Coach Accident Claim: No Win, No Fee

Have you been injured in a coach accident? You may be entitled to compensation. Coach accidents can have devastating consequences, causing physical and emotional trauma. If negligence contributed to the accident, you may have grounds for a compensation claim. 

Many people utilise public transport every day, including coaches, especially for long-distance trips across the country. Unfortunately, passengers on coaches can be injured if the coach is involved in a road traffic accident. If the coach driver was at fault for the accident, then you may be entitled to make a claim for coach accident compensation.

If you would like more information on our legal services surrounding personal injury or wish to find out if you are eligible to make a bus or coach accident claim, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today to speak to a member of our team.

Common causes of coach accidents

Coach accidents can occur due to a variety of factors. Here are some common causes:

Driver Error

• Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can lead to driver fatigue, decreasing reaction times and decision-making abilities.
• Distraction: Use of mobile phones, eating, or engaging in conversations can divert the driver’s attention from the road.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions increases the risk of losing control.
• Inexperience: Inadequately trained or inexperienced drivers may not handle the coach as effectively, particularly in challenging driving conditions.
• Substance Abuse: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and motor skills.

Mechanical Failures

• Brake Failure: Worn or faulty brakes can prevent the coach from stopping in time.
• Tyre Blowouts: Poorly maintained tires can blow out, especially at high speeds, leading to loss of control.
• Steering Problems: Issues with the steering mechanism can make it difficult to control the vehicle.
• Engine Failure: Engine problems can cause the coach to stall or lose power unexpectedly.

Poor Road Conditions

• Potholes: Hitting a pothole can cause the driver to lose control or damage the vehicle.
• Icy or Wet Roads: Slippery conditions reduce traction and increase stopping distances.
• Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting on roads can make it difficult to see obstacles or other vehicles.

Other Road Users

• Reckless Drivers: Other drivers making sudden moves or driving aggressively can force a coach driver to make quick, potentially dangerous manoeuvres.
• Pedestrians and Other Road Users: Sudden appearances of pedestrians or cyclists can cause the driver to swerve and result in pedestrians being hit by the bus or coach. Pedestrians may also be hit waiting at the coach/bus stop.
• Motorcyclists: Motorcyclists weaving through traffic can be difficult for a coach driver to anticipate.

Coach Overloading

• Passenger Overloading: Exceeding the recommended passenger capacity can affect the handling and braking of the coach.
• Cargo Overloading: Carrying excessive or improperly secured cargo can affect the coach’s balance and stability.

Inadequate Maintenance

• Routine Checks: Failure to conduct regular maintenance checks can lead to undetected issues becoming serious problems.
• Deferred Repairs: Ignoring or delaying necessary repairs increases the risk of mechanical failures.

Common injuries sustained in coach accidents

Injuries sustained in coach accidents can have significant physical, emotional, and financial impacts on victims. It is important for individuals involved in these accidents to seek immediate medical treatment, not only for their health but also to document injuries for any potential compensation claims. Proper medical evaluation can ensure that all injuries, including those that may not be immediately apparent, are identified and treated appropriately.

Some of the more common injuries resulting from coach accidents include:

Head Injuries

• Concussions: Caused by the brain moving rapidly back and forth inside the skull.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): More severe than concussions, TBIs can result in long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Skull Fractures: These can occur from a direct impact on the head.

Neck and Spine Injuries

• Whiplash: Common in rear-end collisions, whiplash occurs when the neck is suddenly jerked back and forth.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Can lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury.
• Herniated Discs: Occur when the cushioning discs between vertebrae are damaged, causing pain and mobility issues.

Back Injuries

• Sprains and Strains: Result from the sudden force exerted on the muscles and ligaments.
• Fractured Vertebrae: Can occur from severe impacts, leading to significant pain and potential mobility issues.

Facial Injuries

• Cuts and Lacerations: Caused by broken glass, sharp objects, or impact with parts of the coach.
• Fractures: Including broken noses, cheekbones, or jawbones from direct impacts.
• Dental Injuries: Teeth can be chipped, broken, or knocked out.

