If you or your child have been injured in a tram accident, contact us to find out if you are eligible to make a tram injury compensation claim.
We are a trusted claims management company helping people make personal injury claims for over 15 years.
Tram Accident Claims
If you’ve been injured in a tram accident that wasn’t your fault and another party was negligent, you could be entitled to compensation for your pain, suffering, and any related financial losses. An experienced solicitor can help you make a tram accident claim on a no win no fee basis, so that you can claim compensation without any financial risk.
Common tram accidents include slips and trips, crashes with other vehicles, and injuries caused by broken seats or fixtures. These can lead to lacerations, whiplash, broken bones, head injuries and, in the worst cases, fatalities.
Call 0800 470 0472 or request a call back if you or a loved one was injured in a tram accident due to someone else’s negligence. You will receive a free consultation and legal advice, and you could start your claim today.
Key points about tram accident claims
- Eligibility: You may be able to claim if you were injured on a tram or by a tram as a result of negligence by the operator or another party.
- Operator Responsibilities: Tram companies must maintain safe vehicles, drivers, and routes to protect passengers and the public.
- Time Limit: Most claims must be brought within 3 years of the accident or injury, although there are some exceptions.
- Compensation: Can include damages for physical and psychological injuries, medical treatment, and financial losses.
- No Win, No Fee: Your solicitor will handle your case on a no win, no fee basis, so you won’t pay a penny unless the claim is successful.
Table of Contents
What is a tram accident claim?
A tram accident claim is a type of personal injury claim that can be made by anyone who was injured following a tram accident that was not their fault. This includes tram passengers, pedestrians, tram operators and any other road users.
Compensation for tram accident injuries reflects the type and severity of the harm suffered, medical costs, lost income and any other related losses and expenses.
This guide explains when and how you can make a claim, how much compensation you could receive for your injuries and how long you have to start legal proceedings.
Can I make a tram accident compensation claim?
If you had an accident involving a tram network such as Metrolink or Tramlink, you may be eligible to make a tram accident compensation claim.
An experienced personal injury solicitor can assess your case and let you know whether you have a valid public transport accident claim. Generally, you may be entitled to proceed if the following criteria apply:
- Another party (the defendant) owed you a legal duty of care.
- They breached this duty and caused a tram accident.
- You sustained an injury as a direct result.
Once liability is established, your solicitor will help you gather supporting evidence and guide you through all the steps of the tram accident claims process.
Duty of care of tram operators towards passengers
Tram companies and operators have a legal duty of care towards passengers to ensure their safety and well-being, which is primarily imposed by the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. Some essential aspects of this duty of care include:
- Ensure that all trams are regularly inspected and maintained.
- Provide adequate training to drivers and ensure they are competent.
- Maintain tram tracks and boarding areas in a reasonably safe condition.
- Provide clear, visible signs to inform passengers about potential hazards.
Tram drivers also have a duty to prevent accidents and injuries to passengers by operating the tram safely, following traffic laws and avoiding distractions.
If you’ve suffered an injury on a tram due to a breach of duty, an experienced tram accident claims solicitor could help you make a claim for compensation.
How do I make a claim for a tram accident?
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you can start your tram accident claim today by calling 0800 470 0472 for an initial consultation.
During a free case review, an experienced legal adviser will ask you for details about the accident to establish whether you have a strong claim for compensation. If you can and wish to move forward, you will be paired with a specialist solicitor who will start working on your claim.
Your solicitor will build your case, send a letter of claim to the defendant, and negotiate a settlement on your behalf. If needed, they will also issue court proceedings and argue your claim before a judge, but that is rarely necessary.
What is the time limit to start a tram injury claim?
If you have suffered injuries in a tram accident that wasn’t your fault, you have three years to start a compensation claim under the Limitation Act 1980, with a few exceptions:
- A parent or legal guardian can bring a child injury claim at any time before the child’s 18th birthday.
- If the claimant is mentally incapacitated and cannot handle a claim, the time limit is put on hold or suspended.
- If you’ve lost a loved one following a tram accident, you have three years to claim compensation from when they passed away.
How much compensation could my tram injury compensation claim be worth?
The amount of compensation you could receive for a tram injury claim will depend on several factors, including the severity of the harm you suffered and the impact on your life. The compensation settlement will cover two types of damages:
General damages are awarded for pain, suffering and other subjective impacts on your life:
- Emotional and psychological distress.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
- Mental and physical disability.
- Inability to enjoy hobbies and social activities as before the accident.
The amount awarded for general damages is based on the guidelines from the Judicial College (18th Edition) and depends on the type and severity of your injury. You could receive:
| Injury Type | Description | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Brain Damage | Brain damage causing serious disability, substantial dependence on others and reduced life expectancy | £289,000 - £373,000 |
| Leg Injuries | Amputation of one leg below the knee | £129,000 - £176,000 |
| Chest Injuries | Traumatic chest, lung or heart injury with permanent damage and reduced life expectancy | £87,000 - £133,000 |
| Arm Injuries | A less severe arm injury with an expected near-full recovery | £25,000 - £52,000 |
| Hip And Pelvis Injuries | A significant hip or pelvis injury with minor permanent symptoms or disability | £35,000 - £52,000 |
| Foot Injuries | A serious foot injury causing ongoing pain or risk of future arthritis | £33,000 - £52,000 |
| Back Injuries | A moderate back injury causing constant pain, discomfort and substantial osteoarthritis risk | £37,000 - £51,000 |
Special damages cover the financial losses and expenses incurred as a result of the incident and can include:
- Costs for private treatments, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
- Loss of earnings or reduced earning capacity due to the injury.
