By Danielle Graves. Last Updated 29th June 2023. Welcome to our taxi accident claims guide. In the UK there are over 280,000 taxis, and 23,000 of these taxes are black cabs operating in London. Black cabs operate on a system whereby passengers can hail them but other taxi companies require telephone or internet bookings. These are known as minicabs. Both minicabs and black cabs must be covered by taxi passenger insurance, so if you have been involved in an accident and suffered an injury then you can make a claim against the taxi company.
As a passenger, you may have had an accident in a taxi because the driver themselves or another third-party vehicle caused a collision. As long as the accident was not caused by you, you may be eligible to make taxi accident claims.
As a taxi driver, you may also have suffered an injury, perhaps due to an accident that was not your fault or as a result of a violent attack from a customer or a robbery. Taxi drivers can find themselves in vulnerable positions on a daily basis, particularly if they are working very early, very late or in areas known to be dangerous.
If you are interested in making a taxi accident claim and are seeking a taxi accident solicitor then look no further than Legal Helpline. We are a claims management company and have a team dedicated to seeking compensation for victims who have been involved in an accident that was not their fault. For further information please call us on 0333 000 0729 and we will be able to advise you further about how to begin your claim.
Taxi accident claims
Select a section
- Who can claim for taxi accident compensation?
- Taxi Accident Statistics
- Types of Taxi Accident Compensation Claims we can help with
- Taxi driver injury at work – could I claim?
- I was knocked down by a taxi – How do I claim?
- Who will my taxi injury claim be against?
- Passenger In A Car Accident Claim – How Does It Work?
- Car Accident Compensation – Can I Claim With A No Win No Fee Lawyer?
- How much compensation for an accident involving a taxi?
- Why make a taxi accident claim with Legal Helpline?
- Start a taxi accident claim today with us
- Useful links
Who can claim for taxi accident compensation?
Taxi accident compensation can be claimed by a number of people. The impact of a taxi accident can be wide-ranging. It basically covers anybody who was involved in the accident as long as it was not their fault. This can include the taxi driver if it was not their fault, the taxi passenger, other road users, pedestrians and even those who were not directly involved in the accident.
Unfortunately, some people will be claiming on behalf of victims who have died as a result of the accident. This includes loved ones and even parents of children who have been killed in accidents involving taxis. Where somebody is claiming on the behalf of a deceased victim, they may be able to claim costs such as bereavement damages, funeral costs and financial losses suffered as a result of the death of a loved one.
Taxi Accident Claims – What Evidence Do I Need?
As we have explained, people injured in a taxi accident caused by another driver or motorcyclist’s negligence could make a claim against the negligent party.
As a claim can only be successfully made by proving that the other party was negligent and caused your injury, this is the evidence you could collect to help you make your claim:
- CCTV, or similar recordings such as dashcam footage
- Pictures taken at the scene of the accident
- Contact details of witnesses to the accident.
Any evidence that can show they were driving recklessly or in a way that is not in accordance with the Road Traffic Act 1988 and The Highway Code will be helpful. Car accident claims can also rely on fault indicators so if possible take down notes of where the accident has taken place and pictures of the sites of damage.
We also recommend you collect evidence of the injury you have suffered and its effects. This can come in the form of:
- A medical report of your injury
- Records (such as receipts) that support the amount you are claiming in financial losses for care and treatment
Please speak to an adviser for more information about taxi accident claims.
Taxi Accident Statistics
In November 2020, the Department for Transport released their latest figures on the rates of accidents involving private hire vehicles.
There were a total of 298,800 taxis and private hire vehicles on England’s roads. This is a record high since statistics were first collected in 2005. Of this statistic, over 77% are categorised as private hire vehicles, with their popularity on the rise compared to taxis.
Taxi drivers obviously drive for a living. According to the Health and Safety Executive, more than half of all road traffic accidents could involve somebody who is driving for work, putting taxi drivers at high risk of being involved in an accident. Looking at these statistics, there is no wonder that taxi drivers commonly become involved in accidents.
Types of Taxi Accident Compensation Claims we can help with
The most common types of taxi accident claims are made by those including:
- Passengers who have been injured as a result of negligent driving by the taxi driver
- Taxi drivers if they have been involved in an accident which was not their fault or if the company has provided them with a defective vehicle
- Pedestrians who have been harmed by a taxi driver. This list is not exhaustive and Legal Helpline would be happy to hear from you if you have been involved in any type of taxi accident that was not your fault.
Taxi driver injury at work – could I claim?
