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.
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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 as a result of someone else’s actions or negligence, and those injuries have affected your life and your ability to live normally, you are entitled to claim compensation to support your recovery.
At Slater and Gordon, we have extensive experience helping people who have been injured in public transport accidents across the UK. We understand the physical, emotional and financial strain these incidents can cause, and we provide clear, compassionate support from the outset.
What are the most common injuries on public transport?
Injuries on public transport can vary massively. There is a wide variety of equipment that could potentially cause injury to passengers, and accidents can occur 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 suffered 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:
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 financial losses, such as any loss of earnings, the cost of any medical treatment or rehabilitation, or any adaptations to your home that have been/may be required (known as ‘special damages’). Special damages include losses you have already incurred, as well as any future losses you are likely to suffer.
Speak to our public transport accident solicitors today
If you or a loved one has been injured, speaking to an experienced public transport accident lawyer early on can make a real difference. Understanding your options is the first step towards recovery, and we’re here to help you do that with confidence and reassurance.
To start your public transport accident claim, call us on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online to speak to a member of the team about the details of your case.
We’ll assess your case and, if we think you have a claim, we’ll talk you through the process and your funding options (most of our road traffic accident claims are pursued on a No Win No Fee basis).
To support your claim, we’ll help you gather all the relevant evidence, including obtaining copies of your medical records (with your permission).
Once we’ve collected all the initial information we need, we’ll submit a Letter of Claim to the responsible party. Your solicitor will keep you up to date with your claims progress and will handle all negotiations, working hard to secure the best possible result.
We will arrange for you to have a medical examination with an independent expert who specialises in providing medical evidence to the court.
As part of your claim, we’ll advocate for you to have access to the best quality treatment, and rehabilitation such as physiotherapy, where appropriate, to maximise your chances of a full recovery and future independence.
In most cases, negotiations will lead to a successful conclusion of a claim. However, there are occasions when a settlement cannot be reached, and the matter must go to court so a judge can rule on the case.
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s public transport accident lawyers?
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 lawyers are among the best and most experienced public transport accident lawyers in the country, consistently receiving high rankings from reputable independent legal directories, such as Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500
We handle all public transport accident claims on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning there is no upfront cost and no financial risk to you
We pride ourselves on taking a holistic and collaborative approach to your public transport accident claim, working closely with medical experts who can assess your injuries and determine the future care and rehabilitation you may require.
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 public transportation accident injury compensation claim is different, so we are able to provide tailored advice 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
Frequently asked questions about public transport accident claims
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?
Yes. For most public transport accident claims, you’ll be required to undergo a routine medical examination by an experienced medical expert, who will assess 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.
You may need to be examined by more than one expert if your injuries are complex and evidence is required from experts across various medical disciplines.
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?
Yes, you can. Most of the public transport accident claims 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 agreement. 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.
When can I make a bus accident claim?
You can usually make a bus accident claim if you have been injured due to negligence, whether as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist or another road user. Common causes include sudden braking, driver error, poor maintenance, unsafe boarding or alighting conditions, or collisions involving the bus.
Under the Limitation Act 1980, most personal injury claims must be started within three years of the accident, or within three years from when you became aware that your injury was linked to it. Exceptions apply for children and individuals lacking mental capacity, where different rules apply.
Bus accidents may involve local authorities, private operators or their insurers, which can make the claims process feel complex. Our experienced public transport accident lawyers can identify who is responsible and manage the claim on your behalf, allowing you to focus on recovery.
When can I make a train accident compensation claim?
Train accident compensation claims can arise from a range of situations, including slips or falls at stations, or injuries caused by overcrowding, faulty doors, derailments, or sudden movements of the train.
Train operators and network authorities have a duty of care to passengers under common law and rail safety regulations. If an accident on public transport occurs due to a failure to meet those responsibilities, you may be entitled to compensation.
As with bus claims, most train accident compensation claims must be started within three years, although exceptions apply in certain circumstances.
If you’ve been injured on a train, we strongly recommend you speak to our experienced public transport accident lawyers as soon as you can to establish your full legal position. Call us today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Will my claim be subject to the whiplash reforms?
