Taxi Accident Claims

There are over 70,000 registered taxis in the UK, and with busier roads, the risk of being injured in a taxi accident continues to increase. Compensation claims following a taxi accident are usually relatively straightforward, especially if you are a passenger.

However, it is not just passengers that may suffer injuries as a result of these accidents. Perhaps you were a pedestrian that has been run over by a taxi driver, or a cyclist that has been knocked off your bike. You may also have been driving another vehicle involved in a collision with a taxi.

Whatever the circumstances of your accident, if somebody else was at fault, you may be entitled to claim taxi accident compensation for the injuries and losses you have suffered.

To find out if you have a valid taxi accident claim, contact a personal injury lawyer today for a case assessment by calling free on 0800 470 0474 or requesting a call back. You can find out within minutes if you may be eligible for compensation, as well as get answers to any questions you may have.

Your solicitor will provide a 100% no win no fee* service, so making a claim does not put you at any financial risk. If the solicitor is unable to win your case, you will not pay any fee.

Am I eligible to make a claim following a taxi accident?

If you have suffered an injury whilst you were travelling in a taxi, or you were a pedestrian hit by a cab, you may be eligible to make a taxi accident claim against the driver or the company they work for.

The quickest way to determine if your case has merit is through a brief consultation with a legal adviser. In general, a claim should be possible if you can prove that:

• Another party owed you a duty of care
• They breached their duty by acting negligently, causing a taxi accident
• You suffered an injury or multiple injuries due to the accident
• Your accident took place within the last three years

Based on the circumstances of your accident, you could claim taxi accident compensation from either of the following:

• The taxi driver, if they caused you an injury by driving carelessly or negligently.
• The taxi company if they failed to properly maintain the vehicle or conduct daily inspections of tires, oils, seatbelts and others required by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. They could also be held liable if they failed to hire a competent and suitable driver;
• Another road user, such as a driver, cyclist or motorcycle rider that has caused an accident by violating the traffic laws;
• The local council if your injuries were caused by poor road maintenance. Under The Highways Act 1980, the local authorities have a duty to regularly inspect all public roads and act promptly to repair any defects that may pose a threat to the health and safety of citizens;
• The Motor Insurer’s Bureau (MIB) if you were injured in a collision with an uninsured or unidentified driver. To claim through the MIB, you should report the accident to the police as soon as possible, usually within a couple of days. Otherwise, your taxi accident claim could be rejected;
• A car or auto parts manufacturer if your accident was due to a malfunction;
• Any other individual or entity that might have compromised your safety by acting negligently, such as a pet or livestock owner.

As a general rule, you are eligible to file a taxi accident compensation claim even if you were partially responsible for your injuries, such as if you were not wearing your seatbelt. In such circumstances, your compensation award could be reduced by a percentage that reflects your part of the blame.

You might also be entitled to claim on behalf of a loved one if they cannot handle their case. You could apply with the court to act as a litigation friend on behalf of a child under 18 or an adult who lacks the mental capacity to conduct legal proceedings. For legal advice, call free on 0800 470 0474 or enter your details into our claim form if you would prefer to receive a call back.

Common injuries suffered in taxi accidents

Road traffic accidents can cause many different types of injuries, from minor cuts and lacerations to severe brain injuries and fatalities. According to the annual 2020 report, there were an estimated 23,529 killed or severely injured casualties in Great Britain, a 22% decrease compared to the previous year, largely attributed to the four months of national lockdown due to the pandemic.

