New York Regulations for Right-Side Taxi Collisions: What Victims Should Know

Navigating New York City’s busy streets means taxis are everywhere — pulling over for passengers, changing lanes, and maneuvering through tight traffic. Unfortunately, this constant movement often leads to right-side taxi collisions, a type of accident that can cause serious injuries to passengers, cyclists, and other drivers.

If you’ve been injured in this kind of crash, understanding New York’s traffic regulations, how fault is determined, and what steps to take next can help protect your rights. This guide breaks down everything victims should know — from liability rules to the importance of consulting a taxi accident lawyer in New York.

Understanding Right-Side Taxi Collisions

A right-side taxi collision occurs when a vehicle’s passenger side is struck or when a taxi hits another object or road user during a right turn or lane change. These crashes are common in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and other crowded boroughs where taxis frequently pull over to pick up or drop off passengers.

Typical causes include:

  • Sudden or unsafe right turns

  • Drivers opening doors into oncoming traffic (“dooring”)

  • Failing to check blind spots

  • Merging too quickly or without signaling

  • Drivers or cyclists riding too close to a taxi’s side

Right-side collisions often happen in split seconds but can result in severe injuries for passengers, cyclists, or pedestrians caught on the taxi’s right flank.

New York Traffic Regulations That Apply

New York law has strict rules governing how taxis and other vehicles must operate when turning, changing lanes, or opening doors. Understanding these laws can help determine liability after a crash.

1. Duty to Signal and Check Blind Spots

Taxi drivers must use turn signals before merging or turning right. Failing to do so violates New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §1163, which can make a driver liable for resulting accidents. They are also required to check mirrors and blind spots to avoid hitting cyclists or pedestrians.

2. The “Dooring” Law

Under VTL §1214, drivers and passengers must check for approaching traffic before opening a vehicle door. If a taxi passenger opens a door into a cyclist or moving vehicle, both the passenger and the driver may share fault for the resulting collision.

3. Lane Discipline and Stopping Rules

New York City’s Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) regulations prohibit taxis from making unsafe stops in traffic lanes. Drivers must pull over safely without blocking bike lanes or crosswalks. Violating these TLC rules may support a claim of negligence in a right-side collision case.

Because multiple regulations can apply to one incident, it’s often beneficial to consult a personal injury attorney in New York who understands both state laws and local taxi ordinances.

Who Can Be at Fault in a Right-Side Taxi Collision?

Determining who’s legally responsible depends on how the crash occurred. In New York, fault can rest with one or more parties:

1. The Taxi Driver

If the driver made an unsafe lane change, turned without signaling, or opened a door carelessly, they could be primarily at fault.

2. The Taxi Company or Vehicle Owner

If the taxi was poorly maintained (for example, faulty mirrors or lighting), the company or owner may share liability. Companies can also be held accountable if they failed to properly train or monitor the driver.

3. Other Motorists

In some cases, another vehicle may sideswipe the taxi, forcing it into another car or cyclist. Fault then extends to the negligent driver of that vehicle.

4. Cyclists or Pedestrians

If a cyclist suddenly weaves into traffic or ignores signals, they may contribute to the collision. New York’s comparative negligence law allows liability to be shared among all parties based on their percentage of fault.

A knowledgeable taxi accident lawyer in New York can analyze every angle — from police reports to traffic camera footage — to determine who should be held responsible.

Common Injuries in Right-Side Taxi Collisions

Because these crashes often occur at close range or near door openings, injuries can be significant. Victims commonly experience:

  • Broken bones or fractures

  • Head and neck injuries

  • Shoulder or arm trauma from side impact

  • Spinal or back injuries

  • Lacerations from shattered glass

Even injuries that seem minor can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain or mobility issues. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention immediately and document all symptoms — vital evidence that a personal injury attorney in New York can use to strengthen your claim.

How Evidence Determines Liability

Strong evidence is key to proving fault and obtaining fair compensation. Important documentation includes:

  • Accident scene photos showing vehicle positions or bike lane obstructions

  • Surveillance or dashcam footage capturing the taxi’s movements

  • Police and TLC reports detailing citations or witness statements

  • Medical records linking injuries directly to the crash

  • Black box or GPS data showing vehicle speed or sudden stops

A taxi accident lawyer in New York can help preserve this evidence before it disappears and use it to build a clear narrative of negligence.

Comparative Negligence in New York

New York follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover damages — though your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

For example, if you’re found 20% at fault for not observing traffic while cycling, you can still recover 80% of your total damages. This principle encourages fair outcomes but also makes legal representation especially important to ensure your share of fault isn’t exaggerated by insurers

Steps Victims Should Take After a Taxi Collision

If you’re involved in a right-side taxi collision in New York, the steps you take immediately afterward are crucial:

  1. Call 911 and report the accident.

  2. Seek medical care, even if injuries seem minor.

  3. Take photos and gather evidence at the scene.

  4. Get contact and insurance details of all involved parties.

  5. Avoid discussing fault with drivers or insurers.

  6. Consult a taxi accident lawyer in New York before accepting any settlement.

Quick action helps ensure your rights are protected and that important details aren’t lost.

Why Legal Guidance Is Critical

Taxi accident cases can quickly become complex because they involve unique regulations, commercial insurance policies, and multiple parties. Without legal support, victims often face:

  • Delays in insurance settlements

  • Disputes over fault

  • Pressure to accept low compensation offers

A seasoned taxi accident lawyer in New York understands these dynamics and can help victims gather evidence, interpret TLC rules, and present a strong claim for fair recovery.

If injuries are serious or long-term, consulting a personal injury attorney in New York ensures you explore every available legal option while focusing on your recovery.

FAQs About Right-Side Taxi Collisions

1. Who is responsible if a taxi door hits a cyclist or another car?
Under New York’s “dooring” law, both the taxi driver and the passenger who opened the door can share fault if they failed to check for traffic before opening it.

2. Can multiple parties be at fault in a right-side taxi collision?
Yes. Taxi drivers, companies, other motorists, or even cyclists may share liability. New York’s comparative negligence law allows responsibility to be divided among all at-fault parties.

3. What should I do after being injured in a taxi collision?
Report the accident, seek medical attention, gather evidence, and speak with a taxi accident lawyer in New York. Quick action helps preserve your rights and strengthens your potential claim.