- Costs of travelling to and from medical appointments.
- Costs for any care and assistance needed.
- Modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate your needs.
To find out more about how much compensation you could be entitled to claim, please refer to our injury compensation calculator.
Will my solicitor work on a No Win No Fee basis?
Yes. If you have the right to claim compensation, the personal injury lawyers we work with will represent you under a no win no fee agreement. This means that:
- You will not be asked to pay any legal fees upfront or throughout the claims process.
- If you receive compensation, your solicitor will be entitled to a success fee, which is capped at 25% of certain elements of your damages and agreed upon from the beginning.
- If you lose the case, you do not have to pay them a single penny.
What evidence do I need to support my tram accident claim?
If you were involved in a tram accident and you want to make a successful claim, you should aim to gather as much evidence as possible, such as:
- Photographs or videos of the accident scene and hazards.
- Photographic evidence of your injuries and recovery process.
- If available, CCTV or dashcam footage showing exactly how the accident occurred.
- Statements from witnesses, such as other passengers or road users.
- A copy of an official report from the tram company or the police.
- Your medical records, including diagnostic tests and treatment plans.
- A medical report from an independent specialist regarding your future care needs.
- Tram tickets or other proof that you were a passenger on the tram.
- Your detailed account of the accident and its impact on your life.
- Proof of related financial losses and expenses, including receipts and payslips.
You should rest assured that your tram accident solicitor will help you gather supporting evidence if you are eligible to claim compensation.
Examples of tram accidents that could result in a compensation claim
Trams are typically safe and reliable, and accidents involving trams are rare. However, different types of tram accidents can occur due to driver error, mechanical faults and other hazards, such as:
- Slips, trips and falls on wet or uneven surfaces.
- Injuries caused by defective seats, fixtures or fittings.
- Faulty doors closing on passengers.
- Pedestrians being hit by a tram.
- Derailments due to track issues or operator error.
- Collisions with cars, buses, or motorbikes, or cyclists.
- Criminal assaults on trams and in stations.
- Injuries caused by sudden stops.
If your situation was not listed here, it doesn’t mean you are not entitled to compensation. As long as the accident was not your fault, an experienced solicitor could help you claim the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Types of negligence that could lead to a tram injury claim
Tram accidents are rare, and not all of them can lead to a claim. However, if the accident happened because of some types of negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Examples include:
- Failure to regularly inspect and maintain trams, tracks and boarding areas.
- Inadequate training of employees, such as drivers and maintenance staff.
- A lack of proper safety protocols, such as emergency procedures.
- Driver fatigue, error or distraction.
- Mechanical or structural faults with the tram.
- Speeding or unsafe driving.
- Overcrowding on the tram.
- Driving under the influence.
- A lack of signs regarding safety instructions or known hazards.
These and other types of negligence can lead to various accidents for which you could claim tram injury compensation.
Examples of injuries caused by tram accidents
The injuries caused by tram accidents can vary from minor cuts and bruises to severe injuries that can be life-changing. While accidents within the tram are typically less severe, collisions can be catastrophic or even fatal.
Some types of injuries for which you could make a tram injury compensation claim include:
- Whiplash caused by sudden jolts or collisions.
- Lacerations from broken glass or sharp edges.
- Head injuries caused by falls or impacts.
- Crushing injuries from being caught in tram doors or crushed by vehicles.
- Facial injuries such as broken noses, teeth damage, or eye injuries.
- Broken bones and dislocations.
- Internal injuries and bleeding from severe impacts.
- Back injuries, including muscle strains and spinal damage.
- Hip or pelvis injuries from falls or collisions.
- Psychological injuries from traumatic incidents, such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression.
- Fatalities in severe cases, such as when a pedestrian is hit by a tram.
Frequently asked questions:
- Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify hazards and take measures to mitigate them.
- Provide a safe and clean work environment.
- Regularly inspect and maintain trams, tracks and infrastructure.
- Supply employees with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed.
- Provide sufficient training on how to operate the trams, use PPE and handle emergencies.
- Develop and enforce clear safety protocols and procedures.
If your employer broke their duty of care towards you and you suffered an injury, you may be eligible to start a workplace accident claim. Under employment law, you are protected from dismissal or retaliation by your employer if you decide to claim compensation.
To claim compensation for your loved one, you must apply to the court to be named as their litigation friend. A specialist solicitor can guide you through the process and help you fill in all the necessary forms.
- The loss of financial support expected from the deceased.
- The loss of services your loved one provided.
- Reasonable funeral expenses.
A limited number of people, including spouses and parents of unmarried children under 18, can also claim a bereavement award, currently £15,120 in England and Wales, for the grief and suffering caused by the death of their loved one.
In such cases, however, the compensation awarded may be reduced by a percentage to account for your contributory negligence. If you suffered a shoulder injury valued at £10,000 and you are found 25% liable, you would only receive damages of £7,500.
If the defendant admits liability or you have strong evidence against them, your lawyer may be able to secure interim payments on your behalf. These can help you with any financial needs while the case is ongoing.
To start a tram claim today or learn more about the claims process, call 0800 470 0472 or request a call back. You will receive a free case review with a friendly legal adviser, with no obligation to proceed.
