Taxi accident compensation claims
You deserve to feel safe when using a taxi service, but if you have been injured as a passenger in a taxi through no fault of your own, you can make a claim for compensation.
Last updated on November 7th, 2023
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The most important things to remember when making a taxi accident claim:
- You can make a taxi accident claim if you have been injured as a passenger in a taxi, and your injuries were caused by either your taxi driver’s negligence or the negligence of another road user
- The time limit to make a claim for injuries suffered in an accident involving a taxi is three years from the accident date or the date a medical professional diagnosed your injuries
- Compensation payouts for injuries suffered as a passenger in a taxi accident will depend on how severe your injuries are and the impact they may have had on your life
- To successfully claim compensation for an accident involving a taxi, you will need to prove that someone else was either partly or fully responsible for your injuries
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How long do I have to make a taxi accident claim?
The time limit to make a claim for injuries suffered in an accident involving a taxi is three years from the accident date or the date a medical professional diagnosed your injuries.
The three-year time limit to claim compensation is known as the statute of limitations and applies to all personal injury claims. However, the three-year time limit does not apply if you claim on behalf of someone with limited mental capacity or if the injuries prevented them from claiming within three years.
If your child was involved in a taxi accident, you can claim on their behalf as a “litigation friend.” The three-year time period only starts from the date of your child’s eighteenth birthday.
However, we recommend starting your claim as soon as possible, as this can help our solicitors prepare your case by having access to vital evidence before it may be lost and when the incident will be fresh in your mind.
What our clients say
What are the most common types of taxi accident compensation claims?
Unlike road traffic accident claims involving two private vehicles, claims involving taxis can sometimes be a little more complex to prove who is to blame for the accident. Some examples include:
Can I claim compensation for accidents involving a taxi when another vehicle is at fault?
Yes, if you’ve been injured in a taxi accident that was caused by another vehicle, you can claim compensation from the driver of the other vehicle.
The accident may have happened through no fault of your taxi driver, and they would not be liable. The claim would be made against the third-party driver’s insurance company.
Can I claim compensation when the taxi driver is at fault for the accident?
Yes, you may be able to claim compensation if you were involved in a car accident as a passenger in a taxi, and the taxi driver’s negligence is to blame for the accident.
Whether as a driver for a taxi firm or self-employed, taxi drivers have a legal responsibility to keep their passengers safe while in their vehicles.
You may be able to claim against the taxi driver or their firm if you can prove that the injuries you suffered from the accident were caused by erratic or dangerous driving or because the vehicle was not safe.
The other vehicle or vehicles involved in the accident will also have the opportunity to claim against the taxi driver if it can be proven that the taxi driver was at fault for the accident.
Can I claim compensation for a taxi accident if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?
While it is a legal requirement to wear a seatbelt while riding in a taxi in the UK, in some instances, you may be able to claim compensation when it can be proven that your injuries were not entirely caused by not wearing a seatbelt. Known as a “split liability” agreement, the compensation you may receive would be based on what percentage of your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence.
Can I claim compensation for an accident in a taxi caused by a poor road surface?
Yes. In this instance, the claim would be against the local authority or council, which has a legal obligation to ensure all roads are safe for vehicles. You may also be able to claim if your accident was caused by unclear road markings, missing road signs, or faulty traffic lights.
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How much compensation can I claim for a taxi accident?
Compensation payouts for injuries suffered as a passenger in a taxi accident will depend on how severe your injuries are and the impact they may have had on your life.
Taxi accident claims calculator
Our taxi accident compensation claims calculator below provides an approximate guide to the compensation amount you may be able to claim.
The calculator considers the part of your body you have injured and the severity of your injuries and provides an approximate compensation payout based on recent case law and the Judicial College Guidelines.
Alternatively, see our table of taxi accident compensation amounts at the bottom of this page.
Find out how much you could claim
Compensation amounts are estimated based on the level of injury below
These amounts only consider the compensation you could claim for your injuries, known as General Damages. In addition, to this amount, you can also claim for Special damages.
Compensation for Special damages can be claimed to cover expenses you may have already incurred or will incur because of your accident.
