If you've been injured in an accident on public transport, we can help you make a no win no fee personal injury claim.
We are a trusted claims management company helping people make personal injury claims for over 15 years.
Public Transport Accident Claims
You may be eligible to make a public transport accident claim if you have been injured while using a bus, train, tram or other public transport, provided it was caused by someone else’s negligence.
Under UK law, public transport companies have a legal duty to take reasonable care to keep passengers safe and may be liable for accidents that result in personal injury if they fail to do so. This includes road traffic collisions, slips, trips and falls, injuries caused by damaged seating and being hit by falling luggage.
Whether you suffer whiplash, a broken bone or a head injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain, medical costs, and any other related losses. A specialist personal injury solicitor will assess your case for free and explain your legal options, with no obligation to proceed.
To start your claim today or discuss your case with a legal adviser, call 0800 470 0472 or use our contact form to request a call back.
Key points about public transport accident claims
- Eligibility: You may be able to claim if you were injured while travelling on a bus, train, tram, or other public transport service.
- Operator Responsibility: Transport providers have a duty to protect passengers from avoidable harm during journeys.
- Time Limit: You generally have 3 years from the date of the accident to make a public transport injury claim.
- Compensation: May cover physical injuries, emotional distress, and any related financial losses.
- No Win, No Fee: Your solicitor will usually act on a no win, no fee basis. You only pay them a success fee if you win the claim.
Table of Contents
What is a public transport accident claim?
A public transport compensation claim is a type of personal injury claim that can be made by anyone injured by an accident with a public transport vehicle. This includes passengers, drivers, public transport operators, pedestrians, and other road users.
Public transport is essential for many people who commute to work and school, go shopping, or travel between cities, towns, and counties. The various modes of public transport in the UK include buses, trains, trams, taxis, ferries and the underground.
All public transport services owe a duty of care to passengers and other road users. This guide explains how you can make a claim if this duty is breached, what evidence you need and how much personal injury compensation you might be entitled to.
Can I make a public transport accident claim?
You may be able to claim compensation following a public transport injury. The easiest way to find out if you have a valid claim is through a free consultation with a personal injury solicitor. They will review your case to determine whether:
- Another party owed you a legal duty of care.
- They breached their duty through an act of negligence or omission.
- You were injured in an accident on public transport as a result.
It is essential to note that you may also be entitled to compensation if the accident was due to another road user’s negligence, such as a driver, cyclist or motorcycle rider. In this case, a solicitor can help you make a road traffic accident claim under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Duty of care of public transport providers towards customers
All public transport operators have a duty of care towards customers to take reasonable steps to help them travel safely and reduce the risk of injury. Both private and government companies must abide by the Occupiers Liability Act 1957 and have a responsibility to:
- Carry out regular risk assessments to identify hazards.
- Maintain vehicles and stations in a safe condition.
- Conduct regular inspections and repairs.
- Employ only qualified drivers and staff.
- Carry out annual MOT tests for vehicles that are over three years old.
- Use clear warning signs when hazards cannot be immediately removed.
Drivers of public service vehicles must also uphold the duty of care outlined by The Public Service Vehicles (Conduct of Drivers, Inspectors, Conductors and Passengers) Regulations 1990, and operate vehicles safely and under traffic laws and regulations.
If there was a breach of duty and you were involved in an accident, you may be eligible to claim public transport injury compensation.
Is there a time limit to start a public transport injury claim?
Under the Limitation Act 1980, the time limit to start a claim for public transport injuries is typically three years from the date of the accident. There are, however, a handful of exceptions:
- There is no limitation period while the injured person is a child or lacks the mental capacity to handle a claim.
- For fatal accident claims, the three years begin on the date of death.
- You have two years to start a claim through the CICA if you were assaulted while using public transportation.
We advise you to get in touch with a solicitor and start your claim as soon as possible, as this will make it easier to gather evidence and will improve your chances of success.
How do I make a public transport claim?
If you were injured in a public transport accident and want to make a claim, you will typically go through these steps of the personal injury claims process:
- A free initial assessment to review your case and appoint your solicitor if you can proceed.
- Gathering supporting evidence, such as medical records, contact details of witnesses and official reports.
- Sending a letter of claim to the defendant with the details of the case and the amount of compensation you are seeking.
- Negotiating your public transport compensation settlement, if the other side admits liability.
- Issuing court proceedings if the defendant denies liability or you cannot negotiate a settlement (very rare, as more than 95% of all claims are settled without a trial).
- Receiving compensation, once you negotiate a settlement or a judge has ruled in your favour.
Your solicitor will handle all communication and legal aspects on your behalf so that you can focus on your recovery.
How much compensation can I claim for an accident on public transport?
There is no fixed amount of compensation that is awarded for accidents involving public transport. This is calculated on a case-by-case basis, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of the injuries sustained and will include two types of damages:
General damages are based on the level of pain and suffering caused by your injuries and take into account:
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Long-term physical and mental disability.
- Mental anguish and emotional trauma.
- Loss of amenities, such as the ability to engage in hobbies or sports.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
Special damages are based on the costs and expenses incurred due to the accident, such as:
- The cost of prescriptions and medical treatments.
- Transportation costs to and from medical visits.
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy.
- Loss of earnings and earning capacity.
- Care and assistance with daily living.