If you sustained any injury in a taxi accident, you might be entitled to compensation. Claims can be made for all types of injuries, but some of the most common ones that may lead to a taxi accident claim include:

Minor injuries are among the most common types of trauma suffered in a road traffic accident, and they do not typically require immediate medical care. However, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible to prevent complications and have your injuries recorded in your medical records to support your claim. Some examples of minor trauma include:

• Bruises
• Cuts and lacerations
• Strains
• Sprains
• Minor burns
• Whiplash

Moderate injuries aren’t considered life-changing and don’t usually need hospitalisation. They can typically be treated at the scene of the accident or at a minor injuries unit. The healing period for these types of injuries will usually be several weeks or a few months. These include:

• Deep lacerations
• Head injuries that do not involve brain damage
• Torn ligaments
• Muscle tears
• Joint dislocations
• Slipped discs
• Fractures of the arm, lower leg or collarbone

Moderate to severe injuries can have life-changing consequences and usually require hospitalisation and a prolonged recovery period in which you may be unable to work or carry out your usual daily activities. Some moderately severe injuries for which you could claim taxi accident compensation include:

• Amputations
• Deep penetrating wounds
• A fractured hip or pelvis
• Multiple injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder that causes long-term disability
• Fractures to the neck or back without spinal cord damage

Severe injuries usually cause some degree of permanent disability and may even be fatal if medical attention is not obtained swiftly. The injured person may require regular assistance from others, and could lose their earning capabilities. Such injuries will usually receive the maximum compensation awards in a taxi accident claim and include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Severe damage to internal organs
• Chest injuries causing breathing difficulties
• Damage to the spinal cord leading to paralysis or loss of bodily functions

Unfortunately, fatalities are not uncommon in road traffic accidents. On average, five people die every day on the road in the UK, leaving their loved ones in grief and potential financial difficulty. If you lost a loved one due to a taxi accident, a personal injury solicitor could also help you make a dependency claim for compensation.

What are the most common causes of taxi accidents?

When you are a passenger in a taxi, you have little control over your own safety besides wearing your seatbelt. However, you could claim taxi accident compensation even if you were not a passenger at the moment of the accident, but a pedestrian, another road user or even the taxi driver.

There are many potential accident scenarios involving taxis, with the most common including:

• Travelling in a taxi that was hit by another driver. If the collision was the fault of the other driver, you would be entitled to claim compensation for any injuries or losses you sustained because of their negligence.
• Your taxi driver caused the crash. If you were injured in a road traffic accident that was caused by the driver of the taxi you were travelling in, you would be entitled to claim compensation from the driver’s insurance company or their employer. Some accident causes that may involve negligence on the part of the taxi driver include:
  • Speeding is the leading cause of road traffic accidents and can lead to severe collisions. Taxi drivers must always stay within the speed limit and not put you at risk of injury. Otherwise, they might be liable to pay you compensation for a taxi accident claim.
  • Distracted driving refers to eating, drinking, using electronic devices or any other type of distraction while driving. This may cause drivers to fail to look properly or lose control of the car, which may lead to a taxi accident.
  • Violating traffic laws, such as running red lights, ignoring priorities, and other warning signs can be extremely dangerous, especially if there is a lot of traffic. Cab drivers may also engage in tailgating and overtaking in an effort to reach your destination quicker, which can result in collisions.
  • Driving under the influence reduces attention, reaction time, concentration and other relevant driving skills. In the UK, causing death by careless driving under the influence may lead to imprisonment, an unlimited fine or a ban from driving.
  • Fatigue and drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. This reduces reflexes, attention and concentration and may have devastating consequences. The law states that no driver can be behind the wheel for more than 9 hours a day and 56 hours per week.

As mentioned above, if you were not wearing a seatbelt, you will still be entitled to make a taxi accident claim against the responsible party. However, the amount of compensation that is awarded to you will reflect the level of injury that was suffered as a result of you not wearing the seatbelt, and your settlement may be reduced. This is known as contributory negligence.

All drivers in the UK are required to hold vehicle insurance that is appropriate for their driving purposes. That means that taxi drivers will have insurance that authorises them to transport passengers in exchange for fares and covers their business needs. If you have been the victim of a taxi accident, you will be entitled to claim from this insurance if your driver was at fault.

Regardless of the circumstances of your accident, a personal injury solicitor could help you pursue compensation. You can find out if you have a valid taxi accident compensation claim by calling free on 0800 470 0474. Or, if you prefer, enter your details here, and a friendly legal adviser will contact you shortly, with no obligation to proceed.