Chest Injuries

• Rib Fractures: Caused by impact with seat belts, the steering wheel, or other objects.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs such as the lungs, heart, or spleen can result from blunt force trauma.

Abdominal Injuries

• Internal Bleeding: Can occur from trauma to the abdomen, potentially affecting organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys.
• Abdominal Wall Injuries: Bruising and muscle damage from impact.

Limb Injuries

• Fractures: Arms, legs, hands, and feet can be broken from impact or being trapped.
• Dislocations: Joints such as shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles can be dislocated.
• Cuts and Lacerations: From broken glass or other sharp objects.

Soft Tissue Injuries

• Bruises: Caused by impact with hard surfaces or objects.
• Sprains and Strains: Damage to ligaments and muscles from sudden movements or impacts.

What is the process of making a coach accident claim?

If you have been injured in an accident involving a coach, you should report the incident to the coach driver and make a further report to the company. You should ensure that you make a note of the time of your accident, the bus route, and obtain the bus registration number if possible.

It may also be useful if you could obtain the name of the coach driver, coach/bus company, and details of any witnesses to your accident. If you were able to take photographs at the scene of the accident, these would be useful as evidence of your accident.

As with all accidents, you should seek medical attention to have your injuries assessed and treated as soon as possible. If you have not received medical attention, we may be unable to prove that you were injured as a result of the accident. Photographs of your injuries may also assist your claim.

If you would like to make a personal injury claim for coach accident compensation, contact Beacon Law to speak to one of our specialist personal injury solicitors about making a claim on a no win no fee basis. Details on the claims process can also be found on our website.

How much compensation could you receive?

When making a coach accident compensation claim, you may be entitled to two main types of damages:

General Damages

These are awarded to compensate you for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by your injuries. They are designed to reflect the impact the accident has had on your life, both now and in the future. Factors considered when determining general damages include: 

• Severity of your injuries: The extent of your physical and mental harm.
• Impact on your daily life: How your injuries have affected your ability to work, carry out hobbies, and maintain relationships. 
• Future consequences: The long-term effects of your injuries, such as chronic pain or disability.

Special Damages

These are awarded to compensate you for specific financial losses incurred as a result of the accident. They are calculated based on evidence and receipts, making them easier to quantify than general damages. Examples of special damages include: 

• Medical expenses: Costs of treatment, medication, and rehabilitation.
• Loss of earnings: Income lost due to time off work or reduced earning capacity.
• Care costs: Expenses for assistance with daily living activities, if required.
• Travel expenses: Costs associated with attending medical appointments. 
• Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing damaged belongings.

It’s important to gather evidence of all your expenses to support your claim for special damages.

How long do you have to make a claim?

Generally, you have three years to make a personal injury claim for compensation.

This period typically begins from the date of the accident or from when the injury is discovered. If the injured party was under 18 at the time of the accident, the three-year period starts on their 18th birthday, giving them until their 21st birthday to file a claim.

For individuals who lack mental capacity, the time limit starts when they regain capacity or when a litigation friend is appointed. In cases of fatal accidents, claims must generally be made within three years from the date of death rather than the date of the accident.

While the general rule is a three-year limit, it’s advisable to act as soon as possible to preserve evidence and witness testimonies.

Why choose Beacon Law?

Beacon Law is a law firm with a great reputation for providing exceptional service to all clients. Our specialist solicitors and legal professionals have vast experience in handling all types of personal injury claims. We have experience in dealing with bus and coach accident compensation claims and all other types of road traffic accidents.

We are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and can provide you with the legal advice you require as your personal injury lawyer. We will provide assistance throughout your case and act only within your instructions in progressing the matter.

If you have been injured in a bus or coach accident and require our assistance or wish to start your claim, please complete the online contact form on our website and a specialist Solicitor will contact you. Alternatively, you may call us on 0330 1332 857 to discuss your potential case.