New York City Taxi Accident Lawyers

Are You in Need of a Taxi Accident Lawyer?

Yellow cabs, green taxis, and other licensed vehicles routinely travel throughout New York City. When a taxi driver makes a careless mistake, the consequences can be devastating for taxi cab passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and people traveling in other vehicles.

If you were seriously injured in a taxi crash, the New York City car accident attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP can evaluate what happened and explain your legal options. Our successful track record reflects the firm’s extensive experience handling serious personal injury claims throughout New York.

Contact an NYC personal injury lawyer right away if:

You were seriously injured while riding as a passenger in a taxi.
You were a pedestrian or cyclist struck by a taxi.
The taxi driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, or driving recklessly.
The taxi driver or taxi company disputes responsibility for the accident.
More than one driver or company may be responsible for your injuries.
An insurance company is pressuring you to accept a settlement.
A family member suffered fatal injuries in a New York City taxi accident.

Why Choose Us Over Other Taxi Accident Attorneys in NYC?

Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP has been representing injured New Yorkers for decades. Our successful track record reflects the firm’s extensive experience handling serious personal injury claims throughout New York.

Our legal approach centers on careful courtroom preparation, including developing the relevant facts, analyzing applicable law, and collaborating with qualified professionals when appropriate.

Here’s what sets our firm apart:

More than 50 years representing injured clients and helping individuals and families pursue compensation after serious injuries.
More than $2 billion recovered for clients across a wide range of personal injury matters handled by the firm.
Recognition as one of the Best Law Firms by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting the firm’s longstanding presence in the legal community.
Attorneys selected for recognition by Super Lawyers magazine based on peer reviews and independent research evaluating attorneys and their professional accomplishments.
Attorneys recognized by the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a distinction reflecting the significant case results achieved on behalf of clients.
Attorneys who have received Martindale-Hubbell’s AV rating, its highest ranking for ethical standards and legal ability, reflecting significant professional recognition within the legal field.
Free consultations for prospective clients, providing an opportunity to discuss an injury and potential next steps with the firm at no initial cost.
A demonstrated commitment to pursuing justice for injured clients, with attorneys focused on protecting clients’ interests and helping them pursue fair compensation for their injuries and losses.

Notable Taxi Driver Accident Case Results

$750,000 Settlement: Bicycle struck by livery taxi in Queens.

$700,000 Settlement: Pedestrian hit by yellow taxi in Manhattan.

$690,000 Settlement: Livery taxi passenger injured in intersection accident.

Get Help After a Taxi Accident

If a negligent taxi driver caused your injuries, call (212) 986-7353 to find out how we can help.

Whether you are a passenger who has been injured while riding in a taxicab or a pedestrian who has been struck and injured by a taxicab, you have legal rights. Call a NYC taxi accident attorney at (212) 986-7353 for help.

Who Is Liable for Your Injuries?

A claim may arise when a taxi passenger is injured, another driver is hit by a cab, or a pedestrian who has been struck suffers serious injuries. Liability depends on the facts surrounding the crash.

New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 388 generally makes a vehicle owner responsible for injuries caused by negligence in the use or operation of the vehicle by someone driving with the owner’s express or implied permission.

Depending on the circumstances, potentially liable parties may include:

The taxi driver
The vehicle owner
The driver’s employer
The taxi fleet operator
A maintenance provider
Another motorist whose negligence contributed to the collision

How Taxi Driver Negligence Causes Accidents

Establishing negligence requires evidence showing what the driver did, how that conduct contributed to the collision, and how the crash caused the resulting injuries.

A taxi driver may cause a collision through unsafe or negligent driving behaviors, including:

Exceeding the speed limit
Following another vehicle too closely
Making unsafe lane changes
Failing to yield the right-of-way
Running red lights or other traffic signals
Turning without checking for pedestrians or cyclists
Driving while fatigued, which may affect reaction time, judgment, and awareness of changing traffic conditions
Driving while distracted by a phone, navigation system, dispatch information, or another electronic device
Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs

When Is the Taxi Company Liable?

