All public transport service companies have a duty of care to their paying commuters. They are responsible for keeping you as safe as possible while you are travelling. As a result, there are Health and Safety procedures in place to avoid any accidents from happening. However, public transport accidents occur more often than you think.

If you or a loved one have been injured in any mode of public transport, whether it be a bus, train, tram or otherwise, you may be eligible to make a public transport accident claim. We understand how difficult and life-changing accidents can be, both physically and psychologically.

Contact Wildwood Legal today to determine whether you can make a public transport accident claim.

Any type of accident can cause severe and long-term devastating consequences, so you should seek legal expertise, and the following information may be useful.

 

Forms of public transport accidents

 

There can be various reasons as to why road traffic accidents occur, but most of the time, it may not be your fault. Although some incidents may be out of the driver’s control, such as careless pedestrians, the driver may be to blame in some cases. It is also important to consider the fact that seatbelts are not legally required on buses and trains, so the chances of injury could be higher. The most common types of accidents are:

 

Bus Accidents

 

This could be caused by reckless or careless driving by the bus driver or other road users, which could involve severe collisions. Sudden or harsh braking, driving too fast around corners, failing to open the door after the bus comes to a complete stop, or the driver moving off before a passenger sits down could all result in injuries. Other potential causes include bus defects such as damaged seats and broken handrails.

 

Train accidents

 

Slips, trips, and falls are the main cause of injuries while travelling by train, often caused by liquid spills or objects/litter not being cleaned both on the train and the platform. Railway networks must keep passengers safe by signposting hazards and making sure stations are maintained.

 

Accidents predominantly happen when getting on and off. For instance, faulty doors that close prematurely or one that malfunctions, causing it to shut and trap someone’s limbs in between. Elderly passengers may also struggle to step down to the platform; this can be dangerous if they misjudge and fall through the gap. Baggage falling from overhead racks, wet, slippery, or uneven flooring, and poorly lit stairways can also cause injuries.

 

Ferry accidents

 

Ferries and boats are typically a popular way of getting to and from holiday destinations. Owners of water transportation vehicles have a duty to ensure your safety, and they could be liable if a passenger is injured. Some examples of accidents are:

 

Ø Cuts and bruises from being hit by an unsecured, falling object or broken surface

Ø Sprains due to slippery surfaces on deck, especially in rough seas

Ø The ferry may run into the port while docking

Ø Crashing into other boats

Ø Food poisoning from onboard catering services

 

Taxi accidents

 

When a passenger gets in a taxi, they are placing their trust in the driver, so the rules of the road should be followed. Speeding, drink driving, or dangerous driving can put passengers and other road users at risk. If you’ve suffered an injury because of a taxi driver’s negligence or another driver, you should contact a personal injury solicitor.

 

Generally, if you have had an accident within the three-year time limit, then it is highly likely that you could make a personal injury claim. The three-year deadline begins on the date you sustained your injuries or from the date which you realised that your injuries were associated with the accident on the road.

 

Common public transport accident injuries

 

A public transport injury varies greatly. Injuries sustained by an accident can include:

 

Ø Whiplash – You may have suffered whiplash after a bus or car collides with another vehicle.

Ø Head injuries – Trauma to the head can be extremely serious. Depending on the extent of your injury and the force of the accident, it can cause long-lasting brain damage or concussion.

Ø Broken bones – Broken legs, arms, shoulders, and hips can be caused by the huge amount of force from road traffic accidents.

Ø Spinal injuries – Spinal injuries can be extremely severe due to the loss of mobility or even paralysis.

Ø Internal bleeding – Cuts and scrapes (from broken glass) can be very serious depending on where on the body they are located. However, internal bleeding can have serious implications and can be fatal if it is not treated immediately after the accident has occurred.

 

Along with suffering a physical injury, you may also suffer from mental and emotional effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder, which can make it extremely hard to resume your daily activities.

 

What should I do after a public transport accident?

 

After an accident on transport companies, the most important thing is to remain calm and assess your injuries. If your injuries are particularly severe, you should receive medical attention from a medical professional so that you can receive the necessary first aid you require. Getting a formal diagnosis and treatment at a hospital will also establish your injuries which can strengthen your accident compensation claim.

If you are able to do so, you should try to take photographs or videos of the scene showing what caused the accident and the extent of your injuries. You should also try to get the contact details of other passengers or bystanders who witnessed the accident because their statements can support your public transport accident claim.

 

What compensation can be recovered from a public transport accident claim?

 

Public transport claims compensation is calculated in the same way as other personal injury claims. The final sum will take into account:

Ø Loss of earnings – if you had to take time off work or can no longer work due to your injuries, you should be able to recover the full period you were unable to work and expenses you’ve incurred due to the accident.

Ø Pain and suffering – Any trauma, pain, or psychological suffering you have endured should be compensated.

Ø Loss of amenity – Injuries that prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed can lead to mental health issues such as depression. It is the law to ensure that compensation covers any loss of amenity.

Ø Treatment (physiotherapy), home care, rehabilitation, or counselling that you will have needed now or in the future.

Ø Other financial losses – Reimbursement of medical costs and transportation costs to and from your medical treatment, mobility or support equipment, or any alterations required to your home or vehicle to accommodate your injuries

 

How much do public transport accident claims cost?

 

We will always be 100% transparent about what our charges are, and if we take on your case, we will almost always do so on a Conditional Fee Agreement (also known as a no-win, no-fee claim).

This means that if you do not win your case, you do not pay us any fees at all. If we win the case, we take a small percentage of your compensation, which we will agree with you beforehand, to cover our costs.

We will never ask you to sign anything until you are completely happy with what it is that we are proposing.

 

How can Wildwood Legal help?

 

At Wildwood Legal, our core strength is in public transport accident claims. Our personal injury lawyers are experienced in assisting claimants with public accident claims. We aim to give you not only quality aid but flexibility and clarity as we know that these qualities are just as important.

We can provide you with legal representation and advice about the personal injury claim that you may be entitled to.

We have acted for people from all walks of life who have been injured in public transport accidents.

The law relating to public transport accidents is complicated and can be a minefield for the unwary. We will guide you professionally through every step of the journey and make sure that your claim is presented in the best possible way to ensure you gain the compensation you deserve.

Our law firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, registered in England; therefore, we provide everything that is needed to meet their high standards, meaning that we are a trusted law firm. We offer services to individuals located in England and Wales.

To make an enquiry, get in contact with us either email us info@winstonsolicitors.co.uk or call us 0113 320 5000.

With 25 years of experience in personal injury law, we can help you with your claim. We always strive to put you at ease and explain the process clearly.

Our aim is to obtain a great outcome for your case, we value the opinion of our clients, and we will always listen to you and take on board what you say. Most importantly, we are on your side.