At Harris Fowler, we understand how distressing it can be to be involved in an accident, especially when it happens on public transport. Whether you were injured while travelling on a bus, train, tram, or coach, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim if the incident wasn’t your fault.
This article is designed to help you understand your legal rights following a public transport accident, the claims process, and how our specialist solicitors can support you.
What Is a Public Transport Accident?
A public transport accident is any incident that occurs while you are a passenger on a public service vehicle, and which results in injury or harm. These can include:
- Bus or coach collisions with other vehicles or objects
- Sudden braking or erratic driving causing passengers to fall or be thrown
- Slips, trips, or falls due to wet floors or poorly maintained walkways on transport vehicles
- Train derailments or platform-related injuries
- Injuries caused by faulty or broken seating and handrails
Who Is Responsible?
Public transport providers have a duty of care to keep passengers safe. If this duty is breached—whether through negligence, poor maintenance, or reckless driving, you may be able to make a claim against:
- The transport company (e.g. bus or rail operators)
- Local authorities (if poor road or platform conditions were a factor)
- Other third parties (such as other road users, in the case of collisions)
Can I Make a Claim?
You may be able to claim compensation if:
- You were injured in a public transport accident
- The accident was caused by negligence or avoidable error
- The incident occurred in the last three years (exceptions apply for children and those lacking mental capacity)
What Can I Claim For?
Your claim may cover:
- General damages – for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
- Special damages – for financial losses including lost income, medical expenses, travel costs, and rehabilitation
- Future losses – if your injuries affect your ability to work or require ongoing care
What Should I Do After an Accident?
If you’re involved in a public transport accident, try to:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor
- Report the incident to the transport operator or staff
- Gather evidence: take photographs, note down vehicle/route numbers, and collect witness details
- Keep receipts and records of all related expenses
- Contact Harris Fowler as soon as possible to discuss your case
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been injured in a public transport accident, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Harris Fowler Solicitors on 0800 213 2114, for a free consultation to see if your matter is something we can assist with further.
