Taxi accident claims are personal injury claims that can be made by people injured because a taxi driver or another road user caused a road traffic accident. Being injured in a taxi accident can leave you dealing with painful injuries, disruption to your daily life and uncertainty about what to do next. Whether you were travelling as a passenger or were involved in a road traffic accident involving a taxi, recovering from the collision is often challenging enough without also having to worry about how to pursue compensation. If another road user was responsible for the accident, you may be able to claim taxi accident compensation.
Compensation can play an important role in helping people move forward after a taxi accident. A successful claim is intended to reflect the impact the accident has had on your injuries and everyday life, while helping you recover the financial losses linked to the collision. Establishing how the accident happened and gathering supporting evidence are important parts of building a successful claim.
At No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct, our advisors can connect you with a solicitor from our panel who can investigate how the taxi accident happened, obtain the evidence needed to support your claim and guide you through the claims process from start to finish. The solicitors on our panel provide their services on a No Win No Fee basis, making expert legal representation more accessible without the financial risk of paying upfront legal fees. You do not have to navigate the claims process alone.
Contact our advisors today to find out whether a solicitor from our panel could help you move your taxi accident claim forward.
Get In Touch
You can reach our advisors at a time that suits you, by:
- Calling us on 020 8050 4194
- Contacting us online
Frequently Asked Questions
- Am I Eligible To Claim Compensation After A Taxi Accident?
- Who Could Be Responsible For A Taxi Accident?
- Taxi Accident Claims Examples
- Common Injuries After Taxi Accidents
- How Much Compensation Could Be Awarded For A Taxi Accident?
- What Evidence Can Help Support Taxi Accident Claims?
- How Long Do I Have To Start A Taxi Accident Claim?
- Get Help From No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct After A Taxi Accident
- Can I Make A No Win No Fee Taxi Accident Claim?
- Learn More
Am I Eligible To Claim Compensation After A Taxi Accident?
Yes, you could be eligible to claim compensation after a taxi accident if another road user was responsible for causing the collision and your injuries. Whether the accident involved a taxi driver or another road user, your eligibility to make a taxi accident compensation claim depends on showing that someone else’s actions caused the accident and the harm you suffered.
All road users have a legal responsibility to use the roads safely and help protect others from harm. This responsibility, known as a duty of care, requires road users to take reasonable care while following the rules and standards set out in the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code.
To make a taxi accident claim, you will need to show that:
- Another road user owed you a duty of care.
- They failed to meet that duty, causing the road traffic accident.
- The accident caused your injuries and any losses you are claiming for.
Every taxi accident is different, so taxi accident claims are assessed on the individual circumstances of each case. If you are unsure whether you may have grounds to claim, our advisors can discuss your situation and, where appropriate, connect you with a solicitor from our panel.
Who Could Be Responsible For A Taxi Accident?
Responsibility for a taxi accident depends on who caused the collision and your injuries. Identifying the responsible party is an important part of the claims process because it determines who the compensation claim will be made against. Depending on how the accident happened, liability may rest with one party, such as the taxi driver or be shared between multiple parties, such as the driver and another road user.
Could The Taxi Driver Be Responsible?
Yes, a taxi driver may be responsible for a taxi accident if their actions caused the collision. Taxi drivers must drive with the care and skill expected of a competent motorist, following the road safety legislation and any licensing requirements that apply to their work. They may be liable where speeding, distracted driving or another failure to drive safely causes the accident.
When Could Another Road User Be Liable?
Another road user may be responsible if they caused the taxi accident through unsafe or careless driving. Everyone using the road is expected to take reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others by complying with the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the rules set out in the Highway Code. If their actions caused the accident and your injuries, they may be liable for your compensation.
Can A Taxi Company Or Employer Be Held Responsible?
A taxi company or employer may be responsible in some circumstances, particularly where the taxi driver is an employee rather than self-employed. Under the principle of vicarious liability, an employer may be legally responsible for the negligent actions of an employee acting in the course of their employment. Employers also have duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, including providing appropriate training and maintaining work vehicles where necessary.
Could A Local Authority Be Responsible?
A local authority may be responsible where a taxi accident was caused by defects in the public highway rather than the actions of another road user. Under Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980, requires highway authorities to maintain public highways so they remain reasonably safe for road users. Claims may arise where poor road maintenance or defective traffic infrastructure causes a taxi accident and resulting injuries.
