Taxi Drivers Owe Passengers a Duty of Care
Yes, taxi drivers can be held liable for injuries suffered by pedestrians, other drivers and vehicle occupants, and their passengers if their negligence caused the accident. Taxi drivers in New York City have a well-defined duty of care towards their passengers. This duty transcends simply transporting them from point A to point B. It entails prioritizing passenger safety and acting with reasonable caution to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
This duty is further reinforced by regulations set forth by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) within Section 4-11 of their Traffic Rules. These regulations outline specific guidelines for taxi drivers regarding passenger interaction, highlighting the importance of professional conduct and passenger well-being.
It is important to note that other drivers can be liable for an accident, and in cases where another person instigated the incident, that person would be liable for your damages and injuries. Establishing liability, while a multifaceted issue, is important, and you should consider all parties who may be liable before taking legal action.
New York Requires Taxi Drivers to Have Auto Insurance
In New York City, taxi operators are mandated to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to ensure financial protection for passengers in case of an accident. This insurance policy must provide at least $100,000 in coverage for bodily injury or death to a single passenger and a total of $300,000 for all people involved in the accident.
What to Do After a Taxicab Accident
Being involved in a taxicab accident can be a stressful and confusing experience. It is important to remain calm and take the necessary steps to protect your rights and ensure your safety.
Here are some of the key steps you should take immediately following a taxicab accident:
- Check for injuries. Take time to check yourself and anyone riding with you over for injuries, and if there are any injuries, call emergency services immediately.
- Move to safety. If possible, you should move out of the vehicle and away from traffic to avoid further danger.
- Call the police. Report the accident to law enforcement, even if the damage appears minor. A police report will be crucial for your claim.
- Exchange information. Collect contact and insurance information from the taxi driver and any other parties involved. This should include names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance policy numbers, and driver's license details. You should also take note of the taxi medallion number.
- Document the scene and any injuries. Take pictures of the accident scene, including road conditions, vehicle damage, license plates, and any visible injuries. Photos of injuries can also be valuable in showing the severity and nature of wounds, and these photos can be vital evidence later.
- Gather witnesses. If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information.
- Notify interested parties. You should contact the taxicab company as well as you own insurer to tell them about the incident.
- Seek medical care. Even if you feel fine, you need to see a doctor after an accident to check for any underlying injuries. Medical professionals can also advise you of symptoms you should expect and be mindful of in the days following the accident.
- Keep records. Maintain a file with all documents related to the accident, including medical records, receipts for expenses, and communication with insurance companies.
Following these steps can help you manage the immediate aftermath of a taxicab accident more effectively. Remember to stay composed and methodical, ensuring that you address all necessary actions with diligence.
Injured in a taxicab accident? Get in touch with our team by calling (888) 918-9890 or completing our online contact form.