NYC Taxi Accident Lawyer
Taxi cab accidents are an unfortunate and all-too-common reality in New York City. Whether you were riding as a passenger, another motorist, a cyclist, or a pedestrian crossing the street, taxi collisions can leave you with serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and uncertainty about your legal rights.
Since taxi accidents often involve commercial insurance policies and potentially multiple liable parties, these cases are often more complicated than a typical car accident claim. An experienced taxi accident lawyer like Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum can help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.
What Makes Taxi Accident Cases Unique?
In New York City, taxis are commercial vehicles that operate under strict regulations under the Taxi and Limousine Commission. As taxi drivers spend long hours navigating congested streets and making frequent stops, they can easily succumb to fatigue, distractions, and the pressure to complete fares.
Operating a taxi cab comes with commercial insurance requirements and the likelihood of multiple liable parties in a collision. For all of these reasons, it’s beneficial to hire a New York taxi accident lawyer who understands the unique legal and insurance issues in these cases and who can identify every available source of compensation.
Common Causes of NYC Taxi Accidents
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Fatigue
- Unsafe lane changes
- Reckless driving in congested traffic
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Poor vehicle maintenance
Who Can Be Injured and Held Liable for Taxi Accidents?
Unfortunately, taxi accidents often affect more than just the passengers who hailed a cab on a New York City street. A taxi accident lawyer may also represent:
- Drivers of other vehicles nearby
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Motorcyclists
- Delivery workers
- Tourists sightseeing in NYC
Meanwhile, determining liability after a taxi accident is often less than straightforward. Based on the circumstances, responsibility may lie with the taxi driver, the taxi owner, or the taxi company. Liability could also fall on another negligent driver on the road, a vehicle manufacturer if defective parts contributed to the crash, or a government agency responsible for maintaining safe roadway conditions.
What Compensation May Be Available?
If someone else was to blame for your taxi accident injuries, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
A New York taxi accident lawyer can fight for your rights so you can secure a settlement to help pay for current medical expenses, future medical treatment, lost wages, and the loss of future earning capacity. Recoverable damages may also include pain and suffering, emotional distress, rehabilitation costs, and permanent disability.
What to Do After a NYC Taxi Accident
The specific steps you take after a taxi accident can significantly impact your claim and your ability to pursue a case against the at-fault party. First and foremost, seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Not only is prompt medical treatment crucial for your health, but it also establishes official documentation that links your injuries to the accident.
Contact the police to report the accident, and gather photos of the scene if possible. It’s helpful to obtain contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident happen, but avoid discussing fault with anyone, especially insurance adjusters, before you speak with a NYC taxi accident lawyer.
How a NYC Taxi Accident Lawyer Can Help
It’s typical for insurance companies to minimize payouts, especially when commercial insurance policies are involved. As your taxi accident lawyer, we will investigate the accident, handle communications with the insurers, assess the full value of your damages, negotiate a fair settlement, and take your case to trial if necessary.
At the Law Office of Jeffery K. Kestenbaum, we understand the many hardships that follow a serious taxi accident. We are committed to helping New Yorkers pursue the compensation they deserve with personalized guidance through every step of the legal process.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a taxi accident, please contact us for a free case review and to discuss your case with an experienced NYC taxi accident lawyer.
