Pedestrian Rights When Hit by a Taxicab in NYC

Pedestrians injured due to a taxi driver’s negligence have the right to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for their damages and losses, including medical bills and lost wages. Taxi drivers are classified as common carriers. As such, they have a heightened duty of care towards their passengers, pedestrians, and other vehicles. However, many taxicab drivers try to avoid liability by claiming, for example, that another car ran a red light or the pedestrian darted into traffic.

For nearly two decades, the attorneys and staff at Douglas & London have had the privilege of representing those injured by the negligent or fraudulent actions of others. Our experienced attorneys fight for every client to achieve the best result possible. If you’ve been hit by a cab, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your damages. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and to learn more about your rights. 

Legal Rights of Pedestrians in Taxicab Accidents 

Like all motorists, taxi drivers in New York City have a legal duty to drive safely and follow traffic laws. When they engage in negligent behavior such as speeding, driving aggressively, driving distracted, e.g., texting or talking on the phone, failing to yield to pedestrians, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the repercussions can be severe. 

New York taxicabs are required to carry no-fault insurance, which pays out to injured pedestrians no matter who caused the accident. If you suffered minor injuries, policy limits on this coverage might be enough to cover your losses. However, if you’ve been seriously injured, you can seek compensation from the negligent party’s liability insurance, e.g., the driver, the taxicab company, or other third parties who caused the accident.  

Licensed taxi services in New York City must carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance for one person and $300,000 to cover all those injured in an accident. However, New York is a no-fault state. An injured pedestrian must meet the state’s threshold for serious injuries to collect damages beyond no-fault benefits.   

Recovering compensation for a pedestrian accident is complex. The good news is that you have the right to hire a personal injury lawyer in New York City to serve as your advocate for your claim.  

Common Pedestrian Injuries from Taxicab Accidents

Pedestrians lack the protection of a vehicle’s structure and safety features, making them particularly vulnerable in collisions with taxi cabs.

Common injuries include the following:

  • Head and Brain Injuries 
  • Spinal Cord Injuries 
  • Broken Bones 
  • Neck Trauma 
  • Amputations 
  • Lacerations 

Between January 2022 and September 2023, 1,833 pedestrians were seriously injured. While these stories do not generally make the news, New Yorkers suffer debilitating injuries and permanent disabilities, in addition to financial instability.  

Types of Damages You May Be Able To Recover 

You may be eligible to seek damages in a taxicab accident, which can include the following:

  • All present and anticipated future costs for medical treatment arising from your injuries, such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and doctor consultations. 
  • Compensation for the wages you missed while recovering from your injuries. 
  • Monetary damages for the emotional and psychological impact of the accident. 

If the taxi accident results in death, surviving family members can file a wrongful death suit to recover compensation for funeral and burial expenses, as well as the loss of financial support and companionship that the deceased would have provided. 

What to Do After Being Hit by a Taxi 

Following an accident, seek medical attention immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor. Call 911 for an ambulance if necessary, and have law enforcement come to the scene to file a report.  Try to get the taxi driver’s medallion number. You can find it on the receipt, the side of the cab, or the plexiglass partition. If possible, collect the contact information of witnesses. Finally, it’s wise to consult with a New York City lawyer who is experienced in handling taxi accident cases.  

How Douglas & London Can Help 

At Douglas & London, we leverage our considerable resources, including an established network of forensics experts, investigators, medical professionals, and legal support staff. We work tirelessly so you have the best chance of recovering fair and reasonable compensation for your damages: 

  • Our team will investigate the accident in-depth, gathering critical evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage. 
  • We handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies who that often prioritize profit margins over your best interests. Our attorneys are adept at countering their bad-faith tactics to deny or minimize your damages.
  • If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court to secure compensation that fully encompasses all your losses. 

Schedule a Free Consultation with a New York City Taxi Accident Lawyer Today

Do not let a taxi accident derail your life. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start working on your case. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a New York car accident lawyer at Douglas & London. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your injuries.