New York Injury Lawyer Blog

At least seven people were injured when a cab crashed into a crowded Bronx bus stop while trying to avoid a van making an illegal U-turn, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The crash happened about 11 a.m. in the Kingsbridge section. The bus shelter was destroyed. At least six people were waiting for the BX9 Metropolitan Transit Authority Bus and several victims were pinned under the taxi and debris, according to police. A New York City injury lawyer experienced in handling claims involving multiple parties will need to thoroughly investigate this incident and determine the available means of recovery. The van owner, the taxi owner and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority may all be viable defendants to a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in this case. The presence of multiple victims and competing claims could also complicate matters.

Police report the Lincoln taxi was eastbound on West Kingsbridge Road when the driver of the van made a U-turn in front of the taxi. The taxi tried to swerve but collided with the van before mounting the curb and plowing into the metal-and-glass bus shelter.

Responding emergency crews transported seven people to the hospital by ambulance. And elderly man died in route to the hospital. One victim lost her foot and another man was hospitalized in critical condition. A 14-year-old girl was also listed in stable condition.

The 58-year-old driver of the van was cited for making an illegal U-turn as the accident investigation continues.

Continue reading "Fatal New York City traffic accident sends 7 to the hospital after taxi slams into bus shelter" »

New York City taxi cab accidents are most likely to occur at night, according to a gathering of industry officials that included an award for the city's most improved cab driver, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Authorities estimate that 1 in every 5 New York City car accidents -- or about 13,000 crashes a year -- involve taxi cabs. Most cab drivers make an average of more than two dozen trips during a 12-hour shift. Collectively, the industry's 100,000 cab drivers bring in more than $1 billion a year from an estimated 400 million riders.

That means more people ride in a New York City taxi cab each year than there are residents in the United States. Dozens of complaints are filed with the Taxi and Limousine Commission every day. Several media reports over the years have estimated that about three dozen riders are killed each year and thousands more are injured in New York City taxi crashes.

While the aggressive driving and antics of cab drivers has become legendary, passengers have the right to expect safe passage. A taxi cab is no different from any other type of business. When a customer is seriously injured or killed through the negligent or reckless behavior of a business owner or employee, the victim can and should consult a New York City injury lawyer about seeking compensation for their injuries.

The industry awards ceremony was held Thursday night and featured:

-A $500 award to a driver who went three years without an accident. He said night drivers were the most aggressive and congestion often prevented drivers from traveling very fast during the day, which reduced the risks of an accident.

-A group of drivers were recognized for going four years without an accident.

-An award was given to the friendliest driver.

-And an award went to the most improved driver, who had five accidents in 2005 and 2006 but has been accident free since.

Continue reading "New York City taxi cab accidents a common danger; industry celebrates accident-free drivers" »