As with any injury at work, if you are injured whilst driving your taxi then you may be eligible to make a claim. There are a number of different scenarios in which you could claim compensation. The unfortunate reality is that taxi drivers can be subjected to violence by their passengers. This is particularly true if you are working late and taking very drunk and aggressive passengers home from a night out.
Other causes of injury can include faulty vehicles which have not been properly maintained by the taxi company and being forced to work for too long by your employer. If as a taxi driver you are asked to work very long hours you may be involved in an accident due to the fact that you are exhausted and have lost the concentration necessary to drive. As long as you are not liable, you will probably have a claim.
I was knocked down by a taxi – How do I claim?
For victims knocked down by a taxi, through no fault of their own, they could be able to make taxi accident claims. There are a number of things you should do following your accident to ensure the greatest possible chance of success in your compensation claim.
Firstly, we would advise seeking legal consultation. This is where we can help. As soon as you contact Legal Helpline we will ask you some questions to find out more details about exactly what happened before, during and after the accident. We will want to know where you were when the accident happened, what time it was and in what ways you were injured. It is helpful if you can tell us how you were helped following the accident and after medical examination whether you are expected to suffer any long-term health problems or sustained loss of earnings as a result of the accident.
Once we have clear answers to these questions we can begin to advise you on some realistic expectations for your claim.
Who will my taxi injury claim be against?
If you are involved in an accident in a taxi and are injured as a result, the crucial thing is to work out who is to blame. Deciding liability in taxi accident claims is not always straightforward. However, there are some circumstances where it is clear that the driver of the taxi or minicab is at fault. Reasons for an accident caused by the driver include:
- Loss of concentration whilst driving,
- Using a mobile phone illegally,
- Driving over the speed limit,
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Other times it is evident that the blame lies with the taxi company rather than the driver. Reasons that the company rather than the driver may be responsible include:
- A car which is not fit for purpose due to the fact that it has not been properly maintained,
- Failing to ensure the driver properly,
- Neglecting to comply with relevant legal requirements,
- Failing to do background checks on new drivers.
It is also possible to bring claims of compensation against a third party after you have been injured in a taxi accident. Indications that a third party will be to blame include:
- If a separate vehicle causes a crash that involves the taxi that you are travelling in,
- If your taxi has been forced to swerve to avoid the negligent actions of another driver,
- If your taxi has collided with an obstruction in the road that has been left there negligently.
Passenger In A Car Accident Claim – How Does It Work?
As previously discussed, if there are multiple people injured in the same accident, every injured party will need to make their own personal injury claim. The value of the passenger in a car accident claim may determine how it is made.
Whiplash Reforms
If you suffer a minor injury valued at £5,000 or less, such as whiplash, as a passenger in a car accident your claim could be made through the Whiplash Reform Programme. This also applies to drivers. This is due to the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021 and applies to injuries suffered on or after 31st May 2021.
If you are 18 or over, you will claim through the Official Injury Claims Portal and be awarded compensation based on the tariff set out in the Regulations. However, if your injury is valued above £5,000, the value will be assigned based on the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG), which we examine in the next section.
The Personal Injury Claims Process
If your injuries are valued at over £5,000 and you would like to claim, you could do so in the traditional manner. This will likely involve:
- A claim valuation.
- The Letter of Claim being sent to the faulting party.
- A response from the defendant; this could be to accept, reject or negotiate.
- Your response. For example, accepting the offer.
If you have any questions about the claiming process, call our advisors. They’re available with free legal advice. In addition, they can estimate the value of your claim to ensure that you claim in the correct manner. Once your claim has been settled, it cannot be reopened. Therefore, it is vital that all injuries are accounted for.
Car Accident Compensation – Can I Claim With A No Win No Fee Lawyer?
If you’ve been in a car accident, a compensation claim may be possible. You’ll need to take certain steps such as gathering evidence and establishing negligence. You may find these steps easier if you hire a solicitor. If you work with a No Win No Fee lawyer, this could also benefit you if you are concerned about the financial risk of hiring a solicitor.
When working under a No Win No Fee agreement, your lawyer takes a legally capped percentage of your settlement if you are successful. Should your claim fail, you do not your solicitor. You will also not typically be expected to pay any upfront fees.
If you have any further questions about car accident claims, our advisors are always available to answer any questions you may have. Get in touch today for more information.
How much compensation for an accident involving a taxi?
