Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
Liability for a crash caused by a double-parked taxi depends on the details of the collision. In many cases, it’s possible for the taxi driver, another motorist, the taxi company, or other parties whose negligence contributed to the collision to be found liable.
However, the person or party you can hold responsible for the accident that left you injured will vary based on the circumstances surrounding the crash. For help understanding who is liable for the crash, contact a taxi accident lawyer in New York at Shulman & Hill ASAP.
Is Double Parking Illegal in New York?
New York has traffic laws that regulate where vehicles may stop, stand, or park. In many situations, double parking is prohibited because it interferes with traffic flow and creates unnecessary risks for other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
However, simply showing that a taxi was double-parked doesn’t automatically determine who is legally responsible for an accident. Investigators must examine all of the surrounding circumstances:
- Why the taxi stopped where it did
- Whether the taxi created an unreasonable hazard
- How other drivers responded
- Whether anyone violated additional traffic laws
- Whether the collision could have been avoided
Even when a taxi driver violated a traffic regulation, insurance companies may still argue that another driver bears some or all of the responsibility. That is one reason why accident victims often benefit from working with the New York car accident lawyers at Shulman & Hill who can conduct a thorough investigation.
Who May Be Liable for a Double-Parked Taxi Crash?
One of the biggest questions accident victims have is whether only the taxi driver can be held responsible. In reality, several different parties might share liability depending on the facts of the case.
Every accident is unique, so Shulman & Hill makes sure to identify the responsible parties. The process also requires attorneys to review all evidence, including witness statements, photographs, surveillance footage, vehicle damage, and police reports.
The Taxi Driver
The taxi driver may be liable if their decision to double park created an unsafe condition that directly contributed to the collision. For example, liability can arise if the driver engaged in any of the following behaviors:
- Stopped in a location where parking was prohibited
- Blocked traffic lanes without necessity
- Forced other vehicles into dangerous maneuvers
- Opened a vehicle door into traffic
- Failed to use reasonable care while loading or unloading passengers
The driver’s conduct before the collision often becomes one of the central issues during the insurance claim.
Another Driver
Sometimes another motorist bears responsibility even when a taxi was illegally stopped. For example, these are actions another driver could’ve taken:
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Distracted by a phone
- Driving aggressively
- Failing to maintain proper control
- Ignoring traffic signals
Insurance companies frequently argue that another driver’s actions were the primary cause of the collision rather than the double-parked taxi itself.
The Taxi Company
Depending on the driver’s employment relationship and other circumstances, the taxi company may also have legal responsibility. These situations can become especially complicated because these details can vary throughout the taxi industry in New York:
- Ownership of the vehicle
- Insurance coverage
- Business relationships
Shulman & Hill can determine whether the company may also be legally responsible for the driver’s actions or other contributing factors.
What Evidence Can Help Prove Liability?
The days immediately following an accident are often critical. Important evidence can disappear quickly, especially in a busy city where traffic moves constantly. This is what evidence that can help you establish liability often includes:
- Police accident reports
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera footage
- Security camera video
- Dash camera recordings
- Photos of the accident scene
- Vehicle damage
- Medical records
- Cell phone records when distraction is suspected
- Professional accident reconstruction analysis
Shulman & Hill can work to preserve this evidence before it is lost or destroyed.
What Compensation is Available?
Many injured victims are unsure what damages they may be entitled to recover after a serious crash. Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include financial losses as well as the personal impact the accident has had on everyday life.
Let’s take a look at potential damages in your case:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost income
- Reduced earning ability
- Physical pain
- Emotional suffering
- Permanent disability
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The amount available depends on the severity of the injuries, the available insurance coverage, and the facts surrounding the collision.
How No-Fault Insurance Affects Taxi Accident Claims
New York’s no-fault insurance system can create confusion after any motor vehicle accident, including crashes involving taxis. For more information about how the system works, see the New York Department of Financial Services’ consumer FAQs about no-fault insurance.
In the meantime, it helps to understand that injured victims often pursue certain benefits through no-fault insurance regardless of who caused the collision. These benefits can help you pay for your medical treatment and lost wages.
However, some injuries may allow an accident victim to pursue additional compensation through a personal injury claim against the responsible party. Shulman & Hill can determine whether an injury satisfies New York’s legal requirements when evaluating your case.
Contact Shulman & Hill Today to Figure Out Who Is Liable for a Crash Caused by a Double-Parked Taxi
At Shulman & Hill, we emphasize careful strategies, detailed investigations, and personalized representation. Founded in 2013, our law firm has served more than 26,000 clients. Together, our attorneys combine big-city litigation experience with local access to our clients.
We’re conveniently located in offices throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Long Island, so help is never far away. When you work with us, you won’t pay any upfront fees because personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis.
Our attorneys are committed to keeping you informed throughout every stage of the legal process while pursuing the compensation you deserve. New York, We Got You. Contact us today to discuss your circumstances and learn how we can help.