When a taxi driver is an employee acting within the scope of employment, the employer may be held responsible for negligent conduct committed during the driver’s work. Determining whether an employer-employee relationship exists requires a close examination of the business arrangement.

Taxi industry relationships can involve drivers, medallion owners, fleet operators, agents, and other entities. A taxi accident attorney can investigate these relationships and determine which individuals and entities may have legal responsibility.

Negligent Hiring

A negligent hiring claim focuses on whether an employer knew or reasonably should have known that a person was unsuitable for a driving position and whether that problem contributed to the plaintiff’s injuries.

Depending on the circumstances, relevant information could include the driver’s licensing status, driving history, employment history, prior safety problems, or other facts that should have raised concerns about putting that person behind the wheel.

Negligent Retention

Negligent retention occurs when an employer learns, or reasonably should learn, that an employee presents an unreasonable danger but continues to employ that person in a position where the risk can harm others. Unsafe driving incidents, serious traffic violations, complaints, or other documented safety problems may indicate that the company knew or should have known about risks associated with retaining the driver.

Inadequate Taxi Maintenance

A cab that spends extensive time on New York City streets can experience significant wear, making appropriate inspection and maintenance essential. Dangerous mechanical conditions may involve worn brakes, damaged tires, steering problems, defective lights, broken mirrors, or other components necessary for safe operation.

When inadequate maintenance contributes to a crash, responsibility may extend beyond the driver. The taxi owner, fleet operator, maintenance contractor, or another entity responsible for the vehicle’s condition could potentially be involved.

Maintenance records, inspection reports, repair invoices, photographs, vehicle data, and expert analysis may help determine whether a mechanical defect existed and whether reasonable maintenance could have prevented the collision.

Insurance Requirements for NYC Taxi Drivers

An attorney can identify potentially applicable policies, communicate with insurers, document damages, and determine whether additional responsible parties or sources of coverage should be investigated.

New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission regulations require TLC-licensed vehicle owners to maintain liability insurance that satisfies applicable TLC and New York State requirements. Proof of current insurance must remain on file with the TLC.

For taxis with seating capacity for one to seven passengers, current TLC requirements identify minimum liability limits of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence, along with $100,000 in personal injury protection and $10,000 for property damage.

Injured in a NYC Taxi Accident?

We represent people who have been seriously injured in taxi crashes throughout New York City. Call (212) 986-7353 for a free consultation.

Compensation Available After a Taxi Accident

A serious taxi accident can create financial and personal consequences that continue long after the collision. The damages available in a personal injury claim depend on the nature of the injuries, their long-term effects, and the losses resulting from the accident. An injured person may be able to pursue compensation for both current losses and future needs.

Recoverable damages may include:

Medical expenses
Rehabilitation costs
Lost wages
Diminished future earning ability
Future medical and care needs
Pain and suffering
Other accident-related losses

How a Lawyer Can Help

WRSMH’s approach emphasizes detailed case preparation. A taxi accident attorney will begin by examining how the crash occurred and identifying the parties that may bear responsibility.

The investigation may involve reviewing police reports, photographs, surveillance video, witness accounts, taxi and vehicle records, medical documentation, insurance information, and available electronic data.

Your attorney may work with medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, economists, or other qualified experts to determine what caused the accident and clarify the full extent of your damages.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in New York

In New York, a wrongful death claim may be filed when a person dies because of another party’s wrongful conduct or negligence. The personal representative of the deceased person’s estate generally brings the claim on behalf of eligible surviving family members who suffered financial losses because of the death.

Recoverable damages may include funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses related to the final injury, lost wages and benefits, the value of services and support the deceased would have provided, and the loss of parental care and guidance when applicable.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

I am very grateful and satisfied with the outcome of my case- Willie Deleon (5-Star Google Review)

I had the best experience ever with Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin law firm.

The attorney (KONSTANTIN BURSHTEYN) who handled my accident case was very professional, attentive, and knowledgeable. He was available and open to help and answer questions. I am very grateful and satisfied with the outcome of my case. I highly recommend this law firm. Thank you!

