefits are exhausted, injured passengers would be able to pursue compensation from the taxi company’s liability insurance or the insurance of a negligent driver who caused the accident. A skilled Douglas & London NYC taxi accident lawyer is standing by to help you do just that.

NY taxi liability insurance coverage

Official yellow taxi cabs and car services in New York licensed by the Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) are required to carry liability insurance on top of basic No-Fault coverage. The minimum coverage is set at $100,000 per person and $300,000 for total damages per accident. This sounds reasonable but consider a scenario when more than one passenger is injured. $300,000 may not be sufficient if one passenger suffers a brain injury or paralyzing spinal cord damage.

Gypsy and unlicensed cabs

While ride-hailing services like Lyft and Uber have largely replaced unlicensed “gypsy” cabs, they still exist in busy metropolitan areas. If you are hurt in an accident while taking a gypsy cab, your options for compensation may be limited to No-Fault insurance of just $25,000 per individual and $50,000 per accident.

Injured? Get help now – talk to a car accident lawyer today!

Limitations of No-Fault insurance benefits

Keep in mind that No-Fault benefits are designed to replace your lost earnings (a maximum of $2000 per month), cover medical costs, and other reasonable expenses. This insurance coverage does not reimburse for less tangible losses like emotional anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, or pain and suffering.

These types of losses may be more challenging to quantify but can be just as shattering. If, however, you meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation.

Taxi accident statistics

New York City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) monitors licensed taxi driver accidents that result in critical injury or death. According to the commission’s latest report, 33 serious injury or fatal crashes involving TLC-licensed drivers were logged in 2019, and close to 8,000 taxi drivers were cited for moving traffic violations.

All it takes is one lapse of judgment, one reckless decision, or one careless driver to alter your life forever. At the New York law firm of Douglas & London, our car accident attorneys are well-versed in complicated insurance issues and No-Fault laws. If you were injured as a taxicab passenger, you need a strong advocate in your corner to protect your rights.

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Skilled legal advocacy you can count on

We recognize the physical, emotional, and financial setbacks incurred by victims of motor vehicle accidents and put every resource into helping our clients get back on their feet with dignity.

Our law firm collaborates with medical professionals and industry experts, allowing us to properly valuate your claim and work toward a fair settlement that reflects both past and ongoing medical costs, future lost earnings, and diminished quality of life. Discuss your case with the New York City personal injury lawyers on our team today. The consultation is free, and there are no legal fees unless you obtain a monetary recovery.