Compensation could be claimed for expenses that may include, but would not be limited to;
- Any loss of income or pension
- Any medical treatment to date or medical treatment associated with your rehabilitation
- Any costs for the care you may have or will need to receive, even if provided by a family member
- Any out-of-pocket expenses you or anyone who has cared for you may have incurred
- Any out-of-pocket expenses you may have incurred because of your injuries
Can I make a no win no fee taxi accident claim?
Yes. Our taxi accident claims are provided on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you are at no financial risk when making a claim.
When a no win no fee claim agreement is set up, your solicitor will take an insurance policy out on your behalf, which protects you in the rare event the claim isn’t successful.
The insurance policy, known as after-the-event insurance, fully protects the person claiming if the claim is unsuccessful and from any costs during the compensation claim process, meaning you can make a claim without paying a penny.
You will only pay a fee if your claim is successful, and the amount will be agreed upon when you enter into the agreement at the start of the claim process.
Additionally, with Express solicitors, there are no upfront costs or hidden charges, and you’ll never be out of pocket. In some cases, we may even be able to provide you with an interim payment if your injuries are serious.
What evidence will I need to provide to start my claim?
To successfully claim compensation for an accident involving a taxi, you will need to prove that someone else was either partly or fully responsible for your injuries.
The more evidence you can provide, the easier and quicker it may be to claim the compensation you deserve for your injuries
The type of evidence that would be most useful when claiming for a taxi accident may include the following:
- The date and time, and location of the accident
- Any details you can remember about the accident and who you think is to blame
- Contact details, including registration number and insurance details of all vehicles involved in the accident
- Police reports of the accident
- Any footage you may have of the accident
- Any photographs or video you may have taken at the scene of the accident
- Contact information for any eyewitnesses to the accident who may be able to provide a statement on your behalf
- Details of the medical treatment you received either at the scene or at a hospital or GP
Don’t worry if you don’t have all of this information. Our specialist road accident claims solicitors will help compile evidence on your behalf.
We understand the financial impact of an accident.
In 99% of cases, we recovered more compensation than the insurer’s first offer. We’ll provide financial security with our interim payments wherever possible, meaning you don’t need to rush into an offer that is lower than you’re legally entitled to.
How long does a taxi accident compensation claim take?
The time your case may take to settle will depend on how complex your claim may be and how quickly the person or persons at fault admits liability.
Taxi accident claims can be complex as it is common for two people to be a fault, your taxi driver and a third-party vehicle. Some claims can be complicated as negotiations for the correct split in liability need to be accurate.
Speak to our specialist road accident solicitors today about your claim, and we can advise you on the length of time your claim may take.
What are the most common types of injuries claimed for accidents in a taxi?
While every accident claim is unique, our extensive experience in handling claims for accidents involving taxis suggests that the following types of injuries are the most common:
How long after an accident can I claim compensation?
Can I claim for a taxi accident caused by road conditions?
Yes, you can claim if poor road conditions caused your accident. Your claim would be against a local council or the Highways Agency.
Can I claim if the taxi driver was uninsured?
Yes, you can still claim if your taxi driver was uninsured. In this case, your claim would go through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau – an organisation to help individuals in these situations. We can make this claim on your behalf. The same would apply if any other vehicle involved were uninsured.
What are split liability taxi accident claims?
A split liability taxi accident claim is when two or more people agree to share the blame. For example, if you were a passenger not wearing a seatbelt but your driver was not showing due care and attention, you could both claim. The compensation you receive is based on the percentage of the split. If you agree you are both half at fault, you’ll be entitled to receive 50% of the compensation amount.
Will I have to go to court for a taxi accident claim?
It is very rare that you will have to go to court – most insurers prefer to settle claims out of court, so less than 1% of cases end up in court. Even if your claim goes to court, you may not be required to attend.
Will the whiplash reforms affect my taxi accident claim?
In May 2021, the government introduced new compensation claim limits and laws for soft tissue neck injuries diagnosed as whiplash that you may have suffered in a road traffic accident. These amounts are based on how long it may take for you to recover from your injuries. These amounts range from £240 to £4,345 and only apply to those involved in a car accident.
Speak to our specialist whiplash claims solicitors to find out your rights to claiming and how much compensation you may be able to receive.
