New York Taxi Accident Lawyer

Taxis are a familiar sight on the streets of New York City. With more than 13,500 yellow cabs operating across the five boroughs and hundreds of thousands of trips completed daily, they are a vital part of transportation for both residents and visitors. Most of these rides end without incident, but taxi accidents are not uncommon. According to New York City data, there were over 5,600 taxi-related crashes causing injuries between September 2023 and August 2024. These collisions can lead to serious harm for passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

If you were injured in a taxi accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other related losses. The legal process following a taxi accident can be complicated. There may be multiple responsible parties and various insurance policies involved. Contact an experienced New York taxi accident lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you recover fair compensation.

Taxi drivers face heavy traffic, pressure to find fares, and the challenge of navigating a busy city. These factors can lead to negligent driving and mistakes. Common causes of taxi accidents include:

• Speeding: Driving faster than conditions allow reduces the driver’s ability to stop in time for traffic signals, pedestrians, or unexpected obstacles. In urban areas like New York City, speeding can quickly lead to collisions in congested zones.

  In Geoffrey N. Calvert v. Katy Taxi, Inc., 413 F.2d 841 (2d Cir. 1969), the plaintiff was injured when a taxi collided with another car, mounted the curb, and struck him on the sidewalk. Although there was no eyewitness testimony about the taxi's speed, the Second Circuit found that the physical evidence supported an inference of negligent operation. The taxi traveled over 130 feet after impact, striking multiple objects before coming to a stop, suggesting it was moving at an excessive speed and not under proper control. The court held that the jury reasonably concluded the taxi was operated negligently and that this negligence was a proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injuries, reversing the trial court’s order dismissing the verdict.

• Tailgating: Following another vehicle too closely increases the chance of a rear-end crash if the vehicle in front stops suddenly. This is a frequent issue in the city’s heavy stop-and-go traffic.

  In Ducatel v. Manspeizer, No. 08-CV-4219 (JG) (VVP), the plaintiffs claimed that the defendants were negligent when their vehicle rear-ended a taxi operated by Samuel Ducatel and owned by Sober Taxi, Inc. while in the Lincoln Tunnel. The plaintiffs alleged personal injuries and property damage resulting from the collision. Under New York law, a rear-end collision creates a presumption of negligence on the part of the driver who struck the vehicle in front, unless there is a non-negligent explanation. The facts stated in the complaint supported the inference that the defendant failed to maintain a safe distance or failed to react appropriately to traffic conditions, thus establishing a basis for liability. The court’s ruling addressed venue but did not disturb this presumption of negligence.

• Failure to Yield: Taxi drivers sometimes fail to yield at intersections or pedestrian crossings. Violations of VTL § 1140, § 1141, and § 1142 can directly lead to crashes with other vehicles or pedestrians.
• Distracted Driving: Engaging with a phone, GPS, or dispatch system while driving takes the driver’s eyes and attention off the road. Even brief distractions can result in accidents in dense city traffic.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Quickly shifting lanes without signaling or checking blind spots can cause sideswipe or merging accidents. These incidents are especially common on multi-lane roads and highways.
• Driving Under the Influence: Operating a taxi under the influence of alcohol or drugs severely impairs decision-making and motor skills. This behavior is not only illegal but puts all road users at risk.
• Fatigue: Many taxi drivers work long hours, sometimes with little rest. Drowsy driving slows reaction time and increases the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
• Aggressive Driving: This includes behaviors like weaving through traffic, tailgating, or cutting off other drivers. These actions create unsafe road conditions and often contribute to preventable crashes.

Each of these behaviors may be considered negligent under New York law. If a taxi driver's actions result in injuries or property damage, victims may have the right to seek compensation. Contacting an experienced New York taxi accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and navigate the steps involved in pursuing compensation.

Liability depends on the details of the accident. One or more of the following parties may be held responsible:

• Taxi Driver: A negligent driver may be liable for injuries caused by their conduct.
• Taxi Company or Medallion Owner: Companies can be held responsible for their drivers under the theory of vicarious liability.
• Other Drivers: A third-party motorist may be liable if they caused or contributed to the crash.
• Vehicle Maintenance Provider: If poor maintenance or faulty repairs led to the accident, the repair shop or service provider could be responsible.
• Government Entity: If a public agency failed to maintain safe road conditions or traffic signals, it may share liability. Claims against public entities require strict compliance with notice and filing deadlines.

New York applies a pure comparative negligence rule under CPLR § 1411. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you are still allowed to pursue compensation from other responsible parties. However, any award you receive will be reduced in proportion to your share of fault. For example, if a jury finds that you were 25% responsible for the crash and your total damages are $100,000, your compensation would be reduced to $75,000.

Comparative negligence often arises in cases where a pedestrian crossed outside of a crosswalk or a passenger failed to wear a seatbelt. These facts do not prevent recovery, but they may affect the final outcome. An experienced New York taxi accident lawyer can help evaluate how fault may be allocated in your case and work to minimize any reduction in compensation.

