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Involved in a taxi accident?
If you’ve been injured in a taxi accident, our injury lawyers can help you claim the compensation you deserve on a no win no fee basis.
We are a claims management company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Taxi Accident Claims
Anyone injured in a taxi accident, whether a driver, passenger or pedestrian, may be able to make a taxi accident claim if another party was responsible for their injuries.
There are over 70,000 registered taxis operating in the UK, and with busier roads, the risk of being injured in a taxi accident continues to rise. These accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor soft tissue damage to severe, life-changing brain trauma.
Whatever the circumstances of your accident, a specialist personal injury lawyer can assess whether you have a valid taxi injury claim and guide you through the claims process.
To get started, call free on 0800 470 0474 or use our online claim form to request 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.
Key points about taxi accident claims
- Can I claim?
You may be able to claim if you were injured while travelling in a taxi or minicab that was involved in an accident. - Who is responsible?
The taxi driver, another driver, or the taxi company may be liable depending on who caused the accident. - How long do I have?
Taxi accident claims must usually be made within 3 years of the accident date, although there are exceptions, such as if a child is injured. - How much compensation can I claim?
This depends on the type of injury, medical costs, and any lost income or disruption. - Will I have to pay legal fees?
Your solicitor will provide a no win, no fee service – so if they don’t win your claim, you won’t pay a penny.
If you would like to speak to a legal adviser about making a claim, call free on 0800 470 0474 or click here to request a call back.
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Table of Contents
Am I eligible to make a taxi accident claim?
If you have suffered an injury in an accident involving a taxi, whether you were a passenger or a pedestrian hit by a cab, you may be able to claim compensation.
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.
The quickest way to determine if your case has merit is through a brief consultation with a personal lawyer.
You might also be entitled to claim on behalf of a loved one if they cannot handle their case. You could apply to 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.
Who could a taxi accident compensation claim be made against?
Based on the circumstances of your accident, you could claim compensation for a road accident involving a taxi from either of the following:
- The taxi driver, if they caused you an injury by driving carelessly or negligently.
- The taxi company, if it failed to properly maintain the vehicle or hire a competent and suitable driver.
- Another road user, such as a driver, cyclist or motorcycle rider, who has caused an accident by breaking the Road Traffic Act 1988.
- 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.
- 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 can make your 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.
Is there a time limit to claim compensation for a taxi accident?
As with all road traffic accident claims, there is a strict time limit of three years to start your claim for a taxi accident. There are several exceptions to the 3-year claim limitation date:
- If a child was involved in a taxi accident, a parent or guardian can initiate a child injury claim on their behalf at any time before their 18th birthday.
- If the claimant has suffered severe injuries and cannot claim, the time limit is suspended. This rule also applies if the claimant suffers from a pre-existing condition, such as a mental health disease or intellectual disability.
- If a loved one has passed away due to a taxi accident, you have three years to make a fatal accident claim after the date of death.
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 months, and many injury solicitors will not take on claims that are too close to the time limit.
What is the process of making a taxi accident claim?
If you were injured in a taxi accident that was not your fault, making a compensation claim is usually straightforward with the help of a specialist personal injury solicitor. The taxi accident claim process typically follows these steps:
This is a free, no-obligation consultation with a legal adviser during which you will be asked how the accident happened and what injuries you suffered. You can also ask any questions you may have, 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 they take on your case, your solicitor will begin collecting evidence to support your claim, which may include:
- Medical records and independent medical reports.
- Photographs of the accident scene and injuries.
- Statements from witnesses and others involved in the accident.
- A copy of the police report, if you were involved in a hit-and-run or an accident with an uninsured driver.
- Your notes about how the accident has impacted your life.
- Proof of lost earnings and other financial losses.
As part of the claims process, you will attend an independent medical examination. The medical report will confirm:
- The nature and severity of your injuries.
- How long your recovery is likely to take.
- Whether you may suffer long-term effects.
This report plays a crucial role in calculating how much compensation you could receive.
After gathering all the relevant evidence and other details regarding your accident and injuries, your solicitor will submit a formal letter of claim to the responsible party. The defendant has:
- 21 days to acknowledge the claim.
- Up to 3 months to investigate and respond.
If liability is admitted, your solicitor will negotiate a taxi accident compensation amount on your behalf. In over 97% of cases, claims are settled without going to court.
If liability is denied or a fair settlement cannot be reached, court proceedings may be issued. However, going to court is rare in taxi passenger accident claims and other taxi accident cases.
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. Your solicitor may also be able to help you get early compensation payments, known as interim payments, while the case is ongoing.
How much compensation can I claim if I’m injured in a taxi accident?
How much compensation you may receive if your claim is successful will depend upon the level of injury and loss that you have suffered. Your solicitor will negotiate the highest settlement award for you that will cover two types of damages:
General damages take into account the physical injuries and their impact on your life and family. These include:
- Physical pain, suffering and disability.
- The impact of your injuries on your hobbies and daily life.
- Any emotional distress that you have incurred.