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That’s right, we provide unlimited legal support for our prospective clients. Not sure if you have a claim, or if you even want to make a claim? You can speak with us for as long as you like and as many times as you like. We’ll let you know your legal rights, completely free of charge and with no obligation to make a claim.
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Average compensation claim amounts for injuries caused by taxi accidents
| Part of body | Severity of injury | Amount of compensation | Types of injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head | Minor | £1,880.00 to £10,890.00 | Covers head injury with recovery within a few weeks. Higher compensation if symptoms include headaches. |
| Head | Moderate | £13,430.00 to £112,130.00 | Symptoms ranging from poor concentration, lower and higher risk of epileptic attacks, minor personality changes, depression, more severe intellectual impairment, or injuries/symptoms leading to a vegetative state. |
| Head | Serious | £186,890.00 £240,590.00 | Covers reduced life expectancy, serious physical symptoms, serious changes to personality or intellect, large dependence on others due to paralysis or otherwise. |
| Head | Severe | £240,590.00 to £344,640.00 | Covers minimally conscious state (life expectancy less than 15 years), severe disability, brain damage with little/no response, vegetative states needing full-time nursing. |
| Eye | Severe | £56,080.00to £229,260.00 | Complete blindness on one/both eyes or severe visual impairment on one/both eyes. |
| Face | Minor | £1,460.00 to £7,460.00 | Light or no scarring on the face, but no fractures, loss/damage of one/two front teeth, simple fractures of the jaw or nose, but with a possibility of complete recovery. |
| Face | Serious | £15,320.00 to £26,010.00 | More serious fractures such as a broken jaw or nose, breaking/damage/loss of several teeth. |
| Face | Severe | £26,010.00 to £38,850.00 | Severe injuries resulting in facial disfigurement, several jaw fractures, chronic tooth pain, and scarring. May lead to eating restrictions or higher risk of joint arthritis. Covers negative effects on mental health. |
| Ear/ hearing | Minor | Up to £5,980.00 | Possible Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), slight/occasional tinnitus. |
| Ear/ hearing | Moderate | £12,700.00 to £25,350.00 | Partial hearing loss or mild to severe tinnitus. |
| Ear/ hearing | Serious | £25,350.00 to £38,850.00 | Complete deafness in one ear. Severity varies based on additional symptoms (e.g. dizziness, tinnitus, etc.). |
| Ear/ hearing | Severe | £77,430.00 to £120,040.00 | Complete deafness in both ears. Higher compensation for child injuries also resulting in a loss of speech. |
Taxi accident and injury compensation amounts for back, neck, shoulders and upper body injuries
| Part of body | Severity of injury | Amount of compensation | Types of injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neck | Minor | Up to £6,680.00 | Soft tissue injuries or whiplash with recovery within 3 – 24 months. Compensation factors include severity of pain and amount of negative effects on everyday life. |
| Neck | Moderate | £7,410.00 to £47,760.00 | Covers injuries that accelerated a pre-existing condition, disc lesions, cervical spondylosis, serious limitation of movement, permanent and/or recurring pain, all caused by fractures or dislocations. |
| Neck | Severe | £56,100.00 to £139,210.00 | Serious fractures, severe soft tissue damage, chronic pain conditions, disc damage, partial paraplegia, or significant, permanent disability. |
| Back | Minor | £2,090.00 to £10,670.00 | Includes lighter strains, sprains, disc prolapses, and soft tissue injuries. Recovery between 3 months and 5 years. |
| Back | Moderate | £11,730.00 to £26,050.00 | Includes: spinal fusion, compressed or fractured lumbar spine (possibly resulting in higher risk of osteoarthritis and constant pain), prolapsed discs and other injuries that may require surgery and a continued acceleration/worsening of a pre-existing back condition. |
| Back | Severe | £36,390.00 to £151,070.00 | Typically requires surgery. Injuries include: damaged spinal cord and partial paralysis, psychological issues, loss of bladder and/or bowel function, disc lesions, impaired movement, arthritis, etc. |
| Shoulder | Minor | Up to £6,730.00 | Soft tissue injury resulting in pain. Full recovery between 3 – 24 months. |
