Guide to Bus or Taxi Accidents

Complete Guide: Bus or Taxi Accident and Your Legal Rights

A traffic accident involving a bus or taxi can leave significant physical, emotional, and financial damage in its wake. Whether you were injured as a passenger, pedestrian, or driver, it is important to understand your legal rights and how to file a compensation claim. This guide will walk you through every step of the process — from the moment of the accident through to financial settlement.

Mandelbaumm, Gor, Witzmann-Gor and Partners, attorneys at law, has specialized in representing accident victims in traffic accidents since 2008. We understand the difficulties you are experiencing and how to help you receive the compensation you are entitled to by law.

What happens immediately after a bus or taxi accident?

In the first stage, your safety is the top priority. If you are injured, call Magen David Adom or emergency services. Even if you think the damage is minor, it is important to get a medical examination as soon as possible — some injuries only appear hours or days later.

Second, gather evidence at the scene:

• Photograph the damaged vehicle, the accident scene, and all visible damage.
• Collect witness details (name, phone number, address) — civilian witnesses and other passengers can be critical.
• Record the driver's details, the vehicle's insurance company, and the employer (if it was a work accident).
• Request a police report — it contains an official record of the accident.
• Keep all medical receipts, treatment invoices, and medical evaluations.

Who is liable in a public transportation accident?

In an accident involving a bus or taxi, liability can be complex. The driver may be personally liable, but the transportation company or vehicle owner may also bear joint liability. In accidents involving public buses (operated by companies such as Egged, Dan, Kavim, or bus services), the transportation company may be liable under tort law.

In a taxi accident (taxi, Waze, or Uber), the driver or vehicle owner is usually the defendant in the claim. If the driver works for a company, the company may also be liable.

To prove liability, you must show that the driver or company acted negligently — meaning they did not exercise the care that would be expected of them under the circumstances.

Types of Compensation in Bus or Taxi Accidents

When you are injured in a bus or taxi accident, you are entitled to compensation in two main ways: through National Insurance and through a civil tort claim. At this time, it is important to understand the differences between the two.

1. Compensation through National Insurance

National Insurance provides benefits to victims of traffic accidents and work accidents. You are entitled to file a claim within three years from the date of the accident. Benefits include:

• Monthly allowance — if you remain with permanent disability (according to the percentage of disability determined by a medical committee).
• One-time compensation — based on the degree of disability (10% or higher).
• Medical expenses — all treatment covered by National Insurance.
• Early retirement pension — if you are forced to stop working due to the injury.

National Insurance does not require proof of liability — it is sufficient that the accident occurred under circumstances that confer entitlement. However, benefits are limited to amounts set by law and do not always cover all of your losses.

2. Civil Tort Claim (Against the Responsible Party)

In addition to National Insurance, you are entitled to file a direct civil claim against the driver, transportation company, or vehicle owner. In this claim, you can claim compensation for:

• Bodily injury damages — pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, medical expenses not covered by National Insurance.
• Financial damages — lost income, private medical examinations and treatments, transportation to medical appointments.
• Non-financial damages — suffering, limitation in daily life activities, occupational impairment, psychological damages.
• Legal costs — attorney fees, litigation expenses.

In a civil claim, you must prove the defendant's liability. In an accident involving a bus or taxi, this is often easier — the driver or company may be liable for violation of traffic law or negligent conduct.

How much compensation is possible?

The amount of compensation in a civil claim depends on the severity of the injury, the injured party's age, previous health condition, percentage of disability, and impact on earning capacity. In serious accidents, compensation can reach tens of thousands of shekels or more. In less serious accidents, compensation will be lower. Each case is examined on its own merits, according to its unique circumstances.

Common Scenarios in Bus and Taxi Accidents

Each accident is different, but there are common scenarios that may affect your compensation:

Scenario 1: You are a passenger on a public bus and a sudden braking occurs

The driver of Egged or Dan brakes suddenly, and you collide with a window or fall. You suffer injuries to your head and spine. In this scenario, the transportation company may be liable for negligent vehicle operation. The insurance company of the bus or the transportation company itself will be the defendant in the claim. Eligibility for compensation depends on proving that the driver failed to exercise reasonable care.

Scenario 2: You are a passenger in a taxi and another taxi collides with your taxi

In this accident, you are injured as a passenger within the vehicle. The driver of your taxi may bear partial responsibility (if they did not maintain a safe distance), or the driver of the other taxi may bear full responsibility. Each party may defend by claiming the other party was responsible. In your claim, you may sue both or only the party with greater liability.

Scenario 3: You are a pedestrian and are hit by a taxi

As a pedestrian, you have strong legal protection. The taxi driver must exercise heightened care toward pedestrians. If the driver failed to notice you or did not brake in time, the driver is typically liable. Your claim will be against the driver or the taxi owner (if the driver is employed by the owner).

Scenario 4: You are a taxi driver and are hit by another vehicle

As a driver, you are also entitled to compensation for bodily injury damages. However, you have a legal obligation to avoid an accident if possible. If it is proven that you were partially responsible, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of liability (comparative fault). For example, if it is proven that you were speeding and this contributed to the accident, your compensation may be reduced by 20% or more.

Scenario 5: Accident Resulting from Public Negligence (Damaged Road, Broken Traffic Sign)

If the accident occurred due to defects in public infrastructure (damaged road, broken traffic sign, poor lighting), you may sue the local authority or the Ministry of Transportation. These claims are more complex, as you must prove that the authority knew or should have known about the defect and failed to address it.

Comparison Table: National Insurance vs. Civil Claim

Important Note: The two pathways are not mutually exclusive — you can file a claim with the National Insurance and pursue a civil claim. In fact, most injured parties do so in order to receive the maximum compensation to which they are entitled.

How Mendelbaum, Gor, Witzman-Gor & Co. Law Office Can Help You

Mendelbaum, Gor, Witzman-Gor & Co. Law Office specializes in representing victims of traffic accidents and work accidents since 2008. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial hardship you experience following an accident involving a bus or taxi, and our vision is to help you obtain the full compensation you are entitled to under the law.

Our services include:

• Complete Legal Consultation — We will review your case, assess the damages, explain your rights, and plan the best scenario for your claim.
• Filing a National Insurance Request — We will assist you in filing a national insurance application, collect the necessary documents, and represent you in appeal if required.
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies — We negotiate with the defendant's insurance company to achieve a fair settlement, without the need for a prolonged court process.
• Court Representation — If the matter proceeds to court, we will represent you at all stages, from filing the claim through to judgment.
• Professional Case Management — We handle all details — evidence collection, obtaining medical opinions, coordination with courts and insurance companies.

The office is located in Ramat Gan, and we also serve clients from Petah Tikva, the central region, and throughout the country. First Consultation Meeting at No Cost — You can meet with us, hear our opinion, and decide if you want us to represent you, all without any commitment.