Definitely they are the best-Monica Arana (5-Star Google Review)

Definitely they are the best; they have an excellent communication with the client but the most important thing is that they take care of obtaining the greatest economic benefit, depending on the case. I am totally satisfied after having suffered so much for my injuries and my surgeries. I can say that this case is closed in a positive way thanks to the firm.

Case Results

$750,000 Settlement: Bicycle Struck by Livery Taxi

WRSMH secured a $750,000 settlement for a 50-year-old Queens man who suffered knee and shoulder injuries requiring surgery after a livery taxi struck him while he was riding his bicycle in Manhattan. The taxi driver alleged that our client caused the collision by speeding around stopped vehicles. Our attorneys located two eyewitnesses whose accounts supported our client’s version of events. The case ultimately resolved through a settlement before trial.

$700,000 Settlement: Pedestrian Stuck by Yellow Taxi

Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP secured a $700,000 settlement for a 39-year-old man who suffered serious injuries after being struck by a yellow taxi while crossing a Manhattan street. His injuries included an L4-L5 disc herniation and a torn rotator cuff, requiring spinal and shoulder surgery. After recovering the taxi’s $100,000 policy limit, the firm pursued additional coverage through the client’s family homeowner’s policy. Following a court-ordered hearing concerning residency, the firm established that the client qualified as a resident of the insured household and obtained additional compensation on his behalf.

Other Locations We Serve in New York

Speak With an Experienced NYC Taxi Accident Attorney

The New York City taxi cab accident lawyers at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin examine important and build strong cases seeking maximum compensation for our clients.

If you were seriously injured in a taxi accident, call (212) 986-7353 to schedule a free consultation.

FAQs About Taxi Accidents in New York City

Who can be held liable for an NYC taxi accident?

Depending on the circumstances, potentially liable parties may include the taxi driver, vehicle owner, employer, fleet operator, maintenance provider, or another negligent motorist. Determining liability may require investigating ownership, employment relationships, insurance coverage, and how the accident occurred.

Can I file a claim if I was injured while riding in a taxi?

Yes. A passenger injured because of a taxi driver’s negligence or another driver’s actions may have grounds to pursue compensation. In these case, the primary issue may be determining which driver or other party was at fault.

Can I sue a taxi driver who hit me while I was walking?

A pedestrian injured by a negligent taxi driver may be able to pursue a personal injury claim. Evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, photographs, police reports, and vehicle records may help establish how the collision happened.

What compensation can I recover after a taxi accident?

Compensation may be available for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, future medical needs, pain and suffering, and other qualifying losses caused by the accident.

What if the taxi company was also negligent?

A taxi company or employer may potentially bear responsibility for its own negligent conduct, such as negligent hiring or retention, depending on the circumstances. Liability may also arise when inadequate vehicle maintenance contributes to an accident.

Meet Our Attorneys

Philip Russotti

Philip Russotti is a senior partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, where he represents individuals and families in serious personal injury and medical malpractice matters. His practice includes complex cases involving motor vehicle collisions, construction accidents, medical negligence, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death. Phil has focused on carefully preparing cases and developing the evidence necessary to address complicated questions of liability, causation, and damages.

Kenneth J. Halperin

Kenneth J. Halperin is a partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP. He handles complex personal injury matters involving construction accidents, motor vehicle collisions, premises liability, and other incidents resulting in significant harm. Ken works to understand how an accident occurred, identify potentially responsible parties, and develop evidence concerning the full extent of a client’s injuries and losses.

Bryce Moses

Bryce Moses is a partner and trial attorney at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP. His work involves investigating how injuries occurred, examining evidence, addressing disputed questions of liability, and developing cases that accurately demonstrate the effects of serious injuries on clients and their families. Bryce approaches litigation with careful preparation and attention to both the legal and factual issues that can determine the outcome of a claim.

Clifford H. Shapiro

Clifford H. Shapiro is a partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP. He has spent decades representing people injured through the negligence of others. Cliff’s extensive experience allows him to identify issues that may affect the value and resolution of complicated injury claims. He understands that an accident can create substantial physical, financial, and personal challenges for injured people and their families.