| Shoulder | Serious | £10,890.00 to £16,380.00 | Fractured humerus, clavicle or rotator cuff needing surgery. |
| Shoulder | Severe | £16,380.00 to £40,970.00 | Significant disability caused by severe damage to the neck or brachial plexus. |
| Pelvis & hips | Minor | £3,370.00 to £10,750.00 | Complete recovery after minor soft tissue injuries. Little or no disability within 2 years. |
| Pelvis & hips | Moderate | £10,750.00 to £33,430.00 | No serious disability, but covers injuries requiring hip operations, replacement of hips (or the need for either in the future). |
| Pelvis & hips | Severe | £33,430.00 to £111,690.00 | Severe hip/pelvis fractures resulting in bowel damage or spinal fusion, childbirth complications, hip replacement, and/or leading to higher likelihood of future surgery. |
| Scarring (not facial) | Minor | £2,020.00 to £7,380.00 | One noticeable scar or several superficial, unsightly scars on the legs, arms, or hands. |
| Scarring (not facial | Moderate | Up to £7,380.00 | Full recovery within 2 years, up to a partial recovery with symptoms that are not largely debilitating. |
| Scarring (not facial | Severe | £6,680.00 to £19,390.00 | Several noticeable laceration scars or a single disfiguring scar. |
Taxi accident and injury compensation amounts for arm, hand, and finger injuries
| Part of body | Severity of injury | Amount of compensation | Types of injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arm | Mild | £5,630.00 to £16,380.00 | Fractured forearm. |
| Arm | Moderate | £16,380.00 to £33,430.00 | Serious arm injury leading to long-lasting symptoms. |
| Arm | Serious | £33,430.00 to £111,690.00 | Serious injury resulting in an inability to use the arm(s) to some extent. Does not result in amputation. |
| Arm | Severe | £82,040.00 to £255,930.00 | Results may include the amputation of one/both arms. Compensation amount will depends on amputated area, whether phantom pain is experienced, and on other effects on the quality of life. |
| Elbow | Moderate | Up to £10,750.00 | Includes: tennis elbow, deep cuts, simple fractures, no permanent damage. |
| Elbow | Serious | £13,360.00 to £27,320.00 | Results in restricted movement but does not require surgery or cause disability. |
| Elbow | Severe | £33,430.00 to £46,780.00 | Injury causes severe disability or requires surgery. |
| Wrist | Moderate | Up to £8,740.00 | Uncomplicated Colles fracture or minor undisplaced fractures with recovery between 1 – 2 years. May include use of plasters. |
| Wrist | Serious | £10,750.00 to £20,900.00 | Soft tissue damage or broken wrist causing some permanent disability. |
| Wrist | Severe | £20,900.00to £51,070.00. | Significant permanent disability or complete loss of wrist function. |
| Hand | Minor | Up to £4,050.00 | Covers lacerations and crush injuries, and soft tissue injuries (recovery within 6 months). |
| Hand | Moderate | £4,780.00 to £11,330.00 | Covers penetrating wounds and crush injuries resulting in permanent but non-intrusive symptoms, or soft tissue damage and deeper cuts resulting in impairment of the hand (may require surgery). |
| Hand | Severe | £24,740.00 to £171,920.00 | Covers amputation and rejoining of several fingers, resulting in a clawed, impaired, or unsightly hand, amputation of one/both hands (alternatively, amputation of several fingers rendering the hand almost useless). |
| Finger | Minor | Up to £4,055.00 | Includes: full-healed fractured finger bones (healed within 1 year) with/without minor scarring. |
| Finger | Moderate | £3,370.00 to £5,000.00 | Includes: complete (or almost complete) recovery after broken finger, amputation or loss of a part of the little finger. |
| Finger | Severe | £10,380.00 to £31,350.00 | Includes: complete amputation of one/more fingers, fractures of the index finger. Compensation depends on level of disability and suffering. |
| Thumb | Minor | Up to £4,055.00 | Short-term, severe pain gone within 3 months. |
| Thumb | Moderate | £3,370.00 to £10,750.00 | Covers fractures with recovery within 6 months, damage to nerves or tendons resulting in partial loss of sensation, and cosmetic thumb deformities. |
| Thumb | Severe | £10,750.00 to £46,780.00 | Partial/complete amputation of the thumb, surgical wire insertions, nerve damage, fractures, inability to grip. |
Taxi accident and injury compensation amounts for leg and foot injuries