New York’s no-fault insurance system (New York Insurance Law § 5101 et seq.) applies even when a taxi driver causes the accident. The goal of no-fault insurance, also known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP), is to provide prompt medical and financial benefits to individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents, regardless of who was at fault. This includes passengers in the taxi, as well as pedestrians, cyclists, or occupants of other vehicles injured in a collision involving a taxi.

If you are injured while riding in a taxi and you do not own a vehicle, the taxi’s insurance provider is responsible for paying your no-fault benefits. In this situation, you would file a no-fault application (NF-2 form) directly with the insurance company that covers the taxi. The policy must include PIP coverage that extends to passengers and third parties. These benefits include:

• Up to $50,000 for necessary medical treatment
• Up to $2,000 per month in lost wages, for up to three years
• Reimbursement for transportation to medical appointments
• Costs for replacement services, such as help with household tasks

If you do own a car and have your own auto insurance policy, you must typically file the no-fault claim with your own insurer, even if you were a passenger in the taxi or a pedestrian. Your policy is considered the primary source of PIP benefits under New York law.

Pedestrians and cyclists struck by a taxi may also file for no-fault benefits through the taxi’s insurance, assuming they do not have personal auto insurance. If neither party involved has applicable insurance, or if the taxi was uninsured or involved in a hit-and-run, no-fault benefits may be available through the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). MVAIC acts as a safety net in situations where there is no other source of insurance coverage.

It’s important to remember that a no-fault claim must be filed within 30 days of the accident. Failure to meet this deadline can result in a denial of benefits. No-fault insurance does not cover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. To seek those, an injured person must meet the “serious injury” threshold under New York law and pursue a separate personal injury claim.

Because the rules governing no-fault coverage can be complex, especially when multiple vehicles or parties are involved, it is a good idea to speak with an experienced New York taxi accident lawyer. An attorney can determine which insurance carrier is responsible, ensure timely filing, and help you pursue the full range of benefits and compensation available to you.

Taxis licensed by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) are required to carry several forms of insurance to ensure that injured parties have access to compensation. This includes both no-fault coverage for immediate medical needs and liability insurance that may apply if your injuries are serious or if your damages exceed the no-fault limits. Mandatory insurance requirements for TLC-licensed taxis include:

• $100,000 for bodily injury per person
• $300,000 for bodily injury per accident (total for multiple people)
• $10,000 for property damage
• $200,000 in basic no-fault (PIP) coverage under N.Y. Insurance Law § 5102(a)

No-fault PIP coverage is the first layer of insurance. It pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs up to the coverage limit, regardless of fault. Once that $50,000 limit is exhausted, or if your injuries qualify as “serious,” you may pursue compensation through the taxi’s liability insurance, which is fault-based. This would typically happen through a personal injury lawsuit.

In addition to PIP and liability coverage, taxis must also carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This protects passengers and others injured in a crash involving an uninsured or unidentified vehicle, such as a hit-and-run.

Some taxi operators may carry supplemental or umbrella liability policies that provide higher coverage limits than the minimum required. This added coverage may be important in cases involving multiple injured parties or severe injuries with high medical costs.

If you own a vehicle with supplementary underinsured motorist (SUM) coverage, you may be able to access that coverage if the taxi’s insurance is not enough to fully compensate your losses. SUM acts as a back-up when the at-fault party’s policy doesn’t cover your total damages.

Because these insurance policies often work together—no-fault first, then liability, then possibly SUM—it’s important to understand how and when each applies. An experienced New York taxi accident lawyer can help you navigate these different layers of coverage, identify which insurance company is responsible, and make sure that you are pursuing all the compensation you are entitled to receive.

You cannot file a lawsuit for pain and suffering just because you were involved in a taxi accident. New York’s no-fault system limits lawsuits to cases involving what the law defines as a “serious injury.” This means that minor injuries like bruises, sprains, or temporary discomfort are not enough to meet the legal threshold. To pursue additional compensation outside of no-fault benefits, your injuries must qualify under the standard set by N.Y. Ins. Law § 5102(d).

A “serious injury” includes any of the following:

• Death
• Dismemberment
• Significant disfigurement
• Bone fractures
• Loss of a fetus
• Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system
• Permanent consequential limitation of a body organ or member
• Significant limitation of use of a body function or system
• A medically determined injury or impairment that prevents the person from performing substantially all of their usual and customary daily activities for at least 90 days during the 180 days following the accident

In Rahman v. Roint Taxi Corp, 2022 NY Slip Op 51147(U), the plaintiff, Maksudur Rahman, sought damages for injuries sustained when he was struck by a taxi while riding his bicycle. The defendants moved for summary judgment, arguing that Rahman failed to meet the serious injury threshold under Insurance Law §§ 5102(d) and 5104(a). The plaintiff submitted medical evidence from two treating physicians documenting significant and permanent injuries to his cervical and lumbar spine and right ankle, supported by MRIs and EMG testing, as well as evidence of substantial limitations in his range of motion and daily functioning.

