While taxis and rideshare services are intended to provide a safe mode of transportation around New York City, the frequency of taxi accidents in NYC is higher than many may realize. The Taxi & Limousine Commission’s (TLC) 2020 FactBook notes that New York City taxis were involved in an average of 819 injury crashes per month in 2019.
While the TLC observes that this number is on the decline from an average of 883 injury crashes per month in 2018, these numbers are still high. If you or someone you love was involved in a taxi or rideshare accident in New York, you could have legal options.
Rideshare Services Increase Traffic Accidents in NYC
New York City’s yellow and green taxis are not the only source of taxi accidents. Uber and Lyft’s rideshare services are increasingly a part of the problem.
Uber and Lyft services actually increase the number of crashes in areas where passengers are picked up and dropped off, as research from Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health notes. Both vehicle drivers and pedestrians were shown to be affected by these higher rates of accidents. Researchers studied 372 million rideshare trips in New York City between 2017-2018 to understand how rideshare services are affecting the city’s accident rates.
Other research confirms that Uber and Lyft services are responsible for an uptick in serious accidents. A study by the University of Chicago reports that ridesharing is responsible for a 2-4% increase in the frequency of fatal vehicle crashes in American cities.
New York City’s Vision Zero Program Aims to Address Taxi Accident Dangers
Traffic accident-related injuries and deaths are a significant problem in New York City. As New York City’s Vision Zero campaign notes, children under 14 are more likely to die after being struck by a car than any other cause of death in the city. Taxi and rideshare accidents are no small contributor to that problem.
As part of New York City’s goal to eliminate traffic accident deaths, the TLC will launch several programs to reduce taxi accidents, such as programs to combat fatigued driving. However, taxi accidents still happen every day in New York. Our team can help you understand your legal options if you were affected by a crash.
If You were in a Taxi or Rideshare Accident, You Have Legal Options
You can hold a negligent taxi or rideshare driver responsible for their negligence. You may have been hurt as a:
- Passenger of the taxi or rideshare
- Another driver
- A pedestrian
- A cyclist
If you work with a lawyer from our team, we can pursue an injury claim or lawsuit on your behalf. We will work to show that the taxi driver’s negligence directly caused your accident and injuries and that you were left with costs and losses as a result.
How Our Team Can Seek Compensation for You
We will investigate your case to determine all the ways the accident affected you. Then, we will seek the best possible compensation on your behalf.
Depending on the nature of your injuries, we can help you recover the cost of:
- Medical bills
- Future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Rideshare and taxi drivers are typically covered by an auto insurance policy. Taxis working through the TLC are expected to carry $100,000 in third-party liability coverage for one passenger’s injuries (per the New York State Department of Financial Services). For rideshare companies, drivers are expected to use either their own auto insurance coverage or Uber or Lyft’s insurance coverage, depending on their driving status in the app.
We will work to understand all available insurance coverage options and pursue the path that offers the best financial recovery.
Steps to Take After a Taxi or Rideshare Accident in New York City
The aftermath of an accident is often chaotic. However, know that you can take several important steps for your case in the days and weeks after a crash.
Get Medical Treatment and Follow Your Doctors’ Orders
One of the most important things you can do for your injury case – and your health – is to get all the medical care you need. First, seek any necessary emergency care. Then, be sure to continue receiving the treatment your doctor orders.
Doing so will create a link between your accident and your injuries. It will also document the progression and extent of your injuries, which in turn will help support your case for compensation.
Don’t Agree to Early Settlement Offers
You may be contacted by the liable driver’s representatives soon after the crash. If they make you an early settlement offer, don’t be fooled—this figure may be a lower offer than you deserve. Insurance companies try to make low settlement offers before the victim has time to understand their case’s value and get legal help.
Let our team review your case to tell you what a fair offer might look like.
Get a Free Case Review From Our Team
Your initial consultation with our team is free and comes with no obligation. During your call, you can ask us all your questions as you begin your injury case, including:
- What are my legal options after an accident with a taxi or rideshare driver?
- Who could be responsible for my accident?
- How much could I seek in a claim for compensation?
Our team is ready to stand by your side through every step of your case.
If You were Injured in a Taxi or Rideshare Accident, Our Attorneys Can Help
You don’t have to be alone in your case after an accident with a cab or rideshare driver. Our attorneys know how to get results. Our team at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP will stand up for the rights of injury victims in New York, Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Queens County.
Call us today for your free case review: (516) 358-6900.
