Taxi Accident Claims

If you or a loved one suffered an injury during a taxi ride, you might be able to claim compensation. An experienced solicitor can provide all the legal support you need to secure a successful taxi accident claim.

Often, taxis are the quickest and most convenient way of getting from one place to another. While being a fast and handy commodity, a taxi ride gives you no control over your safety.

If you get injured as a passenger, you can claim taxi accident compensation from the responsible party. This could be the cab driver, another road user, or the local authorities responsible for poor road conditions.

If you are a taxi driver and you were injured while working due to another party’s negligence, you can make a taxi driver accident claim. Even when you are an experienced driver, accidents can still happen through no fault of your own.

You can suffer minor to severe wounds, and your car might get badly damaged. This could mean taking time off work and paying numerous medical bills for prescriptions and private treatment.

If you have been injured in a car accident during a taxi ride, you deserve compensation for the physical, mental and economic stress you might have endured.

For more information on claiming, you can consult with a legal adviser by calling the free number 0800 678 1410. Alternatively, fill out our online form, and you will receive a call back to discuss your accident.

Can I make a taxi accident claim?

Both cab drivers and passengers have the right to make a taxi accident claim after being hurt in an accident without being at fault. To be eligible for compensation, you will need to prove that:

• the accident took place in the last three years
• another party who owed you a duty of care acted negligently
• you suffered an injury due to their negligence

Every claim is different, and the outcome depends on many factors, but solid evidence is the key to success.

If you suffered a severe injury after a collision, the priority is to seek immediate medical assistance. Otherwise, you should photograph the accident scene and your injuries, get the contact details of everybody involved in the crash or any possible witnesses, and alert the authorities.

Make sure to keep all the bills related to your medical expenses, vehicle repairs, or other financial losses related to your accident. This evidence can help build a strong case and speed up the claiming process.

Keep in mind that you can make a taxi accident claim even if you weren’t wearing your seatbelt during the collision. Some deductions may be applied to your compensation, but that’s not always the case, so it’s better to consult a solicitor.

You can also claim on a no win no fee basis. This way, you won’t have to worry about additional expenses. If you win your claim, your solicitor will receive a success fee that you agree on upfront, capped at a maximum of 25%. Otherwise, you won’t have to pay a penny if your case is lost.

If you have little or no proof, don’t get discouraged. An experienced solicitor may still be able to help you secure a successful claim. To find out how to start a claim, call free on 0800 678 1410 or leave your detail to request a call back.

Who can claim compensation after a taxi accident?

Even though taxi drivers have a lot of experience, they are twice as likely to be involved in an accident compared to other car users. According to a 2019 report released by Transport for London, taxi drivers average around 9 incidents per 1,000 drivers, compared to 4.5 incidents per 1,000 registered cars.

If you suffered an injury in a taxi accident, this could have a significant impact on your life and the lives of your loved ones. Besides enduring physical and emotional trauma, you might have to pay substantial bills, leave your job or require special care. Sometimes the injuries can be more severe and leave you with a permanent disability.

You deserve compensation for the pain you suffered and all your financial losses. A taxi injury claim can secure the economic support you need to recover and get back on your feet. You can claim against the responsible party regardless of whether you were the taxi driver or a passenger at the time of the accident.

Taxi driver accident claims

As a taxi driver, you spend a lot of time behind the wheel. You likely know most of the streets and feel comfortable and safe while driving. Being involved in a road accident can be all the more unexpected and traumatising. It can significantly impact not only your health but also your job.

If somebody else was even partially responsible for the accident, you might be eligible to claim against them. Depending on the circumstances, the liable party could be:

Another road user. The careless behaviour of another driver, rider, pedestrian or cyclist might have created a distraction or caused them to crash into you. Therefore, they should be held responsible for the accident and compensate you.

The taxi company. The company you work for might have let you down by failing to provide a safe working environment. If you suspect the accident was due to their negligence, you might be able to claim against them.

