Hit by a Cab While Walking in NYC?

New York City Taxi & Pedestrian Accident Lawyers – Greenstein & Pittari, LLP

Serving Manhattan • Brooklyn • Queens • The Bronx • Staten Island • Yonkers • Nassau County

Walking is part of everyday life in New York City. Whether you’re crossing Broadway in Manhattan, heading to the subway in Queens, or walking home in the Bronx, you should be able to trust that NYC taxi drivers, livery (black car) drivers, Ubers, Lyfts, and other motorists will watch for pedestrians and follow New York traffic laws.

When a yellow cab, green cab, black car, Uber, Lyft, or other car doesn’t – and hits you – everything can change in an instant:

• Pain, shock, and confusion
• Hospital and therapy bills
• Time out of work
• Aggressive calls from strangers and/or insurance companies
• Fear and uncertainty about the future

If you were hit by a cab while walking in New York City, you still have rights under New York law, and you do not have to face this alone.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our NYC taxi and pedestrian accident lawyers represent injured walkers across all five boroughs and nearby communities. We hold negligent cab and rideshare drivers accountable and fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to under New York law.

Your Rights as a Pedestrian Hit by a Cab in New York City

If you were a pedestrian struck by any of the following in NYC:

• Yellow medallion taxi
• Green “boro” cab
• Livery car or black car service
• App-based rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
• Unlicensed or “gypsy” cab

…New York law gives you robust protections. With the help of a New York City taxi accident lawyer, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills and hospital expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, PTSD
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• In fatal cases, wrongful death damages for surviving family members

And you may still have a substantial NYC injury claim even if:

• The cab driver blames you
• You were crossing mid-block or outside a crosswalk
• The NYPD did not ticket the cab driver
• You’re not sure who owns or insures the vehicle

New York follows pure comparative negligence, which means you may recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. Your percentage of fault may reduce your recovery, but it is rarely zero just because you weren’t in a crosswalk or the driver says you “came out of nowhere.” A New York City pedestrian accident lawyer can explain how these rules apply to your specific case.

Common Causes of NYC Taxi & Rideshare Pedestrian Accidents

The streets of New York City are busy and unforgiving. Many cab and rideshare pedestrian accidents in NYC are caused by:

• Failure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, especially during left turns
• Speeding or aggressive driving to maximize fares in crowded Manhattan and outer-borough streets
• Distracted driving (cell phones, rideshare apps, GPS, food, or conversations)
• Sudden lane changes, U-turns, and double-parking maneuvers are common on New York City avenues
• Running red lights and stop signs
• Fatigued driving after long NYC shifts behind the wheel
• Backing up without checking for pedestrians in crosswalks, parking lots, and curbside pick-up zones
• Speed to catch a fare or beat a light
• Fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
• Make aggressive turns or U-turns
• Double-park or suddenly pull out into traffic
• Drive drunk, drug-impaired, or dangerously fatigued

Even a “low-speed” impact in a Manhattan or Brooklyn crosswalk can cause serious, life-changing injuries.

In many NYC taxi–pedestrian accidents, drivers and insurers try to shift the blame onto the injured pedestrian:

“You darted into traffic.”
“You crossed on a red.”
“Another car cut me off.”

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our NYC taxi accident attorneys work to cut through these excuses by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and, when necessary, hiring accident reconstruction experts to establish the truth about what really happened.

Common Injuries When a Cab Hits a Pedestrian in NYC

Pedestrians in New York City traffic have no airbags, no seatbelts, and no metal frame to protect them from harm. As a result, injuries in NYC cab-pedestrian crashes are often severe, including:

• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Skull and facial fractures
• Neck and back injuries, herniated discs, and whiplash
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones in legs, pelvis, arms, ribs, ankles, and wrists
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Serious lacerations, road rash, scarring, and disfigurement
• Amputations and crush injuries
• Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD

These injuries can require extensive treatment in New York-area hospitals, months or years of rehabilitation, and may permanently change how you live, work, and enjoy life. A New York City pedestrian accident attorney can help pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of these injuries – not just your initial ER bill.

Who Pays If You’re a Pedestrian Hit by a Cab in NYC?

New York is a no-fault auto insurance state, but NYC pedestrian–taxis accidents often involve several layers of insurance coverage. An experienced NYC cab accident lawyer can help you navigate these complex rules.

