Even in our modern times of rideshare services and mobile apps, taxi cabs are still a significant part of daily life in New York City. This iconic form of transportation is instantly recognizable as a symbol of the city and a common way to get around the boroughs.
But with all the traffic, long working hours, and frequent stops taxis must make, taxi cab accidents are more common than you might think. In a recent year, there were approximately 4,000 taxi accidents.
If you are involved in a taxi accident, here’s what you should do and how to find a taxi accident lawyer.
Gather All Relevant Information
If you were riding in a taxi cab at the time of the accident, you’re probably fairly certain that someone else besides you was to blame for the crash and any injuries you sustained. To prove your case against the at-fault party, collect information about your taxi driver, including the driver’s name, taxi cab company, license plate number, driver’s license number, and taxi registration company.
If you are able, also collect information about other involved parties at the crash site, using your camera phone to make this process easier if you are in shock or pain. Take photos of other involved drivers’ license plates, drivers’ licenses, vehicular damage, bodily injuries, and the accident scene.
If there were any witnesses to the accident, such as pedestrians or cyclists nearby, gather their names and contact information for future reference.
Call the Police
As with any auto accident, it is important to call the police after a tax cab accident.
Make sure to get a copy of the police report so that you have that available to file an insurance claim. Through your insurance claim or a lawsuit against a negligent driver, you may be entitled to taxi accident compensation.
See A Doctor
One of the most important things to do after a taxi accident is to go to an emergency room or a trusted doctor to have your injuries checked out. Even if you initially feel okay after your taxi crash, certain injuries, such as back pain, internal bleeding, and brain damage, may not start to be symptomatic until days or weeks after the crash.
Your Right to Taxi Accident Compensation
Whether you were riding in the cab at the time of the accident or hit by a taxi cab while driving your own vehicle, you may be entitled to taxi accident compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and lost wages from missing work.
Yet suing a taxi company can be challenging based on whether they classify their drivers as independent contractors or employees of the company. This is where a taxi accident lawyer can step in to hold taxi companies and their drivers accountable for their actions. Your attorney will consider all possible economic and non-economic damages to fight for the largest recovery possible.
Call a Taxi Accident Lawyer
Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum is your local taxi accident lawyer available to help you navigate the legal process after a taxi cab crash. We will review all the details of your case, negotiate with the insurance companies to get you a fair settlement offer, or file a lawsuit to bring the at-fault party to justice if necessary.
For a free taxi cab accident consultation, please call our law office at 718-237-5586 or fill out our online form
Please keep our number handy for whenever you or someone you care about is involved in any vehicle accident, taxi cab-related or otherwise, and we will help you with experienced and dedicated representation.