The local authorities. Poor road conditions might make driving dangerous. You might lose control of the car because of a pothole, uneven road surface or other road hazards. If that’s the case, you could receive compensation from the authority responsible for road maintenance.

The car manufacturing company, if a vehicle malfunction caused your accident.

Another individual. A pet or livestock on the road might have caused you to crash while trying to avoid them. You might be able to claim compensation from the owner.

If you are unsure whether you can make a taxi driver accident claim or don’t know who to claim against, a professional solicitor can help you. Find out if you can make a claim by calling 0800 678 1410 for a free consultation with a legal adviser.

Taxi passenger accident claims

According to National Travel Survey data, in 2019, the average person in England made around 11 taxi or private hire trips. 28% use a cab at least once a month, while 9% travel by taxi every week.

When you are a taxi passenger, you trust the driver to bring you safely to your destination. You might talk with them, read a newspaper or finish writing some e-mails. A taxi ride is supposed to be convenient, relaxing and carefree, and having your life turned upside down might be the last thing you expect.

Unfortunately, on average, 1200 taxi accidents occur every year in the UK. As a passenger, there’s little you can do to avoid this. But if you suffered an injury while riding a taxi, you might be able to claim taxi accident compensation from the responsible party. This could be:

• The taxi driver (more precisely their insurance company), if they were at fault for the accident.
• The cab company. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 stipulates that taxi companies conduct daily inspections of tyres, oil, lights, seatbelts and bodywork. If your accident was caused or aggravated by their negligence, you could claim against the company.
• Another road user who might have violated traffic laws to cause an accident with the taxi you were a passenger in.
• The authorities responsible for road maintenance if poor road conditions caused your crash.
• The Motor Insurer’s Bureau (MIB), if you are the victim of a hit and run accident.
• A car manufacturer, if the taxi driver lost control of the car due to a vehicle malfunction.

In any case, you are entitled to make a taxi passenger accident claim even if you weren’t wearing your seatbelt since the accident was out of your control. However, seeing as this might have aggravated your injuries, the compensation amount might get reduced because of contributory negligence.

To find out if you can make a claim and who to claim against, you should contact a solicitor as soon as possible after your accident. A legal adviser will provide all the information you need and help you throughout the claiming process.

Common causes of taxi accidents

Many factors can lead to a taxi accident. Some can be preventable and involve negligence from the taxi driver, while others are beyond their control.

Speeding

Excessive speed is the leading cause of road accidents. A taxi driver might be rushing to pick up new customers or just be generally reckless. Unfortunately, that also puts you in danger and might aggravate your injuries in case of an accident. Another driver who was speeding might also be the culprit.

Distracted driving

The use of electronic devices while driving can be very dangerous. Many taxi drivers use phones or tablets to schedule their next fare or take care of personal business. Eating, drinking, fiddling with the music or using the GPS are other distractions that could lead to a road accident.

Violating traffic laws

Running red lights, ignoring speed limits, priorities, or other warning signs can be very risky, especially if there’s a lot of traffic. Taxi drivers may make unsafe lane changes in an effort to get through traffic, which can result in collisions.

Intoxication

Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs reduces reaction time and concentration and makes drivers more likely to engage in reckless behaviour. Although a cab driver will rarely work under the influence, some other intoxicated driver might cause an accident and put your life at risk.

Fatigue

It’s common for taxi drivers to work long hours without resting. Drowsy driving reduces attention, reaction time and other driving skills similar to being intoxicated. This can be particularly dangerous during the night and when driving on busy streets and motorways.

Maintenance

Taxi companies have a duty of care to inspect and maintain the safety of their taxis at all times. Taxi drivers should refuse to use a car that is not up to scratch, but this might mean losing their job. A brake failure, steering malfunction or a tyre blowout may cause the driver to lose control of the car and crash.

Bad weather

Weather conditions have a significant impact on traffic and driving. A cab driver cannot afford to stay at home if there’s heavy rain, snow or other conditions that might affect visibility or cause the car to spin out of control. But they should take extra care to ensure they compensate for weather conditions to avoid causing an accident.

How much compensation can I claim for a taxi accident?