The settlement awards for general damages are based on the guidelines from the Judicial College, part of the Ministry of Justice. According to the 18th Edition of these guidelines and your specific circumstances, you could possibly receive:
| Injury Type | Description | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Hip And Pelvis Injuries | A severe hip or pelvis fracture requiring surgery and causing ongoing symptoms or disability | £82,000 - £104,000 |
| Ankle Injuries | An ankle fracture or ligament tear causing some permanent symptoms, such as difficulty walking on uneven ground | £18,000 - £35,000 |
| Arm Injuries | A simple forearm fracture | £8,700 - £25,000 |
| Brain Damage | A brain injury with full recovery within three years | £2,900 - £17,000 |
| Chest Injuries | Fractured ribs or soft tissue injuries causing pain and disability for a few weeks | Up to £5,200 |
| Fractured Nose | A displaced nose fracture not requiring surgery, with complete recovery | £3,300 - £4,200 |
| Whiplash (After 31 May 2025) | A whiplash injury lasting 12-15 months | In the region of £2,335 |
For more settlement figures, check out our online compensation calculator or call 0800 470 0472 to talk to a legal adviser.
Can I make a No Win No Fee public transport accident claim?
If you are entitled to compensation for a public transport personal injury, your solicitor will help you claim under a no win no fee agreement. With this service, you do not have to pay them anything upfront or if your case fails.
You only pay your solicitor if you win your claim, and their success fee will be up to 25% of the compensation for your injuries and past financial losses. This arrangement helps people access legal representation, regardless of their financial situation, while reducing the financial risk of making a claim.
What evidence do I need to claim public transport compensation?
The types of evidence you could use to support your claim and help you get the compensation you deserve include:
- Visual evidence, such as photos or videos of the accident scene and hazards.
- Pictures of visible injuries and damage to your possessions.
- Medical records and specialist reports confirming your injuries and prognosis.
- CCTV footage or dashcam footage can prove exactly how the accident happened.
- Statements from any witnesses, including your own testimony about the accident.
- A copy of an accident report filed with the public transport company or operator.
- Police reports and a crime reference number, if applicable.
- Any tickets, receipts or other documents related to your use of the public transport service.
- Details of how the accident has affected you physically, emotionally, and financially.
- Documents of financial losses you incurred, such as receipts, invoices, payslips or medical bills.
Common types of public transport accident claims
Various types of accidents involving public transport could lead to a compensation claim, including:
- Bus accident claims resulting from driver negligence, wet floors from spillages, poor road conditions, or defective bus equipment.
- Train accident claims involving derailments, collisions with other trains or obstacles, platform accidents, or faulty doors.
- Taxi accident claims that may arise from driver error, speeding, reckless driving, or collisions with other vehicles.
- Claims involving ferry accidents, such as collisions, capsizing, sinking, or incidents like slips, trips, or falls onboard.
- Tram accident claims could result from collisions with other vehicles, derailments or platform accidents.
- Pedestrian accident claims involving accidents at bus stops, train stations, or zebra crossings.
What are the most common injuries suffered in accidents with public transport?
Injuries caused by public transport accidents range from minor to life-threatening. You can claim compensation for any harm caused by someone else’s negligence, except for the most trivial wounds.
The most common injuries seen in accident claims involving public transport include:
- Whiplash from bus or taxi accidents caused by sudden stops or impacts.
- Cuts and lacerations from broken furniture, glass, metal edges, or other sharp objects.
- Broken bones caused by severe impacts during road accidents and crashes.
- Head and brain injuries from slips, trips, falls and collisions with public transport.
- Back and spinal injuries from sudden jolts or impacts in a public transport accident.
- Internal injuries resulting from blunt force trauma or puncture wounds.
- Psychological trauma from experiencing or witnessing a public transport accident, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety or depression.
Negligence commonly seen in public transport claims
If operators of public transport and other road users fail in their duty of care towards the public, accidents can occur. Various types of negligence could entitle you to make a compensation claim, including:
- Slips, trips and falls on platforms or vehicles due to slippery surfaces or poor lighting.
- Faulty doors that may close unexpectedly on passengers.
- Lack of warning signs to inform of hazards or gaps between vehicles and platforms.
- Sudden braking or harsh manoeuvres from poorly trained operators.
- A negligent driver of another vehicle who failed to follow traffic laws.
- Overcrowding of buses or trains leading to crush injuries.
- Falling objects due to broken luggage racks.
- Damaged seats and handrails leading to cuts or falls.
- Operator negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving or traffic violations.
Frequently asked questions
They could be liable for compensation if you were injured due to a breach of duty, such as a poorly maintained vehicle, insufficient breaks or rest periods, lack of training or an unsafe work environment.
If the case is successful, you may need to go before a judge to get the settlement approved. Your solicitor will be there to guide you through the claims process and help you set up a personal injury trust to protect your loved one’s compensation.
However, your compensation settlement may be reduced to reflect your part of the blame, known as contributory negligence. For example, if you suffered an injury valued at £20,000 in a taxi accident and you were not wearing your seatbelt, your compensation may be reduced by 25%, and you would only receive £15,000.
- They will review your case during a free initial consultation.
- They will handle all communication with the defendant and their insurer.
- You will be offered a no win no fee service.
- They will negotiate the maximum compensation awards possible.
- They will be able to secure interim payments from the defendant.
- You will be updated at every step, while you can focus on your recovery.
