At a glance

  • You usually claim against the insurer of the person who caused the accident
  • This could be the taxi driver, another driver or sometimes more than one party
  • Passengers can often claim even if their driver was not at fault
  • Uber accident claim UK cases follow the same principle. Liability decides who pays
  • Evidence is key, including booking details, photos and medical records
  • You might still be able to claim if the driver was uninsured or left the scene
  • Claims must be started within legal time limits, so acting early is important

If you’ve been injured in a taxi, minicab or Uber accident, you’re probably asking one key question: who do you actually claim against?

In most cases, you won’t claim against the driver personally. Instead, you’ll claim against the insurance company of whoever caused the accident. That could be the taxi driver, another motorist, or sometimes more than one party.

This guide explains how liability works in a taxi accident claim in the UK, who you might claim against in different situations, and what to do next.

Who do you claim against after a taxi accident?

The short answer is simple: you claim against the insurer of whoever was at fault.

There isn’t one fixed route for taxi claims. It all comes down to liability, meaning who was responsible for the accident.

If the taxi driver caused the accident

If the taxi or private hire driver was at fault, your claim is usually made against their insurer. This applies whether you were:

  • A passenger in the taxi
  • A pedestrian hit by the taxi
  • Another road user involved in the collision

If another driver caused the accident

If a different driver caused the crash, you’d usually claim against their insurer.

This is common in taxi passenger injury claims, where passengers have no control over either vehicle.

If more than one driver was at fault

Sometimes responsibility is shared between two or more drivers. In this situation:

  • Liability could be split between insurers
  • Your compensation might be adjusted depending on your share of fault

This is known as contributory negligence, where more than one party contributed to the accident.

Can you claim if your taxi driver was not at fault?

If you were a passenger and another vehicle caused the accident, you can still make a claim. The claim is simply directed at the insurer of the driver who was responsible.

Passengers are rarely at fault, which often makes these claims more straightforward than driver disputes.

Does it matter if it was an Uber or minicab?

Not when it comes to who you claim against. Whether it was a taxi, Uber or minicab, the key question is still: who caused the accident? 

An Uber accident claim or minicab accident compensation case will usually follow the same structure:

  • Identify who was at fault
  • Claim against their insurer

Booking records from apps can help support your case by confirming:

  • The time and location of the journey
  • The vehicle and driver details

But they don’t change how liability is decided.

What if the taxi driver was uninsured or left the scene?

You might still be able to claim. 

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) handles claims involving uninsured drivers and untraced drivers, including hit-and-run cases. 

If the driver left the scene, you should:

  • Report the accident to the police as soon as possible
  • Gather any evidence you can, including witness details and photos
  • Keep records of your injuries and treatment

These claims can be more complex, but they don’t automatically prevent compensation.

What evidence helps prove who was at fault?

To make a successful claim, you need to show who caused the accident and how you were injured. Useful evidence includes:

  • Driver details and vehicle registration
  • Booking confirmation or app receipt
  • Photos of the scene and vehicle damage
  • Witness contact details
  • CCTV or dashcam footage
  • Medical records
  • Proof of financial losses

This is especially important in private hire vehicle accident claims, where fault may be disputed.

Time limits for taxi accident claims

There are legal time limits for starting a claim. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident or from when you became aware of your injury.

There are some exceptions, including:

  • Claims involving children
  • Certain cases involving vulnerable individuals

It’s best to act early. Waiting can make it harder to gather evidence and may affect your ability to claim.

Are the rules the same across the UK?

No. The claims process can differ between England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

It’s important to check which rules apply to your situation.

How much compensation can you claim?

The amount you receive depends on your circumstances. Compensation is usually split into:

  • General damages — For pain, suffering and impact on daily life
  • Special damages — For financial losses
    • Lost earnings
    • Medical treatment
    • Travel expenses
    • Care and support

The final amount depends on factors like the severity of your injury, how long recovery takes and whether fault is shared.

Can not wearing a seatbelt affect your claim?

Yes. If not wearing a seatbelt made your injuries worse, your compensation could be reduced.

However, you might still be able to claim.

How the taxi accident claim process works

Most claims follow a similar process:

  1. Initial assessment of your case
  2. Gathering evidence
  3. Medical assessment and report
  4. Investigation of who was at fault
  5. Negotiation with insurers
  6. Settlement or court proceedings if needed

A medical report is important because it provides independent evidence of your injuries.

How long does a taxi accident claim take?

There’s no fixed timeframe. Straightforward cases may settle relatively quickly, while complex cases involving disputed fault or serious injuries can take longer.

When should you speak to a solicitor?

You should consider legal advice if:

  • Fault is unclear or disputed
  • More than one vehicle was involved
  • The driver was uninsured or untraced
  • Your injuries are serious
  • You are being pressured to settle quickly

Getting advice early can help you understand who to claim against and avoid mistakes.

Your next steps

After a taxi accident, knowing who to claim against is the first step. In most cases, this will be the insurer of the person who caused the accident, whether that is the taxi driver or another road user.

Even in more complex situations, like uninsured or hit-and-run drivers, there can still be a route to compensation. Understanding your position early can help you move forward with confidence.

Contact us for clear advice on who you should claim against after a taxi accident and the best next step for your case.

Taxi accident claim FAQs

Who do I claim against after a taxi accident?

You usually claim against the insurer of the person who caused the accident. This could be the taxi driver or another motorist.

Can I claim if I was a passenger in an Uber accident?

Yes. If someone else caused the accident, you can usually claim against the at-fault party’s insurer.

What if another driver caused the taxi crash?

You would normally claim against that driver’s insurer, even if you were in a taxi at the time.

Can I claim minicab accident compensation?

Yes, if you were injured and the accident was not your fault. The claim will depend on who was responsible.

What happens if the taxi driver was uninsured?

You might still be able to claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.

Can I still claim if I was not wearing a seatbelt?

Possibly, but your compensation could be reduced depending on how it affected your injuries.