The amount of taxi accident compensation you might receive after your accident depends on the specifics of the case. The award amount goes hand in hand with the extent of your injuries and the financial losses you incurred as a result. It is also possible to claim compensation if the accident aggravated a pre-existing condition or injury.

Usually, you should be able to claim compensation for:

General damages

General damages or non-pecuniary losses cannot be mathematically assessed and are awarded for pain, suffering and loss of amenity. Some common examples include:

• physical or emotional pain and suffering
• loss of companionship
• disfigurement
• loss of life quality
• inability to pursue a hobby
• impacts on social life
• loss of enjoyment
• loss of prospects
• care and support needs

Special damages

The award for special damages is more straightforward and means to cover your financial losses and expenses related to the accident. In any case, the rule of mitigation requires you to take reasonable steps to minimise the expenses and losses. This will be taken into consideration before calculating your compensation.

You can claim the following special damages:

• loss of present and future earnings
• medication and treatment costs
• travel expenses to and from medical appointments
• physiotherapy
• cost of adaptations to your home or vehicle
• cost of vehicle repairs
• loss of irreplaceable items

The Judicial College sets out the compensation amounts for injuries commonly associated with taxi accidents. According to their guidelines, you could get:

• £36,390 to £151,070 for severe back injuries, with the maximum award if there’s been nerve or spinal cord damage
• £7,410 to £36,120 for moderate neck injuries that could cause pain and stiffness
• £40,410 to £205,580 for moderate brain injuries that might have impacted your senses or intellectual abilities
• £31,250 to £43,710 for serious leg injuries with permanent symptoms
• £5,280 to £15,300 for simple arm fractures

An experienced solicitor can give you a better understanding of your taxi accident compensation award based on your unique situation. To find out what you could receive in a taxi accident claim, call the free number 0800 678 1410 or leave your details to get a call back, with no further obligations.

How long does a taxi injury claim take?

How long your claim will take depends on the unique circumstance of your accident and the injuries that were inflicted upon you. It’s hard to make a precise prediction, but in simple, straightforward cases, your claim could resolve within 2 to 6 months.

Your solicitor could also arrange for you to get interim payments in an agreement with the responsible party, provided that they accept liability. They can help cover your lost earnings, so you can afford to pay for the medical care and support your recovery.

Some factors that influence the duration of the claiming process are:

• Type and severity of your injuries. In the case of multiple injuries, it might be harder to calculate a suitable compensation award.
• The circumstances of the accident. If you were the victim of a hit and run accident where the driver’s identity is unknown, and you have to claim through the Motor Insurer’s Bureau, the legal process is more complicated and might take longer.
• Whether the defendant accepts liability or not. If they deny responsibility for the accident, it might take longer to prove their guilt.
• The amount of evidence you can gather and how long it takes you to prepare your case.
• Your recovery prospects. In the case of head and brain injuries, where it is hard to make a recovery prognosis, the claim might take significantly longer.
• The date you start your claim. Although you have up to three years to make a claim, it’s always advisable to start as soon as possible. This way, all the accident details are still fresh, and witnesses are more likely to provide statements, speeding up the process.
• The general damages you incurred. It’s hard to calculate a sensible compensation amount for general damages, so this might increase the process duration.

To secure a fast and successful claim, you should get in touch with a solicitor as soon as possible. They will consider all the damages you suffered because of the accident and will be able to give you an estimate of how soon your claim could settle.

Can I still claim if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt in a taxi accident?

Taxi drivers have to take countless strangers into their cab and sometimes give them a ride to remote, dangerous locations. In order to protect them from getting mugged or attacked, the law doesn’t require that they wear a seatbelt, which could be used to hold them in their seat.

Therefore, you are entitled to make a taxi driver accident claim even if you weren’t wearing your seatbelt, and this should not influence the compensation award.

Passengers, however, are required by law to wear a seatbelt when travelling in a taxi. Regardless, you can make a taxi passenger accident claim even if you were not wearing your seatbelt at the time of the collision, seeing that the accident was not your fault.