If you have had an accident in a taxi, as long as the accident was not your fault, you may be eligible to claim compensation. The amount you can claim is dependent on the severity of the injuries you have suffered and the out of pocket expenses you have incurred. Legal Helpline can talk to you about what you may be entitled to claim but here is a rough guide based on previous compensation claims.
| Injury | Compensation award | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
| Very severe brain injuries | £282,010 to £403,990 | Little responsiveness, language loss and complete incontenence. |
| Moderately severe brain damage | £219,070 to £282,010 | Improving brain damage which causes paralysis |
| Moderate brain damage | Up to £219,070 | Award dependent on the effects on memory, senses and ability to concentrate |
| Less severe brain damage | £15,320 to £43,060 | Good recovery made |
| Minor Brain Damage or head injury | £2,210 to £12,770 | Minimal brain damage |
| Severe back injury (i) | £91,090 to £160,980 | Depends on long term damage |
| Moderate back injury (i) | £27,760 to £38,780 | Award dependent on pain and level of damage |
| Severe neck injury (i) | Up to the region of £148,330 | Severe break, ongoing pain and side effects |
| Moderate neck injury (i) | £24,990 to £38,490 | Awarded for neck damage and loss of motor function |
| Whiplash Tariff | £4,345 | The claimant will suffer the symptoms from whiplash and a minor psychological injury for 18-24 months. |
| Whiplash Tariff | £4,215 | The claimant will suffer from the symptoms of whiplash for 18-24 months. |
It’s hard to establish exactly how much compensation you will be entitled to without knowing the specific details of your case but these figures give some rough guidelines to help you understand what to expect.
Examples Of Special Damages For Taxi Accident Claims
Compensation settlements for successful taxi accident claims may also include special damages. Special damages compensate for any expenses incurred by your injuries.
Examples of expenses you could be compensated for include:
- Your out-of-pocket medical costs, such as prescriptions and therapy.
- A loss of earnings if you spent time off work to recover from your injuries.
- Any required home adaptations, such as a ramp to help cope with your injuries.
- Travel costs. For example, if you need to take a taxi to a medical appointment.
To claim under special damages, you should submit evidence of your expenses. For example, with receipts and bank statements.
If you would like a free valuation of your taxi passenger accident claim, please contact one of the advisors from our team.
Why make a taxi accident claim with Legal Helpline?
Here at Legal Helpline, we do everything we can to make your compensation claim as quick and efficient as possible. Following a free no-obligation consultation, we can then offer you a No win No fee service. Our friendly and experienced team will do everything they can to maximize your compensation payout. We are also contactable 24 hours a day. We have received fantastic feedback from our previous clients and have a great reputation within the industry. We guarantee dedication to your claim.
Taxi Accident Claims FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding taxi accident claims to conclude our guide.
Can you sue a taxi company?
If you’ve been injured in a taxi accident that wasn’t your fault, you should be able to claim against the failings of those responsible. However, private hire taxi companies and black cab companies have varying policies in place. With this in mind, we advise you to seek help from the experts. Please contact us today at Legal Helpline to see how our panel of personal injury lawyers could help you get the payout you deserve.
How long do you have to put a claim in after an accident?
Personal injury claims such as taxi accident claims must be made within 3 years of the accident date or the date that subsequent suffering was realised. However, exclusions apply to those under 18 or without the mental capacity to claim for themselves. In some cases, victims can appoint a litigation friend to claim on their behalf. Alternatively, the time limit is paused until they are able to claim for themselves.
Who is at fault in a roundabout accident?
The circumstances of each case need to be assessed before this can be decided. However, it’s the responsibility of the driver approaching the roundabout to give way to those already on the roundabout. If they do not, and they cause an accident as a result, this could be an example of negligence.
Similarly, it could be that the driver on the roundabout was in the wrong lane and caused an accident involving another car on the roundabout. This could also be negligence.
If you want to find out if you could make a claim for your roundabout accident, get in touch with our advisors today.
Start a taxi accident claim today with us
Contact us today so that we can help you to win the compensation you deserve following your taxi accident injury. Our free phone number is 0333 000 0729, you can email us at [email protected] or use our contact form on the website and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Useful links
If you were in a car that has been involved in an accident with a taxi this page gives detailed advice on claiming compensation for a car accident.
Whiplash is an extremely common injury in taxi accidents and this page provides specific information on whiplash compensation claims.
HSE have produced guidance and information about health and safety in the transport industry.
Private hire government statistics
This page is the government’s information on private hire industry statistics.
Claiming Through The Motor Insurers’ Bureau
You may have to claim through the MIB if there are issues with insurance or something similar. Read this guide for more information.
Another of our transport claim guides.
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