| Part of body | Severity of injury | Amount of compensation | Types of injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leg | Minor | £7,780.00 to £12,010.00 | Minor injuries with recovery within a few months (e.g. soft-tissue injuries, bruising, cuts, and contusions). Slightly more severe injuries such as simple fractures of the femur, tibia, or fibula. |
| Leg | Moderate | £15,320.00 to £46,780.00 | Minor fractures with partial recovery, serious soft tissue injury, injuries to one leg (e.g. broken bones, crushing injuries), ligament injuries, compound fractures leading to near certainty of arthritis or instability. |
| Leg | Severe | £46,780.00 to £240,590.00 | Severe injuries resulting in extensive degloving, bone grafting, permanently reduced mobility, or amputation of one/both legs (above/below the knee). |
| Knee | Minor | Up to £11,730.00 | Includes soft tissue injuries (recovery within a few months), a twisted knee, lacerations, or bruising resulting in discomfort or pain. |
| Knee | Moderate | £22,340.00 to £37,070.00 | Includes: seriously damaged kneecaps, ligaments, or muscles, dislocation, a torn meniscus, acceleration injuries (over several years), resulting in ongoing discomfort or pain. |
| Knee | Severe | £44,470.00 to £82,080.00 | Covers constant pain, severe disability, or muscle wastage. Higher compensation if need for surgery or injury effects quality of life. |
| Ankle | Minor | Up to £11,730.00 | Smaller fractures, but bone has not been displaced. May include sprains, injured ligaments (likely leads to scarring). Smaller injuries can allow for full recovery within a year, without any scarring. |
| Ankle | Moderate | £11,730.00 to £42,710.00 | Includes ligament tears, fractures, leading to smaller disabilities while standing/moving. Increased risk of osteoarthritis. Operation/cast needed. May lead to inability to work or call for special footwear. |
| Ankle | Severe | £42,710.00 to £59,480.00 | Severe injury resulting in deformities, disabilities, or even amputation of the body part down the line. |
| Achilles | Minor | £6,200.00 to £10,750.00 | Minor instability due to tendon damage around the ankle. Some more severe cases might involve scarring. |
| Achilles | Moderate | £10,750.00 to £17,970.00 | More serious injury and partially ruptured tendon. More severe cases tend to involve disability and/or permanent scarring. |
| Achilles | Severe | £21,320.00to £32,780.00 | Restricted movement of the ankle due to severed muscle tissue. Small likelihood of further improvement of limp and residual scarring. |
| Foot | Minor | Up to £11,730.00 | Includes: minor fractures, lacerations or contusions (with complete recovery within 2 years), ruptured ligaments or other puncture wounds that result in chronic pain or a permanent limp. |
| Foot | Moderate | £11,730.00 to £59,730.00 | Includes: metatarsal fractures resulting in permanent deformity and ongoing symptoms, fractured heels (both), restricted mobility, degloving and heel fusion. |
| Foot | Severe | £71,640.00 to £171,920.00 | Injury needing amputation of one/both feet or traumatic amputation of the forefoot (to prevent need for complete amputation). |
| Toe | Minor | Up to £8,190.00 | One or more broken toes with a varying recovery period. Compensation depends on presence of long-term symptoms and speed of recovery. |
| Toe | Moderate | £8,190.00 to £11,730.00 | Multiple fractures, crush injuries to two/more toes, permanent disability. May have involved unsuccessful past operations. |
| Toe | Severe | £11,730.00 to £47,830.00 | Severe crush injuries leading to less/surgical amputation of one or two toes (not including the big toe), amputation of all toes or the big toe. |
Why claim with Express Solicitors?
Our expert legal teams offer more than 20 years’ experience settling taxi accident claims just like yours on a no win, no fee basis. If you’ve been turned away by other firms or if you’re starting from scratch, we can help. We go above and beyond to make sure your taxi claim covers not just physical damage, but the long-term effects on your life.
You may also qualify for ‘interim payments’, which are early compensation payments to tide you over while you’re waiting for your settlement. We’ll listen to your story sensitively and make the claims process as simple as possible. You deserve to feel safe – get started with your taxi accident claim today at Express Solicitors.
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