If you are travelling on a bus, train, coach or taxi and are in an accident that ends in injury, there will be a good chance that you make a claim for compensation. Public transport operators have a duty of care to ensure that their customers can travel safely without risk of injury. Therefore, if you are injured whilst on public transport due to the negligence of the transport company, you have the right to claim for compensation. However, you first have to establish if the operators of the mode of public transport are liable.
I was injured in a traffic accident
Accidents happen, and if you are travelling on a bus that is involved in a traffic accident, it may not be the fault of the driver. Indeed, the driver of another car could have caused the accident. If this is the case then you can still make a claim for damages against the bus operator, who will file a counter claim against the offending driver. This may sound complicated, and it is, which is why you should contact a no win no fee injury solicitor who can handle the claim for you.
I fell and injured myself
If another driver was not to blame for your accident, you need to establish if the driver of the bus, coach or taxi in which you were travelling is at fault. Buses are designed for people to travel while standing up. However, when doing so, you are expected to use the handrails. Therefore, if you fall and hurt yourself because you weren’t holding on, you may not be eligible for compensation. On the other hand, if the bus is overloaded or there are no safety systems such as handrails available then the bus company could be liable to pay you damages.
I was hurt during a braking incident
Drivers of public transport vehicles, such as buses, are expected to drive with reasonable care to prevent accidents. However, injuries frequently occur due to heavy braking, particularly on buses. If a driver hits the brakes too hard and you fall and injure yourself, you may be eligible to claim for damages. If you have been injured on a bus, train or other form of public transport, you need to speak to a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible, as public transport companies have highly experienced claims handlers whose job it is to counter personal injury claims from passengers.
