New York bustles with high-energy in several world-renowned entertainment districts.
Add to that the substantial business activity in the Big Apple and the city has a high demand for taxi services.
With high demand comes an increased risk of becoming involved in an accident with a New York City taxi cab, or any taxi cab.
If a taxi cab struck your vehicle in New York City, you have to know how to handle the aftermath of the accident.
The first step is to seek medical attention, if needed. Then you have to gather the evidence required to present a case that rewards you with monetary damages.
Act with a Sense of Urgency
Do not wait for medical treatment if an accident with a New York City taxi, or any taxi, has caused serious injuries.
Seeking medical treatment should be the first item on your to-do list.
Make sure to write down the cab driver’s name, as well as the contact information of the taxi cab company.
If possible, you should also ask for the taxi cab’s registration number.
One or more police officers should arrive at the scene, and it is the job of law enforcement to write up an official account of the accident.
You will need a copy of the official police report to determine whether the cab driver was at fault.
If you feel up to it, take photographs of the accident scene that includes close up shots of the damage inflicted on your vehicle.
Although law enforcement will take photos of the crash scene, you can support law enforcement’s version of events by taking similar pictures.
You should interview any witnesses to the crash as soon as possible after the accident. The most important witness or witnesses to interview are the fares riding in the back of the taxi cab.
Types of Monetary Damages
There are two general categories of monetary damages awarded in personal injury cases: Punitive and compensatory.
Punitive damages are awarded to punish a driver for negligence while operating a motor vehicle.
This type of monetary damage is not as frequently awarded as compensatory damages, which consist of either special or general damages.
Compensatory damages reimburse an injured driver of a vehicle hit by a New York City taxi, or any taxi.
The most common type of compensatory damages covers the cost of diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating injuries.
Working with a personal injury attorney can convince the judge hearing your case to award compensatory damages for estimated future medical treatments as well.
Medical care is the costliest expense to deal with after a vehicle accident.
You should try to recover every last dollar in medical expenses from the New York City taxi cab company, or any other taxi company that was involved in the accident.
Request a Free Case Evaluation
You need to balance the scales of justice by contacting a personal injury lawyer.
Your attorney will conduct a free case evaluation to determine the strength of your case.
You might need to collect more witness statements and/or present more persuasive medical documentation.
Your lawyer will also analyze the case to see if you deserve punitive damages.
Additional Resources
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against a New York City taxi, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.