Taxi Accident Claims

How to Claim Compensation for a Taxi Accident

If you were a passenger, driver or another road user during a taxi accident our lawyers might be able to claim compensation for your injuries.

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Table of Contents

Introduction to Taxi Accident Claims

If you were a passenger, driver or another road user during an accident that involved a taxi, you might be able to claim compensation for your injuries.

A record 289,400taxis and private hire vehicles were licensed to operate in England in 2023. Thanks to the popularity of ride-hailing apps like Uber, that number is increasing by roughly 10-11% each year.

When you consider the growth in the number of taxis, and the number of hours that each driver is on the road, it’s no surprise that taxi accidents are common.

Among all English cities, London has the highest concentration of taxis and reports the most accidents. Between 2017 and 2019, London-based taxis and PHVs were involved in an average of 1,200 minor accidents, 54 serious accidents and 2 fatal accidents each year. That equates to an accident rate of 9 incidents per 1,000 licenced drivers — twice that of regular car drivers.

If you have been injured in a taxi accident, you may be entitled to make a compensation claim against the driver at fault.

What are the common causes of taxi accidents?

Taxi accidents can occur for various reasons, including:

  • Driver error – just like any other vehicle on the road, taxis are susceptible to car accidents caused by human error, such as speeding or distracted driving.
  • Fatigue – taxi drivers are experienced road users, but they often work long hours and may suffer from fatigue while on the road. Tiredness increases their chances of being involved in an accident.
  • Poor vehicle maintenance – taxis are constantly on the road and therefore require regular maintenance to ensure they are safe for passengers. If a taxi is poorly maintained, it can lead to accidents.
  • Road conditions – taxis often have to navigate busy urban areas and may be involved in accidents due to poor road conditions, such as potholes or construction.
  • Other road users – taxi accidents can also be caused by other drivers on the road who may not see or yield to taxis, leading to collisions.

Who can claim for taxi accidents?

Pedestrians, cyclists and other road users

If you were involved in an accident as a cyclist, pedestrian or the driver or passenger of another vehicle, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.

As with all road traffic incidents, your solicitor will need to show that the taxi driver was at fault and that your injury was a direct result of their negligence. Taxis must observe the rules of the road like any other vehicle. This includes driving at an appropriate speed and following the provisions of the Highway Code.

If the driver failed to adhere to these rules and caused your accident, you may have a strong case for compensation.

Passengers in the taxi

If you were injured whilst travelling in a taxi or PHV, you could be eligible to make a compensation claim. Examples include:

  • The driver was texting, resulting in an accident.
  • The driver set off before you had fully exited the car.
  • The driver braked sharply, causing you to fall out of your seat.
  • The driver was paying more attention to their GPS than the road, resulting in a collision.

The claim will be different depending on who caused the accident. If another driver is at fault, then your claim would be made against the other driver’s insurance.

If the driver of the taxi is at fault, then you would pursue a claim against the driver and/or the taxi firm that they work for. Taxi drivers are responsible for their passenger’s safety and must take reasonable care to prevent accidents from happening. If they fail to do so and cause an injury, you may have grounds for a compensation claim.

Your solicitor will review the circumstances of the accident and determine who is liable for your injuries and who you should make the claim against.

Taxi drivers

For taxi drivers who rely on their vehicle for income, being involved in an accident can have severe financial consequences. It’s understandable that you will want to be compensated for any damages to your vehicle and loss of earnings while you recover.

If you were driving the taxi at the time of the accident and were not at fault, then you could make a claim against the driver who caused the accident. Bringing a claim can help ensure that your car is repaired and back on the road as quickly as possible, and you receive the medical treatment you need to recover from your injuries.

You can also claim for the earnings you lost while unable to work.

If you were at fault for the accident, then you may not be able to make a traditional claim for compensation. However, you may still be entitled to compensation under your employer’s insurance policy.

Taxi drivers are required to have insurance that covers both themselves and their passengers in case of an accident. It’s important to review your policy and speak with your insurer and a solicitor if you are unsure about the coverage and what your next steps should be after an accident.

Who do I make a taxi accident claim against?