Are there time limits for making a taxi accident claim?

As with all personal injury claims, there is a strict time limit of three years to start a taxi accident claim. The three-year timescale begins from the date of the accident or from the date you became aware of your injuries. After this time passes, your case becomes statute-barred, and it will no longer be possible to issue legal proceedings.

There are, however, several exceptions to the three-year claim limitation date:

• If a child was involved in a taxi accident, the three-year time limit for claiming taxi accident compensation starts on their eighteenth birthday, although a parent or guardian can initiate the claim on behalf of the child at any time before this point.
• If the victim has lost their mental capacity due to a severe brain injury, the time limit to claim is suspended. This rule also applies if the claimant suffers from a pre-existing condition, such as a mental health disorder or intellectual disability.
• If a loved one has passed away due to a taxi accident, you have three years to claim compensation after the date of death.
• You could also file a taxi accident claim if you were injured outside the UK. In this case, the time limit may depend on the laws of the country you were in at the time and could be much shorter than three years.

If you suffered a traumatic taxi accident, claiming compensation might not be at the forefront of your mind. However, taxi accident compensation could give you the peace of mind and financial stability you need to focus on recovery and move on with your life.

Generally, seeking legal advice as soon as possible after your accident makes it easier for your solicitor to gather evidence to support your taxi accident claim. Building a strong case can take many months, and many injury solicitors will not take on claims that are too close to the time limit.

How much compensation will I receive?

The amount of taxi accident compensation that is awarded to you will depend upon the level of injury and loss that you have suffered. Your solicitor will negotiate the highest settlement award for you and will ensure that the following factors are considered:

• The extent of your injuries and pain
• Any loss of earnings that you have suffered
• The cost of any medicines, treatment and medical devices to help you recover
• Any travel expenses that you have incurred as part of your treatment needs or case requirements
• Any damage or loss to personal possessions
• The impact of your injuries on your hobbies and daily life
• Any emotional distress that you have incurred
• Your needs for care and assistance during recovery
• Potential future financial losses or restrictions to your future earnings

There are two different types of damages awarded for the above factors:

• General damages take into account the physical injuries and their impact on your life and family.
• Special damages compensate you for all the financial losses and expenses you incurred because of your accident.

The taxi accident compensation for general damages is awarded according to the guidelines offered by the Judicial College. Below you can see some examples of compensation for some of the most common injuries:

• £240 – £4,345 for whiplash, depending on how long it may take to heal
• £39,170 – £130,930 for an arm injury that causes permanent mobility issues and disability
• £1,880 – £10,890 for a minor brain injury with recovery within a few weeks
• £264,650 – £379,100 for a very severe brain injury leaving the victim dependent on others
• £22,130 – £30,910 for moderate back injuries causing some degree of disability
• £22,340 – £37,070 for a knee injury that causes chronic pain and ongoing discomfort
• £43,710 – £67,410 for a severe leg injury that causes permanent disability

For a free case assessment and to discuss your accident, contact an experienced personal injury solicitor today by calling 0800 470 0474 or request a call back. You will be provided with a no win no fee service, enabling you to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries without putting you at any financial risk.

What is the process of making a taxi accident claim?

If you sustained an injury in a taxi accident that you believed was caused by someone else’s negligence, the first thing you should do is contact a personal injury solicitor. They will offer you a free assessment to determine whether your circumstances allow you to file a taxi accident claim.

During this first step of a personal injury claim, you can also ask the legal adviser any questions you may have about the claims process, such as:

• How much compensation can I expect to receive?
• What is your success rate?
• Why should I hire you to claim taxi accident compensation?
• How will you keep me updated during the claim?

If your claim has merit, you will be paired with a solicitor who is right for your case, and they will offer their services on a no win no fee basis. This means there is no financial risk for you if you take legal action, and you do not have to pay a single penny to anyone if your claim is unsuccessful.

They will help you determine who might be liable for your injuries and gather all the evidence you need to secure compensation, as detailed below. This may include witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and proof of lost wages and other financial expenses.