If you are unsure who was responsible for your taxi accident, our advisors can assess your circumstances and connect you with a solicitor from our panel at No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct who specialises in taxi accident claims and can identify the party responsible.
About The No Win No Fee Claims Process
Free Case Assessment
The journey begins with a no-obligation consultation. We assess your injury and evidence to explain your options clearly. If suitable, you'll be offered a No Win No Fee agreement immediately.
Building Your Claim
Your dedicated solicitor gathers medical records and witness statements. We handle all communication with the negligent party and work tirelessly to prove their liability while you focus on recovery.
Settlement & Compensation
We negotiate your settlement to ensure you receive the maximum compensation. If successful, a pre-agreed success fee is taken, and the remaining funds are paid directly to you. No success, no fee.
Taxi Accident Claims Examples
No two taxi accidents happen in exactly the same way, but claims arise because someone else has caused a collision that leaves another person injured. The examples below show some common situations where you may be able to claim compensation.
Taxi Passenger Accidents
You are just minutes from home when the taxi driver looks down for a moment and crashes into slow-moving traffic, throwing you forwards so violently that you suffer a serious head injury.
Pedestrian Taxi Accidents
While crossing the road at a junction, a taxi turns into your path without noticing you, knocking you to the ground and leaving you with a fractured wrist that forces you to rely on family while you recover.
Cyclist Taxi Accidents
Your journey comes to an abrupt stop when a taxi pulls away from the curb without checking for cyclists, sending you over your handlebars and leaving you with a broken collarbone that prevents you from returning to work.
Can I Claim If My Taxi Was Hit By Another Vehicle?
Yes, you can claim if the taxi you were travelling in was hit by another vehicle. In this case, your claim would be made against the driver of that vehicle. The taxi has almost cleared a junction when another driver races through a red light, the force of the collision throwing you against the door and leaving you with a severe leg fracture.
What If I Am A Taxi Driver Injured By Another Road User?
Yes, you can also claim if you are a taxi driver who was injured by another road user. You suffer painful shoulder and back injuries when another driver pulls out from a side road without checking for traffic, leaving your taxi too badly damaged to continue your shift.
Could I Claim If Poor Road Conditions Caused My Taxi Accident?
Yes, in some circumstances, it is possible to claim if poor road conditions caused your taxi accident. A deep pothole that has been left unrepaired causes the taxi to lose control, leaving you with head and chest injuries that require ongoing medical treatment.
Can I Claim Through The Whiplash Reforms If I Was Injured In A Taxi?
Yes, you can claim through the Whiplash Reforms if you were injured in a taxi, provided your claim meets the eligibility criteria for the Whiplash Reform Programme. These reforms apply to certain road traffic accident claims in England and Wales and determine how eligible claims are made and how qualifying whiplash injuries are valued. Other eligibility includes:
- You were injured while travelling as the driver or passenger of a vehicle, including a taxi.
- You were aged 18 or over when the accident happened.
- Your injuries are valued at £5,000 or less, such as whiplash.
Qualifying whiplash injuries are valued using the fixed tariff set out in the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021, rather than the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). The amount awarded depends largely on how long the whiplash symptoms last and whether a minor psychological injury has also been suffered.
If you have also sustained injuries that are not covered by the tariff, such as a fractured wrist or a broken rib, those injuries will be valued in the traditional manner. Furthermore, if you suffer whiplash but your claim is made in the traditional manner, your whiplash injury may still be valued in accordance with the tariff amounts. We explain how this part of a taxi accident claim is valued shortly.
Every taxi accident is different. Contact our advisors today to discuss your circumstances and find out whether you could have a valid claim.
Common Injuries After Taxi Accidents
Taxi accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, ranging from relatively minor soft tissue damage to life-changing physical and psychological harm. Sudden impacts from multiple directions, particularly during rear-end collisions or side-impact crashes, can leave occupants with injuries that require medical treatment, rehabilitation and time away from their normal routine. The type and severity of injury depends on the force of the collision, where you were sitting in the taxi and whether you were wearing a seatbelt.
Some of the most common injuries after taxi accidents include:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Back and spinal injuries
- Head and brain injuries, including concussion
- Chest and rib injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Soft tissue injuries, including sprains and strains
- Cuts, bruises and lacerations
- Facial injuries, including dental damage
- Hip, knee, ankle and other lower limb injuries
- Internal injuries, including damage to organs or internal bleeding
- Psychological injuries, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The impact of a taxi accident often extends beyond the initial injury, affecting your finances and everyday life.