However, because wearing a seatbelt is mandatory, you might be awarded reduced compensation due to shared liability. In some cases, a medical expert might argue that a seatbelt would have made no difference towards your injuries, and your taxi accident compensation amount might not get reduced.

What should you do if you’re involved in a taxi accident?

It’s never easy when you fall victim to a road accident. Even if your injuries were minor, the emotional trauma might be long-lasting. Post-traumatic stress is frequent after a traffic accident, and you might need counselling. This can affect your life quality, and you might be very anxious about riding a vehicle again.

If you are involved in a brutal car crash, you might be left with a permanent disability. You might never be able to work again and may need to give up a hobby or other pleasurable activities. Sometimes accidents can even be fatal.

A taxi accident claim cannot compensate for all you endured but can provide the financial support you need to get through such a difficult period.

To build a strong case, there are some steps you should follow if you are the victim of a taxi accident.

The first thing you should do is a check over to assess your injuries. If you or somebody else are badly hurt, calling an ambulance should have priority over everything else.

When feasible, you should try to collect as much proof as you can at the site of the accident. Immediately after, you should:

• take photos of the scene of the accident
• take pictures of your injuries
• get contact details of any witnesses
• ask for the contact details of the taxi driver and the taxi company
• get the details of other road users involved in the accident
• get the registration plate of any vehicles involved in the crash
• if the accident was due to road defects like potholes or spillages, make sure to get that on camera
• check if there could be any CCTV or dashcam footage of the accident

Even if you think you didn’t get hurt, you should get examined by a doctor as soon as possible. You might be too shocked to appreciate the severity of your injuries, or your symptoms could worsen in time.

The compensation you could receive depends on the extent of your injuries and their impact on your daily life. Make sure you get the compensation award you deserve by supporting your claim with:

• receipts of your medical expenses
• transportation costs to and from medical appointments
• photographs of your recovery process
• medical records
• proof of lost earnings
• adaptation costs to your home or vehicle
• if a family member or a friend dedicated their time to take care of you, make sure to include that in your claim

By collecting strong proof at the site of the accident and keeping an undeniable record of your medical expenses, you should be able to secure a powerful compensation claim.

Claiming for an accident involving an Uber driver

Like other private hire companies, app-based taxi firms like Uber must take out Private Hire Vehicle Insurance to cover any injuries suffered by the driver or the passengers in the case of an accident.

Uber is nowadays available in most parts of the UK, and it continues to gain popularity due to being surprisingly inexpensive compared to regular taxi fares. As a result, even accidents involving Uber drivers became more frequent.

You can make an Uber accident claim in the following situations:

• you were a passenger in an Uber taxi, and the driver acted negligently, causing an accident
• your Uber driver was driving carefully, but another vehicle crashed into you
• you were driving your car, and an Uber crashed into you
• an Uber hit you while walking or crossing the street

The list is not comprehensive, but these are the most common scenarios that lead to an Uber accident claim.

If you were in any way involved in an accident with an Uber, you might still be entitled to claim compensation. Find out if you can make a claim by calling 0800 678 1410 for a free consultation with a legal adviser. Alternatively, enter your details to request a call back.

How long do I have to make a taxi injury claim?

The general rule is that you are entitled to start a claim within three years from the day of an accident. However, some circumstances can impact the limitation date:

If the trauma becomes apparent later, like in the case of whiplash, for example, the three-year countdown may begin from the date you were diagnosed.

When claiming on behalf of children, the limitation date is when they turn 18. Afterwards, they have another three years to claim in their own name.

If a victim doesn’t have the mental ability to claim on their own, due to a previous condition or following the accident, a close family member or friend can claim for them at any time.

In the case of fatal accidents, the family of the deceased can make a claim within three years from the day they died.

There could be other details that might influence the limitation date. Nonetheless, it’s always better to get started with your claim as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about the time limit for claiming compensation, you can call 0800 678 1410 for a free consultation with a legal adviser. Alternatively, enter your details into our online claim form to request a call back.