Step 1: No-Fault (PIP) Benefits in New York City

No-Fault / Personal Injury Protection (PIP) can help pay for:

• ER and hospital bills
• Doctors and physical therapy
• Some medications
• A portion of your lost wages
• Certain necessary out-of-pocket expenses

Very important: In New York, you typically must file a No-Fault application within 30 days of the accident. Missing this deadline can jeopardize your benefits. Our New York City accident lawyers routinely assist clients in completing and filing these forms correctly and on time.

Step 2: New York’s “Serious Injury” Threshold – Suing Beyond No-Fault

No-Fault does not pay for:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Many long-term or permanent effects of your injuries

To sue for full damages, including pain and suffering, you generally must meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold under Insurance Law § 5102(d), which may include:

• Fractures (broken bones)
• Significant disfigurement or severe scarring
• Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system
• Permanent consequential limitation of a body organ or member
• Significant limitation of a body function or system
• A medically determined non-permanent injury that prevents you from performing your usual daily activities for at least 90 of the first 180 days after the crash

Our NYC serious injury lawyers work closely with your doctors and medical experts to document your injuries and show how they affect your life in New York City.

Step 3: Liability Coverage for NYC Taxi & Rideshare Accidents

Most licensed NYC taxicabs must carry substantial liability insurance, often at least:

• $100,000 per person
• $300,000 per accident

Uber and Lyft accidents in New York City involve layered coverage that depends on the driver’s “period” (whether the app is on, the driver is waiting for a ride, has accepted a ride, or has a passenger).

If your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, we may pursue claims against:

• The taxi or rideshare driver
• The medallion or vehicle owner
• The taxi base or cab company
• A rideshare company’s insurer (Uber, Lyft)
• Other negligent drivers in multi-vehicle NYC collisions

Our New York City cab accident attorneys investigate every possible source of coverage so that you are not left paying for someone else’s reckless driving.

What Compensation Can an Injured Pedestrian Recover in NYC?

If you meet the serious injury threshold and prove that the cab or other driver was negligent, you may recover economic, non-economic, and, in fatal cases, wrongful death damages.

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Past and future medical expenses
• ER and hospital care in NYC facilities
• Surgeries, specialist visits, and rehabilitation
• Physical therapy and occupational therapy
• Home health care and attendant care
• Assistive devices (canes, walkers, wheelchairs)
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Transportation to medical appointments
• Damage to personal property (phone, glasses, clothing, etc.)
• Other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses caused by the accident

Non-Economic Damages (Human Losses)

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life in New York City and beyond
• Loss of independence and mobility
• Permanent disability, scarring, and disfigurement
• Loss of consortium (impact on a marital relationship)

Wrongful Death Damages in NYC

If a loved one was killed after being hit by a cab in New York City, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death and/or survivorship claim for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and household services
• Loss of parental guidance and companionship
• Conscious pain and suffering of the deceased before death

Our NYC wrongful death lawyers handle these cases with care, discretion, and determination.

Step-by-Step: What To Do After Being Hit by a Cab in New York City

Your health comes first. Your legal rights come next. If you’re able – or if a family member or friend can help – follow these steps after a New York City cab-pedestrian accident:

1. Get to Safety

2. Call 911 and Get Medical Help

• Call 911 and report that you are a pedestrian hit by a vehicle in New York City.
• Request both police and an ambulance.
• Let EMS evaluate you; go to the ER or urgent care if recommended.

Even if you feel “okay” at first, get checked out. Shock and adrenaline often hide serious injuries, and insurance companies in NYC love to argue, “If you were really hurt, you would have gone to the doctor right away.”

3. Get the Cab’s and Driver’s Information

Try to get:

• Driver’s full name
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Medallion or TLC number (yellow/green taxis)
• Cab company, garage, or rideshare platform (Uber, Lyft)
• Insurance company and policy number
• Vehicle make, model, and color

4. Get Witness Names and Contact Information

Witnesses are extremely valuable in NYC pedestrian accident claims. Could you ask for the name, phone number, and email?

If they’re willing, record a short statement on your phone or ask them to text or email what they saw – especially if they can confirm that the cab ran a red light, failed to yield in a crosswalk, or was speeding or distracted.