If someone else was responsible, a solicitor from our panel can explain whether you may be entitled to compensation and guide you through every stage of the process. Get in touch today for free, no obligation advice.
How Much Compensation Could Be Awarded For A Taxi Accident?
The amount of compensation awarded for a taxi accident will depend on the severity of the injuries suffered and the impact they have had on your life. When assessing how much compensation may be awarded, general damages are used to value your pain, suffering and loss of amenity (the loss of enjoyment of everyday activities and hobbies), while special damages cover the financial losses linked to your injuries, which we discuss in further depth below.
To help assess general damages, solicitors and the courts may use the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) as a reference. The publication sets out guideline compensation brackets for many different types of injuries, drawing on established legal principles and previous court decisions to assist with valuing personal injury claims.
The table below includes guideline compensation brackets taken from the latest edition of the JCG. These figures are intended as guidance only because every taxi accident compensation claim is assessed on its own facts. The first figure has not been taken from the JCG and has been included to demonstrate how settlements involving multiple serious injuries and related financial losses may be valued. Additionally, the bottom two rows contain tariff examples from the Whiplash Injury Regulations.
| Injury | Severity | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Very Severe Injuries and Special Damages | Very Severe - more than one very severe injury and financial losses such as lost income, medical expenses and home modifications | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Paralysis | Tetraplegia - at the top of the bracket, physical pain will be present and the injured person will have suffered an effect on their senses or ability to communicate | £428,850 to £533,720 |
| Paraplegia - the amount awarded will be affected by the presence and extent of pain, age and life expectancy and any impact on sexual function | £289,420 to £375,540 | |
| Brain Damage | Very Severe - at the top of the bracket, there might be some ability to follow basic commands but there will be very limited, if any, evidence of meaningful response to environment | £372,570 to £533,720 |
| Back | Severe (i) - the most severe back injuries such as damage to the spinal cord or nerve roots | £120,340 to £212,670 |
| Neck | Severe (i) - neck injury leading to incomplete paraplegia or causing permanent spastic quadriparesis | In the region of £195,970 |
| Severe Leg Injury | Severe (ii) Very Serious - injuries causing permanent mobility problems, such as where multiple fractures have taken years to heal | £72,440 to £117,210 |
| Shoulder | Severe - shoulder injuries with associated neck injuries and involving brachial plexus damage | £25,370 to £63,450 |
| Pelvis and Hips | Moderate (i) - significant pelvis or hip injury but ongoing disability is not major | £35,130 to £51,750 |
| Wrist | c) - less severe wrist injuries where there is still some remaining permanent disability | £16,640 to £32,370 |
| Whiplash tariff amount | Whiplash symptoms with minor psychological effects lasting 18-24 months | £4,975 |
| Whiplash tariff amount | Whiplash without a psychological injury lasting 18-24 months | £4,830 |
What Other Damages Could Taxi Accident Compensation Include?
The other damages that taxi accident compensation can include are the financial losses and expenses you have experienced because of your injuries. These are known as special damages and cover the financial impact the accident has had on your life, helping you recover costs directly linked to your injuries.
Special damages may include:
- Loss of earnings where your injuries prevented you from returning to work after the taxi accident or reduced your future earning capacity.
- Medical treatment costs arising from injuries sustained in the collision, particularly where ongoing treatment was required during your recovery.
- Travel expenses incurred because your injuries meant you could no longer drive or safely use public transport, making alternative transport necessary.
- The value of care and assistance required if your injuries left you needing support with everyday tasks while recovering from the taxi accident.
- The cost of adapting your home or vehicle where serious taxi accident injuries resulted in long-term mobility or accessibility needs.
Special damages must be supported by evidence, so it is important to keep documents such as payslips, receipts, invoices and other supporting records that demonstrate the financial losses you have incurred.
The financial impact of a taxi accident often extends beyond the collision itself. A solicitor from our panel can help calculate your recoverable losses and ensure they are properly considered as part of your claim.
What Evidence Can Help Support Taxi Accident Claims?
