Public Transport Accident Claims

How do public transport accidents occur?

Public transport systems and operators in the UK must adhere to strict Health and Safety guidelines, and most do. However, accidents can occur due to driver error or faults with the vehicle, and when they do, they can cause serious injuries.

While public transport accidents can happen in any form, the most common occur on trains, buses, trams and ferries.

Train accidents

From the complex rail systems across the country to the London underground, trains are the most popular type of public transport, but they can also be a hazard. Common accidents that occur on trains include:

• Driver errors

• Slipping on wet floors

• Tripping over objects and falling over due to sudden stops

• Train doors are also a significant risk to passengers, especially if they close prematurely; when this happens, they can cause severe injury.

• Any luggage that isn’t appropriately secured could cause head injuries.

• General crowding of the London Underground puts passengers and staff at an increased risk of injury.

Bus accidents

Bus passengers can be at risk of accidents. These usually occur due to faults with the vehicle or bus driver negligence. For example, if the bus driver fails to stop smoothly while someone is waiting to exit the bus or engages in reckless driving, it can seriously injure passengers.

Just like cars, buses require regular maintenance, and any faults in the bus can increase the risk of road accidents.

Ferry accidents

While ferry accidents are less common than bus or train accidents, they still happen. Most ferry accidents occur when people enter or exit the ferry. Slips and trips can occur due to poorly maintained decks, and improperly secured objects can cause head injuries.

Tram accidents

Trams operate in some of the UK’s major cities, including Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Sheffield. Overcrowding and poorly maintained trams can cause serious accidents, especially if there’s a crash, but driver negligence is also a problem.

Defective tracks, faulty seats and other issues with the tram can also cause injuries. Motorcyclists or other road users injured by trams can also claim compensation.

What to do if you’re injured in a public transport accident

Whether it’s train, tram, ferry, or bus accident claims, you can apply for compensation if you can prove the driver or operator was at fault. For example, if a clear wet floor sign and the injured party ignores it, they’re usually not eligible to file a claim.

The first step in the claims process should be to call a free legal advisory service to discuss your accident. While some people jump straight into finding a lawyer, it’s best to get advice because it can help clarify whether you will win your compensation case.

By phoning 0800 234 6438 or filling out the online form, you can speak to an impartial legal advisor, who will connect you with a no win no fee solicitor if they think you’re eligible to file a claim.

Meet with a no win no fee solicitor

Opting for a no win no fee service when making a public transport accident claim offers numerous benefits, including the fact that there’s no risk involved. While traditional lawyers charge upfront fees and make no promises to win your case, a personal injury solicitor only takes a fee if they win your case.

This gives you peace of mind and protects you financially, ensuring you won’t pay any money unless your lawyer wins the personal injury claim.

Gathering evidence

The next step in your public transport injury claim is for your lawyer to gather evidence. Getting the necessary information when the accident occurs is always helpful because it will speed up your claim and give your lawyer access to valuable witnesses.

Asking for witness details

If an accident happens on public transport, there will usually be witnesses, and they could be able to corroborate your account. Gather their contact details and give them to your lawyer, as witnesses can simplify the claims process and save your solicitor time.

Get the necessary information

Write down any accident details, including the date, time and name of the train operator or bus company. You should also ask the driver for contact information and write down the vehicle’s number plate.

Reporting the incident

All public transportation services must follow health and safety regulations, including keeping detailed records of accidents. Reporting your accident ensures your lawyer will have the necessary information to file your claim.

Seek medical treatment

Always go to a doctor to report your injuries, even minor ones. By going to the GP or hospital, your lawyer will have a record of your injuries when they occurred, making it easier to prove them when negotiating a settlement.

Visual evidence of the accident

Photographs can also help to prove your case, and the solicitor will also try to access any available CCTV footage, which might prove invaluable when making your claim.

Putting your case forward

Once the lawyer has all the evidence, they’ll meet with the negligent party’s insurance company to negotiate your case. The duration depends on the available evidence and whether the operator is willing to accept their negligence.

In some cases, your claim might go to court. However, your lawyer will discuss the options with you and put a plan in place so you can have control of the process.

Settling the final amount

Once your lawyer settles the public transportation accident claim, they’ll take their fees out of the final amount, and you’ll receive the rest. How you spend it is entirely up to you, with some people opting for private treatments while others use it to supplement their income.

What is the claims process?

The claims process involves gathering evidence, negotiating your claim and reaching a settlement. There’s no set time frame for claims, as each case is different, but your lawyer will support you through the process and ensure they settle the claim as soon as possible.

If your lawyer asks for help, they might want to see if you can gather more evidence or attend a medical assessment. It’s important to stay calm during the claim, as the process can be frustrating, but your no win no fee lawyer has as much to lose as you, so they’ll always work hard to get the best settlement.

What are the time limits for compensation claims?

As with all personal injury claims, you have three years from the incident date to make a claim. That’s why it’s always best to claim quickly; negotiations can drag on. Anyone over 18 can claim for up to three years from the accident date.

Parents can claim on behalf of a child, but the child can also claim for three years after they turn 18. In the event of a fatality, the deceased individual’s next of kin can also file for compensation, covering any lost earnings.