In New York City, there are thousands of taxi cabs operating each day. New Yorkers rely on taxis to take them to work, school, and even run errands. For many residents, taxis are their sole mode of transportation. Unfortunately, taxi accidents are just as common as their use – and passengers injured in a taxi cab accident may feel as though there are limited options for covering their medical bills and other costs associated with their injuries.
The Financial Consequences of Negligence
Taxi passengers often have worse injuries from an accident than they would in a regular motor vehicle accident. This is because most taxi passengers do not wear seatbelts – especially if they are traveling just a few blocks. The occupants can strike the partition in an accident and be seriously injured, regardless of how fast the taxi was traveling. Some passengers are injured because of neglect by the taxi cab driver, while other times it is the driver of the other vehicle that is at fault.
Just some injuries that are common in taxi cab accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Brain injury
- Lacerations
- Bruises
- Broken bones
While it may seem that a personal injury claim for a taxi accident is the same as any other type of accident, they do have distinct differences. For example, victim may have to deal with a person’s private insurance rather than a taxi cab company’s insurance – and even if the cab is insured, plaintiffs have to face insurance companies that will work hard to minimize settlements.
What to do After a Taxi Accident
Taxi drivers are notorious for reckless and overly aggressive driving – after all, they make better tips if they get their passengers to their destination on time (or earlier). If you are involved in an accident as the passenger of a taxi cab, there are some things you need to do first:
- Call the police and report the accident. You are required to report traffic accidents in New York, so even if the cab driver does not want to report it, contact the police and wait at the scene until they arrive.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you do not think you are injured, you could have whiplash or internal injuries that will manifest or worsen as time goes on. Getting attention right away can help document these injuries and also limit the amount of pain, suffering, and treatment you have to endure.
- Collect the information from not only the other driver, but the taxi cab driver as well. You will want to get their license number (which is posted in the passenger area of the cab), contact information, and the information for the taxi company they work for.
- Take pictures of the accident scene (if you can) and pay attention to intersections, how the cars stopped, and any weather issues that were present.
- Hire an attorney. Even if you do not intend to file a claim, having your case reviewed by an attorney is important. When an attorney is called in early, they have more time to collect necessary evidence and build your case.
Schwartzapfel® Lawyers, P.C. Will Fight for You
If you or a loved one has been injured in a taxi cab accident, contact Schwartzapfel® Lawyers, P.C. for a consultation at 1-877-737-4806 or fill out an online contact form.