Making a compensation claim after a taxi accident can be tricky as there are often several parties involved. Who you make the claim against depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. Some potential parties you may make a claim against include:

  • The taxi driver.
  • The company that employed the taxi driver.
  • Other drivers involved in the accident.
  • The local council responsible for maintenance of the road, if it was a defective road that caused the accident.

Regardless of who the defendant is, in most cases, it will be an insurance company that handles the compensation claim.

You do not have to worry about figuring out who is at fault or going up against a large insurance company. Our experiencedpersonal injury solicitors are used to dealing with insurers and challenging them when necessary.

With our expertise, you can focus on your recovery, confident that we’re advocating on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome for your claim.

How much compensation could I get for a taxi accident?

There is no set amount of compensation for a taxi accident. Each claim is unique and depends on the specific circumstances of the accident and resulting injuries. Your solicitor will consider several factors when determining the value of your claim, including:

  • The type injuries and how serious they are
  • How long it will take you to recover
  • Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs e.g. physiotherapy
  • The cost of vehicle repairs
  • The value of your vehicle if it has been written-off
  • Loss of earnings
  • Future financial losses, such as ongoing medical treatment or loss of future earning potential
  • Other expenses, such as transportation costs or car adaptations if they are needed to help you remain mobile

A good solicitor with experience in taxi accident claims will value your claim accurately and ensure you receive all the compensation you’re entitled to.

As part of this process, you may be asked to attend an independent medical assessment. The medical specialist will examine your injuries and give their opinion on how long it will take you to recover and how long you may be unable to work. Their report will be used as evidence in your claim and help determine the compensation amount.

Can I make a claim as a passenger in the taxi if I was not wearing a seatbelt?

It is recommended to always wear a seatbelt when travelling in a taxi or Uber as injuries sustained in an accident can be more severe if you are not buckled up.

However, not wearing a seatbelt does not automatically disqualify you from making a claim as a passenger in a taxi.

In many cases, you will still be able to make a claim, but the amount of compensation that you receive may be reduced by a certain percentage reflecting the contribution your own actions had to the outcome of the accident.

What is the process for making a taxi accident claim?

Taxi accident claims can be more complicated than other road accident claims due to the number of different parties involved—the taxi driver, the taxi company, other road users, and their respective insurance companies. Your solicitor will explain the process in plain language and guide you through each step. Generally, the process will include:

  1. Gathering evidence – this can include photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damage, CCTV footage, witness statements, medical reports and police reports. Evidence is needed to help your solicitor understand who was at fault and build a strong case for your compensation claim.
  2. Arranging medical care – your solicitor will arrange for you to have a medical assessment so they can determine the long-term impact of your injuries and what care and treatment you may need. Our priority is ensuring you get the best possible rehabilitation after the accident. Where liability is accepted, we can often arrange for early interim payments to help to cover the costs of your rehabilitation before the final settlement.
  3. Negotiate a settlement – once your solicitor has valued your claim, they will begin negotiating for a fair compensation settlement on your behalf. Most cases settle out of court, but if the defendant denies responsibility or rejects the settlement amount, then court proceedings will begin.
  4. Receiving your compensation – once a settlement has been agreed upon or awarded by the court, you will receive your compensation minus the solicitor’s success fee, which will be deducted from the compensation amount to cover the work they have done on your claim.

Is there a time limit for making a taxi accident claim?

The sooner you instruct a solicitor the better. In most cases, you have up to three years from the date of the accident to make a claim. However, it’s always best to begin the process as soon as possible while evidence is still fresh and witnesses can be easily contacted.

Accidents involving children and vulnerable people who do not have the capacity to manage their own affairs are subject to different time limits. A solicitor can advise you on the specific time limit for your claim.

Why choose Osbornes Law for your taxi accident claim?

At Osbornes Law, we have a dedicated team of personal injury lawyers with extensive experience in handling taxi accident claims. Our compassionate approach means we prioritise your well-being. We will support you throughout the entire process, taking care of all legal aspects so you can focus on getting back on your feet and back on the road.

We handle the vast majority of taxi accident cases on a no win, no fee basis. This means you can start your claim without worrying about upfront costs or financial risk.

We also offer a free initial consultation where we can assess your case and provide you with expert legal advice on the best course of action for your specific situation. Contact us today to see how we can help you get the compensation you deserve after a taxi accident.

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