5. Take Photos and Video of the NYC Accident Scene

Use your smartphone to capture:

• The cab from multiple angles
• License plate, medallion, and TLC decals
• The intersection, crosswalk, or sidewalk where you were hit
• Traffic lights, stop signs, lane markings, and street signs
• Skid marks, debris, and vehicle positions
• Your visible injuries and torn clothing
• Weather, lighting conditions, and any obstructions (double-parked cars, trucks blocking sightlines, construction, etc.)
• Nearby buildings or businesses that may have security cameras

6. Get Ongoing Medical Care in NYC

Many pedestrians try to “tough it out” after a crash. That can hurt your health and your NYC injury case.

• Follow up with your doctor, orthopedic specialist, neurologist, or other providers.
• Keep all appointment summaries, imaging results (MRI, CT, X-ray), prescription lists, and physical therapy notes.
• If symptoms worsen or new ones appear, seek care immediately and mention that you were hit by a taxi or rideshare in NYC.

7. Talk to a New York City Pedestrian & Taxi Accident Lawyer

Before you talk extensively with any insurance company – even your own – could you speak to an experienced NYC cab accident attorney?

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we:

• Explain your rights under New York’s No-Fault and serious injury laws
• Help you file your No-Fault (PIP) application correctly and on time
• Identify all available insurance policies (cab, garage, medallion owner, rideshare, household vehicle, MVAIC)
• Preserve crucial evidence, including surveillance video and witness statements
• Handle all communication and negotiation with insurance companies
• Take your case to court in New York City if insurers refuse to be fair

Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free NYC cab–pedestrian accident consultation.
No fee unless we win

How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Helps Pedestrians Hit by Cabs in New York City

When you hire our New York City taxi & pedestrian accident law firm, we get to work immediately.

We Investigate the NYC Crash

• Obtain and review NYPD accident and police reports
• Track down and interview witnesses in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island
• Request and preserve surveillance and traffic camera footage before it’s overwritten
• Analyze vehicle damage and scene photos
• Work with accident reconstruction experts when needed
• Review cab company and driver records where appropriate

We Document the Medical and Financial Picture

• Collect and organize your NYC medical records and bills
• Work with your doctors to understand your long-term prognosis
• Document lost income and impact on your career
• Gather evidence of future medical needs and long-term care
• Show how your injuries affect your daily life and your family

We Fight for Full Compensation Under New York Law

• Identify all responsible parties and all available insurance
• File required forms (No-Fault, MVAIC, etc.) correctly and on time
• Handle all calls and letters from insurance companies
• Prepare you for any independent medical examinations (IMEs)
• Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
• Take your case to trial in NYC courts if necessary

You focus on healing. We focus on the fight.

Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP as Your New York City Cab Accident Lawyers?

• Exclusive Focus on Personal Injury: We represent injured people, not insurance companies.
• Local Harlem Office & Seven Convenient Locations: Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County.
• Our Fee Guarantee – No Fee Unless Successful: You don’t pay attorney’s fees unless we win money for you.
• Bilingual Services Available to better serve New York City’s diverse communities.
• Top-Rated, Award-Winning Lawyers (including recognition in respected publications such as Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers).
• Hundreds of Positive Reviews and Testimonials from real clients.
• We handle the Insurance Companies so you can focus on your medical care and your family.

Our firm’s motto is: “Don’t Be a Victim Twice.” If you were hurt in an accident involving an uninsured, underinsured, or reckless cab or rideshare driver in New York City, we are ready to fight for you.

Serving Pedestrian Crash Victims Across All Five NYC Boroughs

We represent pedestrians hit by cabs, rideshares, and other vehicles throughout:

• Manhattan – Midtown, Harlem, Financial District, Inwood, and beyond
• Brooklyn – Downtown, Williamsburg, Bushwick, Flatbush, Coney Island, and more
• Queens – Astoria, Jackson Heights, Jamaica, Flushing, Long Island City
• The Bronx – Mott Haven, Fordham, Kingsbridge, Riverdale
• Staten Island – From St. George to Tottenville

Whether you were hit in a crosswalk, on the sidewalk, in a parking lot, or mid-block, a New York City pedestrian accident lawyer at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP is ready to help.

FAQ: Pedestrians Hit by Cabs in New York City

1. Do I have a case if I wasn’t in a crosswalk?

Often, yes. New York law requires drivers to use reasonable care for pedestrians everywhere, not just in crosswalks. If the cab or rideshare driver was speeding, distracted, failed to yield, or otherwise negligent, you may still have a strong case. Under pure comparative negligence, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but it is rarely zero.

