Queens Taxi Accident Lawyers
Experienced Queens Taxi Accident Lawyers
Currently, there are over 13,000 licensed taxi cabs operating in New York City, according to data from the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission. If you live in Queens and don’t own a car, taking a taxi is the most convenient way to get around. It’s important to learn how to hail a taxi, understand the rates, and know what to do in case of an accident if you frequently ride in taxis.
If you’ve been hurt in a taxi accident in Queens, our firm, Rosenberg & Rodriguez can assist you. Our experienced Queens taxi accident lawyers specialize in these types of cases and are dedicated to safeguarding the interests of injured victims. We’ll evaluate the damages you’ve suffered, determine who’s at fault, and assist you in understanding your options for recovery. Schedule a free initial consultation with our personal injury attorneys today to learn more about how we can help.
Primary Causes Of Taxi Accidents In Queens, NY
Yellow cabs in New York City are known for their dangerous driving habits such as speeding, rapid lane changes, and aggressive intersections. The traffic, congestion, and narrow roads in Queens worsen the situation, leading to frequent taxi accidents. Therefore, the primary causes of these accidents include these reckless driving practices.
- Distracted driving
- Drunk and impaired driving
- Speeding
- Unsafe turns
- Illegal turns
- Failure to look for other motorists, pedestrians, or bicyclists in an intersection
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Violating posted traffic safety signals
- Running red lights
- Road rage
- Road construction
- Inexperienced drivers
- Vehicle malfunction
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Vehicle defects, such as faulty brakes or defective airbags
Our Queens taxi accident lawyers will thoroughly examine your case to determine every potential reason for your taxi accident. After identifying the cause, we will develop a plan to pursue compensation from all liable parties.
Steps To Take After A Taxi Accident In Queens, NY
If you are involved in a taxi cab accident in Queens, it is important to take action immediately to protect your health and legal rights. Despite being unexpected, such crashes can occur. To improve your chances of moving on with your life, there are certain things you can do after the accident. Here are four crucial steps to take:
- Make sure that the taxi cab accident is reported to the police;
- Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries;
- Document the crash—including taking pictures and writing down what happened; and
- Consult with a Queens, NY taxi injury attorney before speaking to the insurance company.
It’s unfortunate, but you can’t trust an insurance company to give you reliable guidance on your injury claim. They’re primarily concerned with safeguarding their own financial interests and won’t prioritize your well-being or that of your family. For full protection of your rights and interests, it’s essential that you seek the help of an experienced Queens taxi cab accident attorney.
Pedestrians and Bicyclists Are Prone To Taxi Accidents In Queens, NY
It’s important to note that being a passenger is not the only way to be involved in a taxi cab accident. Pedestrians and bicyclists may also be at risk, and unfortunately, there is evidence that the safety of pedestrians in New York City may be decreasing.
According to NBC 4 New York, last year was the worst year for pedestrian fatalities in over a decade in New York, with 124 pedestrians and 15 bicyclists killed in accidents in the city alone. Taxi cabs can be a danger to pedestrians and cyclists if not driven safely. If you have been hurt in a collision involving a taxi cab while walking or biking in New York City, our legal team is available to assist you.
Understanding Insurance Coverage For Taxi Accidents In Queens, NY
If you have been in a car accident, our law firm will investigate your case to determine fault and explore possible insurance coverage options that can help pay for your damages. In New York, all motor vehicles are required to have liability insurance, but taxicabs are required to carry additional insurance.
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person;
- $300,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident; and
- $200,000 in personal injury liability.
If the accident was caused by the taxicab or its company, their liability insurance will cover your injuries and losses. Our Queens taxi accident lawyers will also investigate if other insurance policies are applicable to file a claim against.
Taxi Laws in New York
Taxicab drivers share the same risks as other drivers when it comes to human errors and dangerous roadside conditions. Nevertheless, taxi drivers have a bigger responsibility to guarantee the safety of their passengers. Unlike regular drivers, taxis are considered public transportation and must follow specific rules mandated by the state of New York. These rules include:
- Licensing standards
- Standards of safety and operational efficiency
- Compliance with public policy in the design of vehicles
- Standards for minimum insurance coverage
- Standards for record-keeping and reporting
If a driver doesn’t follow common safe driving practices or violates any traffic laws, they can be held responsible for any resulting accidents by the courts. This includes situations such as texting while driving, driving while distracted or impaired, or not following the rules of the road. Additionally, taxi drivers who engage in aggressive driving behaviors that endanger their passengers are also considered negligent under the law.
Negligence-based accidents can occur if a taxi company fails to maintain its vehicles properly, which is against the standards upheld by New York laws. In the event of a crash due to the company’s failure to meet these standards, it would be classified as negligence. If there’s a lawsuit involving a taxi accident, the victim might be able to make a case for negligence, product liability, or wrongful death. Identifying the responsible party is crucial to proceed with obtaining compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Common Are Taxi Accidents In Queens?
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has published data indicating that numerous car accidents occur in the city involving taxis every year. Specifically, in 2021, there were a total of 2,891 reports filed for tax-related incidents in NYC.
Queens has a high number of taxi crashes, with at least 469 occurring in that borough alone during a particular year. The only places where more accidents happened were Manhattan (1,103 accidents) and the Bronx (616 accidents). This means that Queens experiences around one to two taxi accidents on average each day.
Who Can Be Held Liable For A Taxi Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a taxi accident, it’s possible that anyone who caused or helped cause the accident could be held responsible for the financial consequences. After a detailed investigation, it may be determined that one or more of these individuals are at fault.
- Negligent taxi cab drivers
- Taxi services and companies
- Taxi passengers
- Negligent motorists
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
- Government agencies
- Property owners
Contact Our Queens Taxi Accident Lawyers Today
If you have been in a taxi accident, whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or driver of another vehicle, it’s important to contact our office as soon as possible. We can assist in getting compensation to cover your medical costs and lost wages resulting from pain and suffering. Waiting too long may affect the amount of compensation you could receive.
If you’ve been in a taxi accident in New York, you can talk to a knowledgeable Queens taxi accident lawyer at Rosenberg & Rodriguez. Our personal injury attorneys have over 70 years of experience helping injury victims in Queens receive substantial verdicts and settlements. We value both your case and time and offer free consultations to better understand your situation and find the best way to assist you.