Various types of public transport claims can be made, provided they are for injuries sustained in accidents caused by the negligent actions of a third party.

Below, we’ll take a look at accidents involving buses, taxis, trains, and boats. We’ll examine the applicable legislation, provide some examples, and highlight who might be liable for your injuries.

Bus Accident Compensation Claims

The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 sets a duty of care for bus operators to take practicable measures to ensure the reasonable safety of passengers, such as by keeping vehicles adequately maintained. Bus drivers themselves have an obligation to navigate roads in a manner that avoids causing injury to both themselves and others. As part of this duty, they must also comply with the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code.

With this information in mind, you might have a valid bus accident claim in scenarios like the following examples:

• After falling behind schedule, a bus driver attempts to get back on track by exceeding the speed limit through a 20mph zone. This prevents them from braking in time for a red light, causing them to hit your vehicle. You are left with whiplash and multiple fractures.
• A bus company is aware that one of its vehicles has multiple mechanical issues, but decides against making repairs or taking it out of service. This bus subsequently suffers a catastrophic failure, causing a crash that leaves multiple passengers with concussions and various other injuries.

Compensation For Taxi Accidents

The primary consideration when claiming compensation for taxi accidents is determining third-party liability. Essentially, you need to establish whether a taxi driver or another road user was at fault for your accident and subsequent injuries.

Like every other road user, taxi drivers have a responsibility to travel in a way that avoids harming themselves and others. This duty of care applies to both private hire taxis and hackney cabs, and also requires them to abide by the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code.

Let’s see how a car accident involving a taxi might happen:

• Whilst as a passenger in a taxi, you suffer a serious injury in a collision caused by your driver turning at the wrong time without indicating. The accident leaves you with permanent mobility issues and long-term depression.
• A distracted driver fails to pay attention to their surroundings because they are talking on their mobile phone. This results in them careening at full speed into the side of the taxi you’re riding in, leaving you with severe head trauma and permanent eye damage.

Claims For Accidents On A Train Or Metro

Any claims for accidents on a train or metro must establish negligence on the part of the operator. This involves showing how the public transport company breached their duty of care, directly causing a passenger’s injury.

As public transport operators, train companies have a duty of care set by the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. More industry-specific legislation also applies: The Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006, for instance, requires operators to conduct risk assessments and maintain safety management system standards. Alongside that legislation, operators must also meet the standards outlined in The Rail Passengers’ Rights and Obligations Regulations 2010.

If a train company fails to meet its lawful obligations, it can cause an accident like the following:

• A poorly maintained toilet begins to leak before departure. Staff are made aware of the issue, but the train still sets off, and no signs are placed to alert passengers to the hazard. You subsequently slip and fall, fracturing multiple vertebrae in your back.
• Management is informed about a faulty door randomly shutting, but they repeatedly delay repairs as a cost-saving measure. Your arm gets caught when it closes without warning, leaving you with a catastrophic arm injury that requires an amputation.

Compensation For Injuries On A Ferry Or Boat

When claiming compensation for injuries on a ferry or boat, you need to establish what legislation applies to your specific situation. This will depend on whether the accident happened in British or international waters. If the shipping incident occurred on, say, the River Mersey or the Thames, then the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 would govern the duty of care owed to you as a passenger.

However, the Athens Convention would take effect for accidents in international waters. This treaty would apply not only to cross-channel trips but also to journeys to the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. So, how might a ferry or boat accident occur because of a negligent operator?

• A shipping company doesn’t conduct regular maintenance checks, resulting in one of its vessels experiencing significant structural deterioration. Whilst walking through a passageway, you are struck on the head by part of the ceiling and left with serious head trauma.
• Ferry crew are not given sufficient training for handling food. Consequently, you suffer serious food poisoning that leaves you hospitalised with long-term kidney damage.

Whether you sustained injuries in a ferry, train, bus, or taxi accident, our advisors are here to help. So, day or night, have a chat with our friendly team to see if you can get started with your own public transport accident claim.