New York Taxi Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in an accident involving a taxi in New York City, having an experienced attorney by your side may be able to help you recover the damages you’ve incurred. Taxi accidents are more complex legal-wise than regular car accidents since they involve unique regulations, insurance issues, and multiple liable parties. 

A New York taxi accident lawyers at Spektor & Associates P.C. can assist with the complications associated with taxi accidents, handle negotiations with insurance companies, ensure your rights are protected, gather evidence to strengthen your case, and fight for compensation, and give you time and energy for your physical and mental recovery.

How Can A New York Taxi Accident Attorney Help You?

A experienced personal injury lawyer in New York takes full charge of your matters, leaving you free to focus on recovery. Here’s how they help:

• Investigating the accident: your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. They will gather evidence, including photo and video footage from the accident scene, eyewitness statements, and police and medical reports. 
• Managing insurance claims: insurance companies will often try to avoid paying out compensation. Your attorney will negotiate a fair settlement which will cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other important expenses. 
• Negotiating settlements: to reach an agreement that reflects the full range of your damages, having a professional lawyer protecting your rights is crucial. Your lawyer will use aggressive negotiation tactics to pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve. 
• Represent you in court: if a fair agreement cannot be reached, your lawyer will prepare your case and represent you in court. 

Common Causes Of Taxi Accidents in New York City

Uber accidents can happen for a number of reasons. The city’s bustling atmosphere, dense traffic, and high demand for taxis all contribute to the increasing number of accidents involving rideshare vehicles. Below are the most common factors causing Uber accidents in New York: 

• Reckless driving: speeding, swerving, and running the red lights can lead to an accident.
• Distracted driving: mobile devices, or the use of navigation systems, for instance, often cause rear-end collisions.
• Driver fatigue: taxi drivers have long working hours, and can get drowsy resulting in a reduced response time. 
• Poor vehicle maintenance: worn-out tires, faulty brakes and failure in the engine pose some risks.
• Bad weather: rain, snow, and especially ice make driving more dangerous.
• Pedestrian or passenger activity: stops and starts as well as quick turns in order to pick up passengers often become causes of taxi accidents.

Common Injuries after Taxi Accident in New York City

Taxi accidents often cause severe injuries, leaving victims with both short and long-term medical complications. 

• Soft tissue injuries: typical injuries with rear-end collisions are whiplash and torn ligaments.
• Fractures and broken bones: in most cases, the force of impact leads to broken arms, legs, or ribs.
• Head injuries: include concussion, skull fracture, and traumatic brain injuries.
• Spinal cord injuries: it may lead to herniated discs and paralysis which may have long-term effects.
• Lacerations and contusions: broken glass and the effects of a crash might result in cuts and bruises.
• Psychological trauma: severe accidents can lead to anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and depression.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Taxi Accident in New York?

If you have been involved in a taxi accident in New York, knowing what to do right after the incident can go a long way in pursuing compensation and taking care of your health. Here’s what you should do immediately: 

1. Get medical care even if you feel fine; some injuries may now show symptoms immediately, like concussions and internal bleeding. 
2. Get a police report as it will assist in a personal injury claim and will serve as evidence.
3. Document the scene with photos and videos. 
4. Talk to other drivers and eyewitnesses and get their contact information.
5. Call a NYC taxi accident lawyer and tell them about your case. 

What Damages Can I Receive After a Taxi Accident?

Taxi accident victims may be entitled to the following damages: 

• Medical expenses: this includes the initial treatments that patients receive, operations, follow-up treatments, and therapies.
• Lost wages and earning capacity: the costs associated with time out of work  and a lower future earning potential as the result of your injuries.
• Property damage: payment for damaged or lost personal property.
• Pain and suffering: claim for financial recovery of the harm the victim has suffered, both physical and emotional.

If you have been involved in a taxi accident, there are different forms of compensation that you can be awarded to cater for your losses. The damages you can recover typically fall into three main categories:

1 . Economic Damages

These damages compensate for tangible, measurable financial losses caused by the accident, including:

• Medical expenses: expenses for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, physiotherapy, and chronic disease management.
• Lost wages: payment for the wages lost due to injuries.
• Loss of future earnings: if the victim is unable to work or has to switch jobs due to injuries sustained in an accident.
• Property damage: provides compensation for damaged personal property.
• Transportation costs: accident-related traveling expenses including traveling to hospital for medical appointments or other related needs.

2. Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the intangible impacts of the accident on the victim’s life, including:

• Pain and suffering: compensation for suffering and physical pain due to the injuries.
• Emotional distress: psychological problems that may arise from the accident such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: reimbursement for loss of enjoyment in activities or hobbies that the victim used to engage in before the accident.
• Disfigurement or disability: for permanent injuries that change the victim’s physical features or level of functionality.

3. Punitive Damages

In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct by the taxi driver, taxi company, or another at-fault party, punitive damages may be awarded. Punitive damages often aim to punish the negligent driver for drunk driving, road rage, and other particularly harmful behaviors. These damages also serve as a warning to prevent other drivers from the same unsafe road habits in the future. 

Statute of Limitations for Taxi Accidents in New York

Generally, the statute of limitations in NYC for taxi accidents is three years. However, there are exceptions: in case of a wrongful death, the time limit is 2 years, and if the accident involves a government-owned vehicle such as a city bus or TLC-registered taxi, you have 90 days to file a notice of claim. 

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Taxi Accident?

• Taxi drivers: if recklessness such as drunk driving, or driving while texting caused the accident, a taxi driver may be held responsible.
• Taxi companies: if the poor maintenance of the vehicles or hiring practices led to the accident, a taxi company can be considered liable. 
• Other drivers: sometimes the problem lies in another vehicle that has caused the accident.
• Pedestrians and bicyclists: comparative negligence laws may allow liability to be apportioned to multiple parties. 
• Manufacturers: if a mechanical or design problem was the cause of the crash, then the manufacturer may be found liable. 

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a New York Taxi Accident Lawyer?

At Spektor & Associates P.C., our taxi accident lawyers work on a contingency fee, meaning that the victim does not have to pay anything unless and until the attorney obtains compensation by way of a settlement with the insurance companies or a verdict. Moreover, we provide initial consultations free of charge. 

Contact Our New York Taxi Accident Lawyers For Free Consultation

Navigating the aftermath of a taxi accident in New York can be challenging, especially when you’re trying to recover from the physical and emotional damages you’ve sustained. If you or your loved one have been injured in a taxi, truck, or bus accident, don’t face the challenges alone. Call us today at 1 (800) 318-8888 and schedule a free consultation. Let our professional personal injury lawyers guide you through this complex process and protect your rights every step of the way.