Tram Metrolink Accident Compensation Claims
NoWinNoFee.com is a claims management company that helps people claim compensation for an accident or injury that wasn't their fault
With no win no fee agreements (also known as a Conditional Fee Arrangements, or CFAs), there are no upfront legal fees, which means anyone who has been involved in an accident that wasn’t their fault can gain access to justice without any financial risk. Your solicitor only gets a fee if your claim is successful. If your claim isn't successful, you won’t pay your solicitor any legal fees.
If your case is successful, typically you will pay 25% (including VAT) of your compensation to your solicitor, although they will discuss any fees before starting your case. To ensure your claim is risk free, your solicitor may take out an insurance policy on your behalf. If you terminate the agreement, you may have to pay fees for the time already spent on your claim, or due to: lack of cooperation, misleading your solicitor, missing medical or expert examinations, or not attending court hearings.
There are some instances where you are not required to use the services of a claims management company, and are able to claim yourself, for free, directly via the relevant ombudsman/compensation scheme. These include:
- Criminal injuries: The Criminal Injury Compensation Authority (England, Wales, and Scotland) or the Criminal Injury Compensation Scheme (Northern Ireland)
- Minor road accidents: The Official Injury Claim Portal
- Accidents involving uninsured drivers: The Motor Insurers' Bureau
Tram Metrolink Accident Compensation Claims
While trams are generally safe, accidents can happen, and the injuries caused by tram incidents can impact your ability to work, travel and perform daily activities. If you or a loved one is the victim of a tram accident, you could be eligible to make a compensation claim.
Call now on 0800 234 6438
Claim compensation for your tram accident
As one of the many light rail systems in the UK, tram systems are most common in busy cities such as London, Manchester and the West Midlands. In some cities, such as Manchester, the tram is a popular form of public transportation, attracting over 44 million passengers in 2019 (Statista).
Tram accidents shouldn’t happen, but they unfortunately do. According to Busy Times, there were 91 Metrolink collisions between April and December 2022—and that’s just in Greater Manchester.
While there are limited statistics for tram accidents across Great Britain, a report by The Office of Rail and Road Data documented 49 injuries in 2017/18.
If you have suffered tram accident-related injuries you have the right to claim compensation. By calling 0800 234 6438 or filling out the online form today, you can discuss your eligibility for free with an experienced legal advisory service.
What are Metrolink/tram accidents?
The UK has eight network operating tram systems, and they typically offer people in large cities an alternative to traditional trains or buses. While there are high health and safety standards, accidents can happen due to reckless operation and collisions with cyclists or cars.
If you’re in an accident that’s not your fault, you could be eligible to make a public transport accident claim. In most cases, people claim against the tram network or a person, but the process requires evidence to prove negligence.
Why claim compensation?
Nobody wants to be the victim of a tram accident, but depending on the nature of the incident, you could lose the ability to work and require long-term care. All Metrolink tram operators must follow strict health and safety rules and are monitored by the Office Of Rail and Road.
All rail and tram systems are regulated through the ROGS (Railway and Other Guided Transport Systems) safety guidelines, including maintenance departments and operators.
These regulations are in place to protect passengers and other road users, so if you can prove negligence, it’s possible to make a tram or train accident claim.
Not only can claiming compensation cover any financial losses, but it also holds those negligent responsible and ensures they take precautions in the future.
The causes of tram accidents
There are many causes of tram accidents, but most occur due to collisions between trams and other road users. Potential causes of tram accidents include:
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Pedestrians slipping onto the trackway
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Door failures
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Tram driver errors or carelessness
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Damaged tracks that cause derailment
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Electric shocks from overhead wires
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Inadequate training for tram employees
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Mechanical failures
Common injuries from tram incidents
The injuries caused by Metrolink accidents can vary from minor lacerations to severe injuries that have life-changing impacts. It also depends on how the injury occurred, as collisions can be fatal, but accidents within the tram might not be as serious.