Special damages compensate you for all the financial losses and expenses you incurred because of your accident, such as:
- Loss of earnings and earning capacity.
- The cost of medicines, treatment and medical devices.
- Any damage or loss to personal possessions.
- Care and assistance during recovery or long-term.
The amount of compensation for general damages is awarded according to the guidelines offered by the Judicial College. For example, you could receive:
| Injury Type | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Whiplash injuries, with or without psychological injury | £275 to £4,975 |
| Severe arm injuries that cause permanent disability | £47,810 to £159,770 |
| Minor brain injuries with complete recovery | £2,690 to £15,580 |
| Very severe brain injuries with a need for full-time care | £344,150 to £493,000 |
| Moderate back injuries leading to ongoing pain and discomfort | £33,880 to £47,320 |
| Severe knee injuries that cause limited mobility and instability | £63,610 to £85,100 |
| Severe leg injuries leading to permanent mobility issues | £66,920 to £109,290 |
Can I make a taxi accident claim with a no win no fee solicitor?
If you have a valid personal injury claim following a car accident involving a taxi, you will benefit from a no win no fee service, 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.
- 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.
What are the most common causes of taxi accident claims?
Some of the most common causes of taxi accident claims include:
Accidents caused by your taxi driver
Taxi drivers owe passengers and other road users a duty of care. If your injuries were caused by negligent driving, you may be able to claim compensation from the taxi driver’s insurance or their employer. Common forms of taxi driver negligence include:
- Speeding – driving over the speed limit is one of the leading causes of severe collisions on the road.
- Distracted driving – eating, drinking, or using a mobile phone may cause the driver to fail to look properly or lose control of the car.
- Violating traffic laws – running red lights, ignoring road signs, tailgating, or unsafe overtaking are all dangerous behaviours that can easily lead to collisions.
- Driving under the influence – drugs and alcohol reduce attention, reaction time, concentration and judgement.
- Fatigue and drowsy driving – it can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence, as it reduces reflexes, attention and concentration. The law states that no driver can be behind the wheel for more than 9 hours a day and 56 hours per week.
Accidents caused by other drivers
One of the most frequent scenarios involves a taxi being hit by another vehicle. If you were injured as a passenger in a taxi, your claim would be made against the other driver’s insurer.
Common examples include:
- A car failing to give way.
- A driver running a red light.
- Rear-end collisions.
- Dangerous overtaking or lane changes.
Regardless of the circumstances of your accident, do not hesitate to get in touch with an experienced solicitor to find out if you are entitled to compensation.
Common injuries that may lead to a claim for a taxi accident
Taxi accidents can cause many different types of injuries, from minor cuts and lacerations to severe brain injuries and fatalities. You can make a claim for compensation for all kinds of injuries, but some of the most common ones that lead to taxi accident claims include:
These are among the most common types of injuries caused by taxi accidents. Although they may not require emergency treatment, it is still essential to have them properly diagnosed and recorded. Even minor injuries can worsen over time if left untreated.
Examples of minor taxi accident injuries include:
- Bruising and soft-tissue injuries.
- Laceration injuries.
- Muscle strains and sprains.
- Minor burns.
- Whiplash and neck strain.
Making a claim may still be worth it even if your injuries were minor, particularly if they caused pain, restricted movement or time off work.
Moderate injuries are more serious and may require ongoing treatment or short-term hospital care. Recovery can take several weeks or months, during which your ability to work and carry out everyday activities may be affected.
Common moderate injuries caused by taxi accidents include:
- Head injuries without permanent brain damage.
- Torn ligaments or muscle injuries.
- Joint dislocations.
- Slipped or herniated discs.
- Fractures to the arm, lower leg, or collarbone.
These injuries often result in higher compensation awards due to their impact on daily life and recovery time.
These can have life-changing consequences and usually require hospitalisation, surgery and a prolonged recovery period in which you may be unable to work or carry out your usual daily activities.
Examples of moderately severe injuries suffered in an accident involving a taxi include:
- Amputation injuries.
- Deep penetrating wounds.
- Fractures to the hip or pelvis.
- Multiple serious injuries.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) causing long-term disability.
- Neck or back fractures without spinal cord damage.
Claims involving these injuries typically attract substantial compensation due to long-term physical and emotional consequences.
Severe injuries often result in permanent disability and may require lifelong care and support. In some cases, injuries can be fatal if medical treatment is not provided quickly.
Serious taxi accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Severe damage to internal organs.
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis or loss of bodily function.
These claims usually result in the highest compensation awards due to ongoing care needs, loss of earnings, and reduced quality of life.
Unfortunately, fatalities are not uncommon in road accidents. On average, five people die every day on the road in the UK, leaving their loved ones in grief and potential financial difficulty. Compensation in these cases can help cover:
- Funeral expenses.
- Loss of financial dependency.
- Loss of services and support.
- Bereavement damages of £15,120.
For a free case assessment, call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back, and a friendly legal adviser will contact you shortly, with no obligation to proceed.
