Operators of public transport have a duty to ensure their passengers are safe while using their transport. If you’ve been injured on public transport and it was not your fault, you may be entitled to make a public transport accident claim.
We can help if you were injured on public transport
Injuries on public transport might seem to be rare, however they happen quite frequently.
Not only can collisions occur, but public transport such as trains and trams may also have mechanised doors, luggage racks above head height from which items could fall, and various other scenarios that could cause injuries, some of which could be life-changing.
Many people who have been injured in these circumstances often believe there is no one to blame for their injuries. However, if you’ve been injured and those injuries have effected your life and your ability to live normally, you are entitled to claim compensation to support your recovery.
Our public transport accident solicitors can help advise you to whether or not you may have a claim.
What are the most common injuries on public transport?
Injuries on public transport can vary massively. There is a wide variety of accidents and equipment that could potentially cause injury to passengers in the event of an accident, or if proper health and safety guidance is not followed. Below are the most common scenarios our clients have had to deal with:
You may have suffered whiplash* after the bus or coach you were traveling aboard collided with another vehicle
Injuries which happened as a result of a train crash or a train coming to a sudden stop
Crashes whilst in an Uber or taxi as a passenger
Limbs getting trapped between a tram and the platform
Violence and abuse from other passengers
No matter how you were hurt, if it was not your fault you may be entitled to compensation.
*In 2021, the UK government introduced legislation that changed the way in which whiplash injuries were handled. It means that claims valued at less than £5,000 are now handled via an online self-service portal, Official Injury Claim. For more information, see our page on whiplash reforms.
What are the different types of public transport accident claims?
There are various means of getting around using public transport and for the majority of people, journeys are enjoyable and injury free. However, accidents can happen, no matter what mode of transport you take. If you’ve been injured on any of the following types of public transport, you may be entitled to compensation:
Bus and coach accidents
Train and rail accidents
Boat, ship and ferry accidents
How long do I have to make a public transport accident claim?
The law generally allows a time limit of three years from the date of an accident in which to register your claim through the courts, though longer may be allowed if you are claiming on behalf of a child or someone with mental impairment.
If your public transport accident happened abroad, different time limits apply. In order to prepare a case to register your claim through the courts, it's extremely important that you speak to a specialist solicitor as soon as possible or you may lose your chance to make a claim.
It is strongly advised that if you’ve been injured in a public transport accident and wish to make a claim, you should contact a specialist public transport accident solicitor as soon as possible. Your solicitor will be able to provide more advice and guidance on the claims process, as well as any deadlines relevant to your particular case.
How much will my public transport accident claim be worth?
There's no hard and fast rule for how much compensation you might receive for an injury received on or by public transport. This all depends on the extent of your injuries and how long it is expected that a full recovery will take.
However, in addition to compensation for pain and suffering (known as general damages) you may also be able to claim for any loss of earnings as well as for the cost of any medical treatment, rehabilitation or any adaptations to your home that may be required (known as special damages).
For most people, public transport provides an easy, affordable way to travel, and it is the responsibility of the service operators to ensure people are able to use their transportation safely. However, accidents do happen, and injuries caused by public transport can be devastating. Whatever your injuries, our team of industry-leading personal injury specialists are on hand to help, supporting you through your rehabilitation and compensation claim.
Our team is consistently ranked highly in reputable independent legal directories, such as Chambers and Partners, and the Legal 500, and are among the best and most experienced injury lawyers in the country. We work closely with medical professionals to ensure each and every one of our clients receives the best possible outcome, both in terms of finances and future care. We also have an in-house rehabilitation coordinator, who is on hand to provide immediate support, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
We are an award winning law firm and have a dedicated team of road traffic accident solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We're able to offer affordable expert legal advice and can provide guidance on all aspects of road traffic accident claims. Our Initial Consultation provides tailored advice on your situation giving you clear guidance and options regarding next steps.
Tailored advice
We understand that every claim is different – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Speak to one of our road traffic accident solicitors today
What evidence will I need to make a public transport accident claim?
To successfully make a public transport accident claim, you’ll need to be able to prove that blame – or liability – for the accident rests with the operators of the transport, and that your injuries were caused by the accident.
If you are able, try to collect as much information as possible from the scene of the accident, including photographs and the contact details of any witnesses. This information will help your solicitor build a case to prove who was responsible for the accident.
Will I need to attend a medical examination as part of my claim?
For most personal injury claims, you’ll be required to undergo a routine medical examination by an experienced medical expert, who will discuss your injuries and their impact on your life in detail. They will then produce a medico legal report, which is used as evidence by the courts and solicitors to determine the extent of your injuries and how quickly you might be expected to recover.
How long will the process of claiming compensation for a public transport accident take?
It can be difficult to determine how long a public transport accident claim will take, as there can be a variety of contributing factors. This includes how quickly liability for the accident can be established, the severity of your injuries and how quickly your prognosis can be assessed, and how long negotiations for a final settlement take.
It can sometimes be a lengthy process, so it’s always best to contact a specialist public transport accident solicitor as soon as possible, and they can help you get the ball rolling promptly.
Can I make a no win no fee public transport accident claim?
Many of the cases we pursue on behalf of our clients are done so by way of a conditional fee arrangement, more commonly known as No Win No Fee. There are no upfront costs, and if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay a fee to your solicitor.
However, no win no fee arrangements are not the only way to fund your case. To learn more about the available funding options and which might suit you best, speak to a member of our team.
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Ashley
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case. David
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon. Kenny Jackson