Why Taxi and Rideshare Accidents Are Different
In New York City, yellow taxis, green cabs, Uber, Lyft, and for-hire vehicles (FHVs) all operate under different legal rules and insurance requirements. Identifying the type of vehicle involved in your crash determines how you can pursue a claim for compensation.
Taxi and rideshare accidents involve multiple layers of insurance. Taxi claims are subject to specific Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) regulations, while rideshare companies use a tiered insurance system that varies based on the driver’s app status. Unlicensed liveries often carry personal insurance with low coverage limits.
Our attorneys will analyze the type of vehicle that hit you and carefully assess who can be held liable and what insurance coverage is available to help cover your losses. We’ll handle the legal legwork and hold insurance companies accountable, so you can focus on healing.
Your Rights and What You Can Recover After a Taxi Accident
If you were injured in a New York City taxi crash, you have strict legal rights under state law. Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian walking across the street, or riding on a bicycle or scooter when you were injured in a taxi accident, the law is designed to protect you. Understanding these rights and what you are entitled to recover can help protect your future:
New York Comparative Negligence Law: How Blame Affects Your Claim
Under New York’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can file an injury claim and recover financial compensation, even if you share fault for the accident. However, being more than 50% at fault for the crash legally bars you from recovering any damages.
Additionally, your final financial award is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, a settlement of $100,000 would be reduced to $80,000 if you are 20% responsible for the accident.
Because insurance companies may try to shift blame to injured victims to reduce their payouts or unfairly deny claims, it can be helpful to work with a legal professional. Our New York car accident lawyers can investigate the scene, secure traffic camera footage, and interview witnesses to help prove the driver’s liability and protect your right to compensation.
Types of Recoverable Damages
A serious crash can impact your financial stability, physical health, and mental well-being. When we file a lawsuit on your behalf, we pursue full compensation for all the ways your life has been impacted, such as:
- Current medical bills and the cost of future care
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings capacity
- Other out-of-pocket expenses related to the crash
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
In rare cases in which a taxi driver’s conduct was exceptionally reckless, malicious, or intentional, such as driving under the influence or fleeing the police, the court may award punitive damages. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from similar behavior.
Why Choose The Sanders Law Firm for Your Taxi Accident Claim
Choosing the right firm matters when fighting powerful insurance companies after a taxi accident. Since 1967, The Sanders Law Firm has recovered billions of dollars in case results while providing compassionate support and personalized client care.
With relentless NYC grit and decades of refined legal skill, we’re ready to protect you from lowball settlement pressure. Our trial-ready team files lawsuits when appropriate to create maximum leverage, rather than accepting quick payouts that may not cover the full scope of your losses.
To us, every injury is personal. Our human-centric approach prioritizes clear communication and accessibility at every stage of your case. We provide multilingual support from our diverse team that is available around the clock. Because we work on a strict contingency fee basis, there are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we win.
$325K
Car Accidents
Attorney Mark Bernstein obtained a $325,000.00 settlement for a taxi driver whose cab was hit from behind by a construction vehicle in rear-end style collision. Our client, the taxi passenger, suffered a lower back injury that required injection therapy. He later submitted to Percutaneous Discectomy Surgery rather than a more invasive option such as open incision Fusion-type of surgery.
Prior to the Mediation Hearing, defense counsel made an offer of $40,000.00. During the mediation, our office was able to negotiate the much larger settlement amount and resolve the case without the need for trial.
New York Taxi Accidents by the Numbers
According to the NYC Department of Transportation, traffic deaths reached a historic low across all five boroughs in 2025. However, there are still dangers on the road that lead to different types of crashes, including taxi and rideshare accidents. Important NYC traffic statistics include:
- Recent NYPD TrafficStat monitoring logs show that there were 52,457 collisions and 30,324 traffic injuries reported in 2025.
- In 2025, there were 5,501 pedestrian accidents and 2,693 bicycle accidents in New York City.
- As of June 2026, there were 115,057 licensed vehicles authorized to provide for-hire transportation in New York City, including yellow taxis and green cabs, with 180,024 licensed taxi and FHV drivers.
- Based on TLC data, the average number of crashes involving a TLC-licensed vehicle was 819 per month in 2019.
- There were a total of 32 TLC vehicle crashes resulting in a serious injury or fatality in 2019.
What To Do After a Taxi Accident in New York City
The actions you take following a taxi crash can help protect both your health and your legal rights. If you were injured in a taxi or rideshare accident, consider these steps:
- Seek medical care: See a doctor right away, even for minor injuries.
- Gather information: Note the taxi number, driver’s name, license number, and company.
- Document the scene: If possible, take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions.
- Collect witness details: Ask bystanders who saw the crash for their contact information.
- File a police report: Call 911 to report the accident and request a copy of the official report.
- Notify the company: Report the incident to the taxi fleet or the rideshare company.
- Use caution with statements: Consider seeking legal guidance before giving statements to the insurance company.
After a taxi accident, you can contact The Sanders Law Firm for a free consultation to learn more about your rights and legal options.
Talk to The Sanders Law Firm Today
If you are overwhelmed by medical bills, missed work, and insurance pressure after an NYC taxi accident, you are not in this alone. The Sanders Law Firm stands up for working families and is ready to fight for the compensation you need and deserve.
With multiple legal offices across the city, we’re here when you need us. Call (833) SANDERS or contact us online for your free consultation today.