What Rights Do Taxi Passengers Have?
- Every time you get into a cab in New York, you have a right to expect that you will get to your destination safely. As a result, you have a right to:
- A safe driver who obeys traffic laws
- A safe vehicle that has working seat belts
- A driver who is focused on the road and does not use their cell phone while they are driving
- Be treated fairly and without discrimination
- The driver violated New York traffic laws or behaved recklessly
- The driver hit you while you were legally crossing the street
Common Causes of Taxi Accidents in New York
Taxi drivers are generally driving for long periods, which may cause accidents. Some of the top causes of taxi accidents in New York include:- Distracted driving: Taxi drivers, like all drivers, are vulnerable to distractions that take their focus from the road, such as talking on their cell phones or accepting new rides while driving.
- Driver fatigue: Driving for long hours can result in fatigue, so taxi drivers are vulnerable to the consequences of fatigued driving when working long days. To try and limit driver fatigue, New York prohibits taxi drivers from driving more than ten hours in a 24-hour period and more than 60 hours in seven days.
- Reckless driving: In New York, reckless driving is defined as anything that unreasonably interferes with the proper use of a public roadway or endangers users. Reckless driving can constitute swerving in and out of traffic, speeding, or tailgating.
Who Is Liable for a Taxi Accident?
- Taxi driver
- Taxicab manufacturer
- Taxi Company
- Government agencies
Required Insurance Coverage for Taxi Drivers
In New York, every New York licensed driver must carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage. However, taxis have much higher minimum requirements. The New York Taxi and Limousine Commission (Commission) requires taxis licensed by the Commission to carry the following minimum insurance coverage:- Bodily injury insurance: $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident
- Personal injury protection (PIP): $200,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $10,000 per accident
Compensation Available for Taxi Accident Injuries
If you are injured in a taxi accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party or their insurance company. Generally, you may seek the following compensation:- Lost wages: If you cannot work or must take time off because of your injury or can never return to work because of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for past and future lost wages.
- Lost earning capacity: If your injury results in permanent restrictions that reduce your earning ability, you be entitled to compensation for your loss of earning capacity.
- Medical expenses: Compensation for a taxi accident injury should include all the medical expenses you incur because of your injuries, including future expenses required for ongoing treatment.
- Pain and suffering: When seeking compensation, you are entitled to seek money for your emotional and physical pain and suffering that resulted from the collision.
Time Limit to File a Lawsuit After a Taxi Accident
When you are injured in a taxi accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation from the negligent party through a personal injury lawsuit. The statute of limitations for taxi accidents in New York allows a three-year timeframe. If you plan to file a lawsuit, you must file it within three years of the taxi accident. If you miss the statutory deadline, your case could be dismissed, and you will lose your opportunity to pursue compensation in court.Contact an Experienced Taxi Accident Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a taxi accident that wasn’t your fault, having a New York car accident attorney from Harris Keenan & Goldfarb on your side can make a difference in how much compensation you recover. Our attorneys understand how to deal with difficult insurance adjusters during settlement negotiations and will represent you at trial if your case requires it. We are known for fighting for the best interests of our clients and maximizing recoverable compensation. Contact us today for a free case evaluation by calling us at 800-724-6529 or filling out our online form.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
How Can We Help?
Book an Appointment
"*" indicates required fields