2. What if I were jaywalking or partly at fault in NYC?

New York follows pure comparative negligence. You can often still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. Your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault (for example, 25% at fault = 75% of your damages), but you don’t automatically lose your case. A New York City cab accident attorney can help evaluate how fault may be allocated.

3. The cab drove off (hit-and-run) in NYC. Can I still recover money?

Yes. You may still have options, including:

• Your own auto policy’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage
• A household member’s auto policy
• In some situations, MVAIC is the only coverage if no other coverage is available

Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents in New York City are very time-sensitive. A lawyer can move quickly to look for video, witnesses, and coverage before opportunities disappear.

4. What if I don’t have health insurance in NYC?

Don’t worry, you qualify for No-Fault/PIP coverage from the cab’s policy.

5. Who pays my medical bills after a cab hits me in New York City?

Typically, No-Fault (PIP) coverage from the vehicle that hit you pays:

• Reasonable and necessary medical treatment
• A portion of your lost wages
• Certain out-of-pocket expenses

If there’s not enough coverage, or your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, we may pursue additional compensation through a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault parties.

6. How long do I have to bring a lawsuit in NYC?

• Most NYC pedestrian-cab injury lawsuits must be filed within 3 years from the date of the crash.
• Wrongful death cases are generally 2 years from the date of death.
• Claims involving city or public entities (for example, an NYC-owned vehicle or MTA bus) may require a Notice of Claim within 90 days and a lawsuit within 1 year and 90 days.

Because New York deadlines are strict – and there are exceptions – could you talk to an NYC injury attorney as soon as possible?

7. The police report says I was at fault. Do I still have a case?

Yes. Police reports can be incomplete or mistaken, especially if officers only heard the driver’s version of events. Our New York City accident lawyers often:

• Locate and interview witnesses
• Obtain security camera or traffic camera footage
• Use experts to reconstruct what really happened

The police report is one piece of evidence, not the final word.

8. I didn’t feel pain right away and delayed medical treatment. Does that hurt my case?

It can, but it does not automatically destroy your claim. Many NYC pedestrians feel pain only hours or days after a crash due to shock and adrenaline. As soon as you experience symptoms – pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, numbness, anxiety – get medical care and tell the provider you were hit by a cab or rideshare. Then call a New York City personal injury attorney.

9. I’m undocumented. Can I still bring a New York City injury claim?

Yes. Your immigration status does not erase your right to pursue compensation if you were injured by someone else’s negligence in New York. Our NYC injury lawyers take your privacy seriously and focus on protecting your rights and your future.

10. How much is my NYC cab-pedestrian case worth?

There is no one-size-fits-all number. The value depends on:

• The severity and permanence of your injuries
• Your medical bills and future care needs
• Time missed from work and impact on your career
• How your injuries affect your day-to-day life and relationships
• Whether liability is clear or disputed
• The amount of available insurance coverage

When you have a complimentary New York City consultation, we can go over your situation and provide a realistic, evidence-based evaluation – not a generic promise.

12. Do I really need a NYC lawyer, or can I handle this myself?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but in severe New York City pedestrian accident cases, proceeding without one is risky.

• Insurance companies know New York law and may take advantage of you.
• You might miss critical deadlines (No-Fault, MV-104, Notice of Claim, statute of limitations).
• You may undervalue long-term medical needs and lost income in the NYC job market.

We work on a contingency fee basis:

• No upfront fees
• No hourly bills
• No attorney’s fee unless we win money for you

Hit by a Cab While Walking in New York City? Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP.

If a cab, Uber, Lyft, or other vehicle hit you while you were walking anywhere in New York City, you are already dealing with enough: pain, doctor visits, paperwork, and stress. You don’t have to battle the insurance companies alone.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP:

• We represent injured pedestrians across all five NYC boroughs.
• We understand New York’s No-Fault and serious injury rules.
• We know how to deal with taxi companies, TLC-regulated drivers, rideshare insurers, and their defense lawyers.
• We treat clients like people, not file numbers.

Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a FREE, confidential NYC cab–pedestrian accident consultation.
No fee unless we win your case

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – New York City Taxi & Pedestrian Accident Lawyers You Can Trust.