People all over New York City depend on taxis to get them from place to place. Over 50,000 taxi drivers are operating under the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission’s authority, with over 130,000 licensed vehicles. As you probably already know, taxis are everywhere and contribute significantly to the massive amount of traffic volume in the city. If you were injured in a taxi accident, you are most likely looking into recovering financial compensation. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are some of the most common causes of taxi accidents?
Several different factors contribute to taxi accidents. For one, poor road conditions and design. Additionally, inclement weather conditions, such as black ice also contribute to motor vehicle accidents. Lastly, taxis must undergo regular maintenance to ensure they are in working order. If a taxi company fails to do so, a faulty or defective car part may lead to an accident. Unfortunately, the most common (and arguably most preventable) cause of taxi accidents is driver negligence. Here are some examples of negligent driving behavior:
- Eating while driving
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Texting while driving
- Speeding
- Navigating directions while driving
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued
- Unsafely changing lanes
- Failure to comply with traffic signs and lights
- Ignoring other rules and regulations of the road
What are the NYC taxi insurance requirements?
All NYC licensed taxi drivers must carry at least $100,000 in insurance for individuals and $300,000 for groups. Unlicensed, private taxis without medallions must carry $25,000 for individuals and $50,000 for groups. Taxis have no-fault insurance, which will cover immediate medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
How do I recover compensation following a taxi accident?
To recover compensation following a taxi accident, you must first prove that another party’s negligence led to the injuries you have sustained. To do so, you will need to provide enough evidence to satisfy the burden of proof. After an accident, you should collect your driver’s information, as well as his or her license plate number. Additionally, the taxi driver is responsible for reporting the accident to his or her insurance carrier. However, you should not depend on the taxi driver to do so. Hiring an experienced attorney will help ensure both you and the negligent party take the necessary steps for you to recover the financial compensation you deserve. An attorney will gather supporting evidence and information, as well as notify the taxi driver’s insurance company of the accident and the injuries you have sustained as a result.
Contact our New York City firm
If you have been seriously injured as a result of another party’s negligence, contact Swerling Law today to schedule a free initial consultation.