Potential injuries include:
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Sprains
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Broken bones
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Crushing injuries
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Amputations
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Traumatic brain injuries
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Paralysis
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Fatalities
Many of these injuries can lead to a loss of mobility, impacting your ability to work and financial difficulties.
What to do after a tram accident
If you’ve suffered injuries after a tram accident, you could be eligible to claim tram accident compensation. The best way to decide whether to proceed with compensation is by talking to a trained legal advisor on 0800 234 6438.
A legal advisor will discuss your accident and evaluate whether your claim will likely succeed. If they believe you have a claim to pursue, they’ll put you in touch with a no win no fee solicitor who will represent you throughout the claims process.
Meet with a no win no fee legal service
While traditional lawyers charge hourly fees, claiming compensation on a no win no fee basis gives you more security. These solicitors don’t charge any fees unless they win your case, so there are no financial risks to you.
Also, a lawyer receiving an hourly fee will inevitably want to argue your case even if they don’t feel you’ll win. Choosing a no win no fee service can give you confidence that there’s a good chance of receiving a settlement.
Reviewing your case
The success of your personal injury claim depends on the evidence your lawyer can present to the negligent party. Your solicitor will review your injuries and how they happened to get an idea of the amount of compensation you can receive.
They’ll also try to contact witnesses and obtain CCTV from the tram stop or light train station whenever possible because both will be instrumental in securing compensation.
Negotiating with the negligent party
Your personal injury solicitor will then meet with the negligent party’s insurance company or legal representation to discuss your injuries and the compensation amount. The negligent party usually wants to review any records of the injury sustained and might ask you to attend a medical assessment.
There’s no saying how long the negotiations will take, but your solicitor will keep you updated throughout the process and discuss whether the case is likely to go to court.
Receiving your settlement
Some claimants receive a lump sum, while others might receive their accident compensation in yearly increments. Once your solicitor settles your case, they’ll recover their fees through your compensation, and you’ll receive the rest of the money.
Should I collect evidence when my tram accident occurs?
Most public transport accidents are easy to prove as there’s usually CCTV on the tram and any stops. However, taking photographs of the incident scene and asking witnesses for their contact details can help move your compensation claim along.
It’s also advisable to go to the minor injuries department or see your GP, even if you have minor lacerations, as medical professionals will note them on your medical records.
How much compensation could I receive?
As with all personal injury claims, your compensation is judged on an individual business. Personal injury solicitors calculate expected amounts based on the extent of your injuries and how they impact your life.
For example, if the injury sustained was serious, you’ll receive more compensation than a fracture that heals fully in a few months.
Compensation awards often have two elements: general and special damages.
General damages include:
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The physical impact of your injuries
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Any psychological effects
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Injuries that lead to a disability
Special damages include:
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Loss of earnings
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Transportation costs
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Healthcare charges
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Other financial losses that result from injuries
General compensation amounts
There’s no definitive compensation for a tram injury, but the amounts are similar to what a victim of a road traffic accident or train injury claim receives. It’s best to speak to your solicitor, who is highly experienced in handling train accident claims and light rail compensation cases.
The following amounts will give you a general idea of how much compensation you might receive:
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Fractures and long-term wrist/ankle injuries: £3,310 to £44,690.
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Minor head or brain injuries: £2,000 to £11,980.
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Severe back and shoulder injuries: £11,980 to £26,000.
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Pelvis and hip injuries: £3,710 to £24,950.
Along with these initial amounts, your solicitor will add on lost earnings and the suffering you endured from the accident. The best way to determine how much you might receive is to ask your personal injury solicitor.
Find out if you can make a tram accident compensation claim today
If you’d like to know whether you can claim compensation for your tram accident, please use the online form or call 0800 234 6438 today. You’ll receive a free consultation to discuss your injuries, and the legal advisor can connect you with a reputable no win no fee solicitor.
The money you receive can help you recover from financial challenges and get necessary treatments. That’s why it’s always worth exploring whether compensation is an option.