The court found that the plaintiff raised triable issues of fact as to whether he sustained a serious injury under multiple prongs of the statute, including permanent consequential limitation and the 90/180-day category. Notably, the plaintiff presented credible medical opinions linking the injuries to the accident, and defendants failed to adequately address the 90/180-day claim. As a result, the court denied the defendants' motion for summary judgment, allowing the case to proceed to trial.

If your injuries meet one or more of these categories, you may file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. An experienced New York taxi accident lawyer can review your medical records, evaluate whether your injuries meet the legal standard, and help you take the next steps if a lawsuit is appropriate.

New York’s no-fault insurance system covers certain out-of-pocket expenses up to a maximum of $50,000 per person. These benefits are paid regardless of who was at fault and are available through the insurance policy covering the taxi or, in some cases, your own policy.

No-fault insurance may cover:

• Medical expenses: Includes hospital care, doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, and medication, up to $50,000. If your medical costs exceed this limit, you may need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover the remainder.
• Lost wages: Up to $2,000 per month for up to three years if your injuries prevent you from working
• Transportation to medical appointments: Reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses related to treatment
• Household assistance: Coverage for necessary services you cannot perform due to injury, such as cleaning or childcare

If your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold under New York Insurance Law § 5102(d), you may bring a personal injury lawsuit to seek damages not covered by no-fault.

A lawsuit may allow you to recover:

• Medical expenses beyond the no-fault limit: Any treatment costs that exceed $50,000, including long-term rehabilitation or surgeries
• Future lost income: Compensation for ongoing or permanent loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional impact of your injuries
• Loss of enjoyment of life: For the inability to take part in activities or routines you enjoyed before the accident
• Scarring or disfigurement: When the injury results in lasting visible physical changes
• Punitive damages: In limited cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, such as drunk driving

Because no-fault insurance only goes so far, it’s important to speak with an experienced New York taxi accident lawyer if your injuries are serious or your expenses exceed the no-fault coverage limit. A lawyer can help you seek full compensation and make sure no deadlines are missed.

Statutes of limitations set strict deadlines for initiating legal claims. Missing these deadlines can result in the dismissal of your case, regardless of its merit.

• Personal Injury: 3 years from the accident (CPLR § 214). This applies to most claims for bodily injury from car or taxi accidents. The three-year clock starts on the date the accident occurred, not when symptoms appear or treatment begins.
• Property Damage: 3 years. If your personal belongings—such as a phone, laptop, or vehicle—were damaged in the accident, you must file a claim for those losses within three years. Property damage claims can be pursued independently of injury claims.
• Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death. If a loved one died due to injuries from a taxi accident, the personal representative of the estate must file a wrongful death claim within two years. This timeline starts on the date of death, not the date of the accident.
• Claims Against Public Entities: Notice of Claim due in 90 days; lawsuit due in 1 year and 90 days. If your claim involves a city-owned vehicle or other public agency, you must file a formal Notice of Claim within 90 days. After that, you have one year and 90 days from the accident to file a lawsuit.

There may be exceptions for minors or individuals with mental impairments under CPLR § 208. However, these exceptions are limited and can be difficult to apply, so it’s always best to consult a skilled and act promptly to preserve your legal rights.

Q. Can I sue a government-operated taxi or paratransit vehicle?
A. Yes, but special procedures apply. If the taxi was operated by a government agency or through a public contract, such as a paratransit service, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident under General Municipal Law § 50-e. You then have one year and 90 days from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit under GML § 50-i. Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to pursue compensation.

Q. Are taxi passengers covered by no-fault insurance in New York?
A. Yes. Under New York’s no-fault system, passengers injured in a taxi are typically covered by Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. These benefits include up to $50,000 for medical treatment, up to $2,000 per month in lost wages for up to three years, transportation to medical appointments, and help with necessary household tasks. A no-fault application must be filed within 30 days of the accident. This deadline is strict, and missing it may result in a denial of benefits. No-fault does not cover pain and suffering or other non-economic losses.

Q. What should I do if the taxi left the scene of the accident?
A. If the taxi fled the scene, try to record any identifying information such as the license plate, medallion number, or color and markings of the cab. Report the incident to the police immediately. You may still be eligible for compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage or the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC).

Q. What if the taxi was operated by a rideshare driver like Uber or Lyft?
A. Rideshare vehicles follow different insurance rules than traditional yellow taxis. Coverage depends on whether the driver was logged into the app and whether they had accepted a ride. Different liability limits may apply depending on the driver’s status at the time.

Q. What happens if I was injured in a taxi while traveling for work?
A. If you were injured during the course of your employment, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in addition to any third-party claims against the taxi driver or company.

A personal injury lawsuit stemming from a taxi accident is complicated. It’s important to be represented by an experienced taxi accidents attorney serving New York. Stephen Bilkis & Associates is experienced in handling personal injury and wrongful death cases stemming from vehicles accidents. Time is of the essence when pursing a personal injury claim. The sooner the process is started, the quicker your case be resolved. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your car accident. We serve clients in the following locations: Manhattan, Westchester County, Suffolk County, Staten Island, Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Nassau County, and Queens.