You might exercise extreme caution when driving, but other cars may not. Negligence and overspeeding are among the biggest factors in causing traffic-related accidents.
If you think you are safe riding a taxi, you’re wrong. Even if you have the best driver in the world, other vehicles may not be as cautious.
Negligent drivers put the lives of passengers and drivers alike in grave danger. Taxi accidents are more prevalent than most people think. According to the New York Police Department Crash Statistic, 294 taxicabs are involved in a traffic collision last February 2022.
If you are a taxi driver or a passenger who sustained a serious injury in an accident, you need to read this.
According to New York City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), local taxi accidents decreased from 1,259 in November 2021 to 1,118 in December 2021.
According to the report, Black Cars are the most commonly involved taxi cab in accidents. Black Cars reported a total of 930 crashes in the same month.
In contrast, Paratransit Vans (2 reports) and Commercial Vans (0 reports) documented the least involvement.
Out of the total number of reported crashes, 461 resulted in severe injuries. Black Cars also documented the highest number of severe injuries, with 402 reports. Below is the month-by-month crash statistic released by the TLC.
Established in 1971, the New York City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission is the regulating body of the city’s yellow cabs, for-hire, paratransit, and commuter vehicles. TLC conducts a thorough inspection before allowing drivers to operate their cars commercially.
NYC's Vision Zero Program Seeks To Address Taxi Accident Dangers
In January of 2014, former mayor Bill de Blasio created a program that aims to reduce car accident deaths. This program is known as the Vision Zero program.
The Vision Zero program was inspired by a Swedish program of the same name. Vision Zero believes that taxi cab crashes and other car accidents are not ‘inevitable.’ Instead, these taxi crashes are entirely avoidable with the proper rules.
The implementation of the Vision Zero program includes:
- Improving street design
- Increasing enforcement of traffic laws
- Education campaigns
The city has also decreased the speed limit to 25mph in an effort to reduce taxi accidents. The program also provided a pedestrian crossing timer informing pedestrians when and how long they have to cross a road.
In a three-year report produced by the local government, there is an evident decrease in traffic fatalities. New York City reported 299 traffic fatalities in 2013, and it lowered to 230 in 2016.
Pedestrian accidents also decreased during the implementation of the Vision Zero program. The city documented about 184 pedestrian fatalities. However, within the program’s third year, the city reported 145 pedestrian deaths.
Unfortunately, however, the number of bicyclist fatalities has continuously risen. Pre-vision zero, the city reported 12 bicycle accident deaths. Three years after the program, the number went up to 18 bicycle accident fatalities.
Factors That Increase Taxi Accident Rate And Injuries
In New York, taxi accidents often leave taxi drivers with severe injuries. Various external and internal factors could significantly affect the rate of serious accidents.
Researchers Nuntaporn Klinjun, Matthew Kelly, Chanita Praditsathaporn, and Rewwadee Petsirasan conducted a study to identify the most common risk factor affecting the likelihood of traffic accidents.
According to their study, fatigue, lack of experience, and overspeeding are the most common. However, inexperienced, drowsy, or overspeeding drivers encounter fewer accidents on a fixed road.
As stated in the study, negligence, manufacture defects, and inclement weather also contribute to the increasing traffic accident rate. Vehicle overloading is also a factor affecting the probability of taxi accidents.
It’s also evident in this study that a road without existing hazards can lessen traffic collisions. Some of the most common road hazards present in New York roads are potholes, uneven expansions, and rough and bumpy edges.
Cab drivers are highly encouraged to wear seatbelts appropriately. According to CDC, wearing seatbelts significantly reduces the risk of catastrophic injuries by 50%. Moreover, seatbelts also help reduce the death risk by 45%.
Things You Should Do Right After Your NYC Taxi Accident
Your goal after an accident is to preserve as much evidence as you can. Collecting compelling shreds of evidence will help establish fault in an accident. Cases involving other drivers or vehicles may further complicate the situation.
If you’re involved in a taxi accident in New York City, there are specific steps you should take to protect yourself and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Medical treatment. A team of emergency medical professionals will respond to an accident site when they are called. They will assess the condition of everyone involved in an accident. You must never refuse a medical assessment, even if you are visually in good shape.
- Collect and preserve evidence. If you can move freely after an accident, you can start collecting your evidence. Evidence can be anything from a photograph to video footage.
- Refuse early settlement offers. In most cases, the opposing party will reach out to you to settle out of court. Although this is a tempting offer, they will most likely provide a low settlement offer. Never accept any settlement offers without the counsel of a lawyer.
- Find personal injury lawyers. Taxi accident attorneys have legal expertise in this area of personal injury law. You must look for an experienced taxi accident lawyer to assist you with your injury case.
A New York Taxi Accident Attorney Can Help You
If you’re injured in a taxi collision in New York City, you need to immediately contact a taxi accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you file a claim and get your compensation.
Here’s how an experienced lawyer can help you:
- Legal counsel. Free case consultation is one of the lawyers’ many legal services. They will assess your situation and provide astute legal advice.
- Case investigation. Lawyers can also conduct an independent case investigation for your case. An independent investigation can help you recover facts that police officers might overlook. Your accident attorney can help you find the best way to proceed with your case.
- Evidence recovery. Your attorney can help you recover and obtain crucial pieces of evidence. Having strong proof at your disposal is critical in proving your injury claim.
- Maximize settlement offer. As the previous section states, the opposing party will offer you a low settlement amount. Victims can avoid this by hiring an attorney to negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company.
- Case representation. Although most cases resolve at the settlement phase, some cases might require a court appearance. Hiring an experienced attorney can help present your case effectively before the court.
A solid attorney-client relationship is an integral aspect when looking for an attorney. You need an attorney you can trust with your case.
Taxi Accident Lawyer Near Me | Contact Us Today To Speak With A Truck Crash Attorney
If you are an injured passenger in a NY taxi crash, you might not know what to do. Our taxicab accident attorney at Giordano Law Office can help you!
We will assist you throughout your legal process, ensuring that you recover fully, not only in health but also in compensation. Insurance companies prey on unknowing victims. We will not let this happen to you.
Call or text us now at (646) 217-0749 for a free consultation. You can also use our online contact form to submit your case details to our law firm. Let’s get you the justice you deserve!