The evidence needed to support taxi accident claims will depend on the circumstances of your accident, but clear supporting evidence can make it easier to establish what happened and demonstrate the impact the collision has had on your life. Proving a taxi accident compensation claim involves showing how the accident happened, who was responsible and how your injuries have affected you.
Evidence that may help support your claim includes:
- Photographs of the accident scene, showing the position of the vehicles, damage caused by the collision or road conditions that contributed to the accident.
- Medical records and an independent medical assessment confirming the injuries sustained and the treatment you have required.
- Witness details or CCTV and dashcam footage that help establish how the road accident happened.
- The vehicle’s number plate, taxi licence details and insurance details, helping identify the parties involved in the collision.
- Documents such as payslips and receipts that support financial losses, including lost earnings and medical expenses.
We understand that gathering evidence after a car or taxi accident can feel overwhelming while you are recovering. A solicitor from our panel can help obtain many of the documents needed to support taxi accident claims and use the available evidence to build the strongest possible case. This allows you to focus on your recovery while your solicitor manages the legal work involved in pursuing your compensation claim.
Building a strong claim starts with building strong evidence. A solicitor from our panel can help make sure no important evidence is overlooked.
How Long Do I Have To Start A Taxi Accident Claim?
You normally have 3 years to start a taxi accident claim from the date of the accident. This legal time limit, known as the limitation period, applies to most personal injury claims in England and Wales under the Limitation Act 1980. Starting your claim as soon as possible can make it easier to preserve evidence and gather the information needed to support your claim.
There are, however, important exceptions to the standard 3 year time limit. Different rules apply in some circumstances where the injured party is unable to manage the claims process, so it is important to understand which time limit applies before starting your claim.
You can learn more in our guide to time limits, or contact us for free advice if you would like more information about how the limitation period applies to your circumstances.
Get Help From No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct After A Taxi Accident
Recovering after a taxi accident is challenging enough without also having to prove what happened to pursue compensation. Having experienced legal support can make the process clearer, allowing you to focus on your recovery while your claim is handled on your behalf.
At No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct, our advisors can connect you with a solicitor from our panel who understands the issues that can arise in taxi accident claims and how to build the evidence needed to support them. They can support you by:
- Establish who was legally responsible for the taxi accident, whether that was the taxi driver, another road user, or more than one party.
- Arrange an independent medical assessment to ensure your taxi accident claim reflects both your current injuries and any ongoing effects that may not yet be fully apparent.
- Assess every aspect of your taxi accident compensation claim, ensuring losses arising from time away from work and your recovery are fully taken into account.
- Present clear evidence to insurers where liability is disputed, ensuring the circumstances of the taxi collision and its impact on your life are properly represented.
- Provide straightforward advice throughout your taxi accident claim, explaining your options and answering your questions as the case progresses.
If you have a valid claim, a solicitor from our panel can take care of the legal work from start to finish, so you can focus on your recovery knowing your claim is in experienced hands.
Can I Make A No Win No Fee Taxi Accident Claim?
Yes, you can make A No Win No Fee taxi accident claim if you are eligible to seek compensation. At No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct, the solicitors on our panel offer their services on a No Win No Fee basis, making it easier for people to access expert legal representation without having to pay upfront solicitor fees.
The solicitors on our panel here at No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct use a contract called a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). Under a CFA, you will not pay upfront service fees for your solicitor’s work or any ongoing solicitor’s service fees while your compensation claim is progressing.
If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be required to pay your solicitor for the work they have carried out under the CFA. If your claim succeeds, your solicitor will deduct a success fee from your compensation. This success fee is a legally capped percentage of your compensation, as set out in the Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013.
Before your claim begins, your solicitor will explain how the CFA works, answer any questions you may have and ensure you understand any potential costs. This allows you to make an informed decision before proceeding with your taxi accident claim and starting the taxi accident claims process.
Contact Us Today
You’ve taken the first step by understanding your rights. Now let our advisors help you take the next one by connecting you with a solicitor from our panel if you have a valid claim.
Get in touch with us today by:
- Calling us on 020 8050 4194
- Contacting us online
Learn More
Read some of our other guides about:
- How to make motorcycle accident claims.
- Starting a lorry accident claim with our panel at No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct
- Learn about how to make a hit and run claim
Helpful External Resources
- Road safety laws, from THINK!
- NHS information on administering first aid after an accident
- When to call 999, from NHS
Thank you for reading our taxi accident claims guide.