An essential step in the claims process is the medical assessment of your injury or injuries. Besides your medical records and photos of any visible trauma, your solicitor will also arrange a free examination with an independent healthcare professional.

After gathering all the relevant evidence and other details regarding your accident and injuries, your solicitor will contact the other side and inform them of your intention to claim taxi accident compensation. You must do this within three years of the incident.

The defendant has 21 days to acknowledge your claim and another three months to investigate your accusations. If they admit responsibility for your injuries, your injury lawyer will begin to negotiate a settlement. Otherwise, you may need to argue your claim in court.

In the vast majority of cases (over 95%), the two parties manage to settle out of court. This offers several advantages for both claimants and defendants, such as being less expensive and having complete control over the outcome of the taxi accident claim.

Whether you settle or a judge finds the other side liable for your injuries, the last step of the claims process is receiving your compensation payment. Usually, a lump sum will be paid to you or a trust in your name, minus any deductions, such as the cost of the ATE insurance policy and any interim payment you might have already received.

What evidence will I need to support my claim?

Even if your solicitor believes you have a valid taxi accident claim, you still need to gather as much evidence as possible to support a legal case. In this regard, there are several steps you should take after a taxi accident to increase your chances of success. If possible, you should:

• Take photographs or a video of the accident scene before anything is moved, captured from every angle. That will help show how the events occurred and assign liability.
• Take photos of the injuries you sustained and any damage to your belongings. Afterwards, taking pictures of any visible trauma during the healing process would be helpful. This can help to show the extent of the injuries and how long they lasted.
• If you do not need an ambulance at the scene, visit the A&E department, your GP or a minor injuries unit as soon as possible. That will help ensure that your condition does not worsen and will serve as proof of the type and extent of injuries you sustained, the treatments you received and your recovery prospects.
• Get the contact details of anyone involved in the accident, such as the names and insurance details of any other drivers or road users.
• Ask for the names and contact details of any witnesses to the accident. Their statement might help prove that another party caused your injuries by acting recklessly or negligently.
• Report the accident to the police, especially if it was a hit-and-run or an accident with a driver without valid motor insurance. That will help you claim taxi accident compensation through the MIB.
• Keep notes of how the accident occurred, the injuries you sustained and how these affected your work and daily life.
• Keep track of all the financial losses and expenses you incurred since your accident, such as receipts, invoices and pay slips.

No matter how much evidence you have or if you want to file a taxi accident claim on behalf of a loved one and do not have all the details, your solicitor will help you gather everything you need to secure compensation.

Can taxi accident claims be made using no win no fee?

A free initial consultation will help your solicitor understand whether you might be eligible to make a taxi accident compensation claim. If you have a valid case with a fair chance of success, they will offer you a no win no fee agreement, which means that:

• You can start a taxi accident claim regardless of your financial situation and at no risk to you;
• You don’t have to pay any upfront costs;
• You will receive free support and advice throughout every step of the claims process;
• Your injury lawyer will understand precisely how much your claim is worth and will ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries and financial losses;
• They will take care of all the paperwork and will negotiate your settlement so you can focus on your recovery and loved ones;
• If you win compensation, you will pay a success fee of up to a maximum of 25% to your solicitor for the risk they took by offering you a conditional fee agreement;
• If your taxi accident compensation is unsuccessful, you won’t have to pay them anything.

As part of your agreement, your solicitor will also take out an After the Event (ATE) insurance policy on your behalf. The ATE is a legal expenses insurance that covers legal costs and disbursements if the claimant does not win compensation, such as the cost of the defendant’s solicitor and court fees.

As mentioned above, if you lose a no win no fee taxi accident claim, you will not incur any out-of-pocket expenses. You only have to pay anything if your case is successful, including your solicitor’s fees and the cost of the ATE premium.

To find out if you could claim compensation for the damages caused by your taxi accident, call 0800 470 0474 or enter your details to receive a call back. You will receive a free consultation with an experienced legal adviser and are under no obligation to proceed.