Are NYC Taxi Drivers Liable for Injuries to Their Passengers?
Approximately 13,587 taxicabs operate in New York City. Because of the number of taxicabs that roam the NYC roadways, motor vehicle crashes are fairly common. All drivers have a legal duty to ensure the safety of all road users. But taxi drivers are common carriers, and as such, must exercise more caution to avoid harming their passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and other road users.
When tax drivers are distracted, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, aggressive, careless, or otherwise reckless, they can cause a serious or deadly accident. If you got seriously hurt as a passenger in a taxi, you may be entitled to seek financial compensation for the losses you suffered.
Who Should Be Held Responsible for an NYC Taxi Accident?
Determining liability for injuries suffered by passengers in an NYC taxi accident can be difficult, particularly if multiple parties are involved. You may need to work with an experienced attorney to identify all potentially liable parties and compensation sources. Taxi drivers normally work for companies, which means that the employers of drivers at fault for a crash may be held liable for the accident.
If another driver was at fault for the crash, they may be held liable. Likewise, if both drivers caused the crash, they may share liability for the injured passenger’s losses.
What You Should Know About New York City Auto Insurance Requirements
All taxis that operate in NYC must carry at least $100,000 of liability coverage per individual and $300,000 for all individuals involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, some operators, typically the unlicensed ones, carry less insurance coverage than the mandated coverage requirements.
If you were hurt while riding in a taxi, you can turn to your own PIP (personal injury protection) insurance coverage if you have one or are covered under someone else’s PIP coverage. If you don’t have PIP coverage, you can then turn to the taxi operator’s PIP insurance, which will cover your medical bills and lost income up to the policy’s limits.
However, if you suffered severe injuries as a taxicab passenger, the operator’s PIP coverage might not suffice to pay for all your accident-related losses. In this scenario, you may be able to pursue more compensation via the operator’s liability insurance coverage, the other driver’s liability coverage (if they caused the crash or are partially at fault for it), or both.
Consult With an Experienced NYC Personal Injury Attorney Now
Pursuing a claim against an insurance company is rarely an easy process. If you or a loved one has been injured as a passenger while riding a taxi, please get in touch with the NYC personal injury attorneys of Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman right away to discuss your case.
Our NYC personal injury attorneys can explain your rights and the laws that apply to your specific situation and have the experience and knowledge to help you secure the settlement you need and deserve. Call our office at 212-285-3300 or send us an online message to arrange your complimentary consultation with our NYC personal injury attorney today.
