Public Transport Injury Claim – No Win, No Fee

A public transport injury claim is a legal claim that can be made if you are injured while using public transport. This could include buses, trains, trams, or taxis. To make a successful claim, you must be able to prove that the injury was caused by the negligence of the public transport operator. This could include things like driving too fast or recklessly, failing to maintain the vehicle properly and failing to supervise passengers properly.

If you can prove that the public transport operator was negligent, you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries. This could include compensation for medical treatment, loss of earnings and pain and suffering. Public transport providers, including local authorities, have a duty of care to ensure the health and safety of their passengers.

It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible if you are thinking about making a public transport injury claim. Our team of personal injury solicitors at Beacon Law can help you to understand your legal rights and options and can represent you in negotiations with the public transport operator.

Common causes of public transport accidents

Public transport accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Driver negligence: This is the most common cause of public transport accidents. Driver negligence can include things like a bus driver speeding, a taxi driver driving under the influence, distracted driving, and failing to yield the right of way.
• Mechanical failure: Public transportation vehicles are complex machines, and mechanical failures can sometimes lead to accidents. These failures can be caused by a variety of factors, such as poor maintenance, defective parts, or operator error.
• Weather conditions: Bad weather conditions, such as snow, rain, or fog, can increase the risk of accidents. These conditions can make it difficult for drivers to see and control their vehicles, and they can also make it more difficult for passengers to maintain their balance.
• Passenger behaviour: Passenger behaviour can also contribute to public transport accidents. Passengers who are intoxicated, aggressive, or disruptive can create a dangerous environment for themselves and others.
• Infrastructure problems: Infrastructure problems, such as potholes, uneven pavement, or poorly marked crosswalks, can also contribute to public transport accidents. These problems can make it difficult for drivers to control their vehicles, and they can also make it more difficult for passengers to board safely and exit vehicles.

Public transport accidents can have a devastating impact on the lives of those involved. Victims of these accidents can suffer serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can lead to long-term pain and disability, and they can also have a significant financial impact on victims and their families.

Types of injuries you could sustain

In a public transport accident, various types of injuries can be sustained by passengers or other individuals involved. The severity of these injuries can range from minor to life-threatening. Some common types of injuries in public transport accidents include:

1. Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury that occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and backwards, typically caused by a sudden impact. It can result in neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes, long-term complications.
2. Fractures and Broken Bones: Accidents can lead to fractures or broken bones, such as in the arms, legs, ribs, or spine. The severity of the fractures can vary from minor to severe, requiring medical intervention and possibly surgery.
3. Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This can include sprains, strains, contusions (bruises), or deep tissue damage. These injuries can result in pain, swelling, limited mobility and may require rehabilitation.
4. Head Injuries: Public transport accidents can cause head injuries, ranging from minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Head injuries can lead to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, memory loss, cognitive impairments, and in severe cases, permanent disability or even death.
5. Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass, sharp metal edges, or flying debris during an accident can cause cuts and lacerations. Depending on the severity and location, these injuries may require stitches or other forms of medical treatment.
6. Back and Spinal Injuries: Accidents involving public transport can result in back injuries, including spinal cord injuries. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, loss of sensation, paralysis, or other long-term disabilities.
7. Internal Injuries: The force of an accident can cause internal injuries, such as internal bleeding, organ damage, or punctured lungs. Internal injuries may not always be immediately apparent, requiring prompt medical attention for diagnosis and treatment.
8. Psychological Trauma: Public transport accidents can have a significant psychological impact on the individuals involved. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions may develop as a result of the accident.

What should you do if you have been involved in a public transport accident?

If you have been involved in a public transport accident, there are a few things you should do. If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.

Exchange information with the other people involved in the accident. This includes their name, address, and phone numbers. You should then call the police. The police will file a report of the accident, which can be helpful if you decide to file a personal injury claim.

Take pictures of the accident scene. This includes the damage to the vehicles involved, as well as any injuries you sustained.

If you would like to make a personal injury claim for public transport 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.

Please note there is a three-year time limit on making a personal injury claim (although this can be extended in certain circumstances), so it is best to initiate the claim soon after the date of the accident. When you are ready to speak to someone about making a public transport accident compensation claim, get in touch with Beacon Law using the contact details below or by filling in the form on our “contact us” page.

How much compensation could you receive?

The amount of compensation you could receive for a public transport injury can vary significantly and depends on different factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life and ability to work, and the specific circumstances of the accident. It is challenging to provide an exact figure without knowing the specific details of your case.

Compensation for a public transport injury typically covers two main categories of damages:

Special Damages:

These are the quantifiable economic losses you have incurred as a result of the accident. They may include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for current and future medical treatment, surgeries, medications, therapy, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you have lost due to your injuries, including future earning potential if your injuries impact your ability to work.
• Property Damage: Compensation for any damage to personal belongings or other property.

General Damages:

These are non-economic losses that are more subjective and can be challenging to quantify. They may include:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the accident and your injuries.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact of the injuries on your personal relationships and loss of companionship or support.

To determine the appropriate amount of compensation, insurance companies, courts, or settlement negotiations consider various factors, such as the severity and permanence of your injuries, the extent of medical treatment required, the impact on your daily activities, and any resulting disabilities or long-term impairments.

It’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can assess your case’s specific details, evaluate the potential value of your claim, and provide you with a more accurate estimation of the compensation you could receive based on their expertise and experience in handling similar cases.

What are the time limits for making a claim?

In the UK, there are specific time limits, known as limitation periods, within which you must make a personal injury claim. These time limits are set by legislation and vary depending on the type of claim and the circumstances of the case.

• Accidents and Injuries: For most personal injury claims, including those arising from road traffic accidents, public transport accidents, slips, trips and falls, and accidents at work, the general limitation period is three years. This means you have three years from the date of the accident or the date you became aware of your injury to commence legal proceedings.
• Medical Negligence: In cases of medical negligence or malpractice, the limitation period is generally three years from the date when the negligence occurred or from the date you became aware (or should have become aware) of the negligence. However, there are some exceptions and complexities in medical negligence cases, so it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
• Claims on Behalf of Minors: If the injured person is under 18 years of age, the three-year limitation period starts on their 18th birthday. In such cases, a parent or guardian can make a claim on their behalf before they turn 18.

It’s important to note that these time limits can be complex, and there may be exceptions or variations depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Additionally, gathering evidence and building a strong case takes time, so it’s advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible after the incident or injury.

If you are uncertain about the time limit that applies to your claim, it’s best to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can provide accurate guidance based on your specific situation. They will ensure that your claim is filed within the applicable time frame to preserve your rights to seek compensation.

How can Beacon Law assist?

Beacon Law are a specialist firm of personal injury solicitors with lots of experience in dealing with public transport injury claims. We can provide you with specialist legal advice on making a public transport claim and guide you through the process whilst negotiating the best settlement of your claim to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

We provide a high level of service to all our clients and work hard to ensure you receive the highest level of compensation for your injuries. We can assist with all types of personal injury claims, including road traffic accident claims, clinical negligence and accidents at work.

Beacon Law is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. To find out about our no win, no fee public transport injury claim funding and legal fees, have a look at the funding section on our website.

If you have suffered an injury as a result of a public transport accident, then please call us today on 0330 1332 857 to start your claim, or complete our contact form at the top of the page to start your claim online and a member of our personal injury team will give you a callback.