This will largely depend on the circumstances of the accident, such as the mode of transport you were travelling on and the severity of your injuries.
The whiplash reforms, introduced under the Civil Liability Act 2018, primarily apply to road traffic accidents involving motor vehicles and claims valued under £5,000. This means that some accidents, such as bus accidents, may fall within the scope of the reforms, while accidents occurring on trains or due to non-vehicle-related incidents often won’t.
It is important not to assume the reforms apply without proper advice. Our public transport accident lawyers can assess your situation, explain how the law affects your claim, and ensure that you pursue compensation through the correct route.
Can I make a claim if I was injured while working on public transport?
If you work on public transport, for example as a bus driver, conductor, train staff member, cleaner or maintenance worker, you may still be able to make a claim if you were injured at work.
Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to provide a safe working environment, adequate training, and properly maintained equipment. If they have failed in this duty, and you have been injured as a result, you may be entitled to compensation.
Will I need to go to court?
It’s unlikely you will need to go to court as part of a public transport accident claim. In most cases, claims are settled out of court through negotiation with the other party once we have established liability (fault) and assessed the evidence available.
In rare cases, court proceedings may be issued if liability is disputed or we’re unable to reach an agreement on a fair settlement. However, even where court proceedings have been started, many cases are still resolved through negotiation with the other side before the final hearing.
If court attendance is required, your dedicated public transport accident lawyer will explain exactly what to expect and support you every step of the way. Speak to us on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online to request a call back.
Can I claim compensation for financial losses?
Yes, financial losses can and should be factored into compensation for a public transport accident.
Financial losses may include lost earnings if you have been unable to work, future loss of income where injuries have long-term consequences, medical treatment costs, care costs, rehabilitation expenses, and additional travel costs incurred because of the injury. In some cases, compensation can also consider the cost of voluntary care provided by family members.
Keeping records such as pay slips, receipts, and invoices can help support this part of your claim. Our team will work closely with you to identify all relevant losses and ensure they are accurately included, so that your claim reflects the true cost of the accident.
How is compensation calculated?
Compensation for a public transport accident is usually made up of two parts. The first (known as ‘general damages’) relates to the injury itself, and the second (known as ‘special damages’) covers the financial impact the accident has had on your life.
General damages compensation considers factors such as the type of injury, how severe it is, how long recovery is expected to take, and whether there are any lasting effects. Independent medical evidence plays a key role in ensuring this aspect of the claim is accurately assessed.
Special damages compensation looks at how the accident has affected you financially. This can include time off work, reduced earnings, medical costs, rehabilitation expenses travel expenses and the need for care or support. Each case is assessed individually to reflect the real impact the accident has had on your day-to-day life.
Our role is to ensure that you receive compensation for your public transport accident that is fair, comprehensive and tailored to your circumstances. Speak to our specialist public transport accident lawyers to learn how much compensation you could be owed on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Can I make a claim on behalf of a loved one?
In certain situations, it is possible to make a public transport accident claim on behalf of another person. This often applies where the injured individual is a child, or where an adult lacks the mental capacity to manage their own claim.
For children, an adult (such as a parent or legal guardian) can bring a claim as a litigation friend on behalf of the child at any time before the child turns 18.
Where an adult lacks capacity under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, a trusted family member or appointed representative may be able to act on their behalf. Claims can be brought at any time until the injured adult regains capacity.
Our team has extensive experience in handling claims involving children and vulnerable adults, and we take a sensitive and tailored approach to ensure that their best interests are always prioritised.
What happens if I didn’t go to the hospital for my injuries?
It is very common for people involved in an accident on public transport not to go to hospital straight away. Injuries do not always show immediately, and in many cases people understandably try to carry on with their day, particularly if they believe the injury is minor.
Not attending hospital does not automatically prevent you from making a public transport accident claim. What matters is whether you were injured as a result of the accident and whether medical evidence can later confirm that link. If symptoms develop days or even weeks after the accident, you can still seek medical advice from your GP or a specialist. Those records can then form part of your claim.
If you are unsure whether your symptoms are related to the accident, speak to one of our expert public transport accident lawyers to establish your full legal position and to ensure that your health and legal rights are both protected. Call our team on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
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