Bus or coach passenger injury claims

If you have been involved in an accident whilst travelling on public transport (bus train coach etc) - you might be entitled to compensation.

This is an example of a road accident claim involving a passenger on a bus who sustained whiplash as a result of the bus drivers negligence. If you have suffered injury in similar circumstances on a bus, coach or other method of public transport - you may be able to claim.

Passengers on public transport are well protected by the law and are allowed to bring claims against the bus company where a driver has been negligent or there has been a breach of statutory duty pursuant to the "Public Service Vehicles (conduct of drivers, inspectors, conductors and passengers) Regulations 1990" (as amended). 

Case study - bus accident claim

The claimant was a fare paying passenger on a bus seated on the lower deck close to the front.

He could see the road ahead through the front window of the vehicle. The bus was late and the claimant noticed the driver seemed to be rushing possibly to make up lost time. The driver was travelling quite fast through a 30 mph zone and the claimant looked on in horror as he ploughed into a pedestrian bollard / island in the middle of the road.

The driver braked hard and the vehicle swerved from side to side. Luckily no other vehicles were involved in the incident. The passengers were thrown around inside the bus and the claimant banged his shoulder on the seat in front. Otherwise no one appeared to be hurt. Most passengers were just shaken up but after a few minutes the claimant felt a severe pain in his shoulder and neck. he felt sick. The driver pulled over and surveyed the damage allowing the passengers to exit the vehicle.

An ambulance was called and the claimant along with 3 other passengers made their way to the local A&E. The claimant had suffered a severe soft tissue injury to his neck and a strained shoulder in the accident. The injuries were still troubling him after a week so he decided to make an enquiry about an accident claim.

He telephoned The Claims Connection and we advised him that he had the right claim against the bus company's insurance because of their drivers recklessness. He would be entitled to claim the following: Pain and suffering compensation, Treatment costs & physio costs, Loss of earnings, because of our scheme he would not have to pay us a penny in fees. The bus company insurers would pay all appropriate legal fees. Provided of course that we won the claim. If we failed to win on liability then we would revert to our no win no fee agreement and the claimant would have no legal bill. The claimant made a full recovery within 6 months. We settled the case for £2000 for pain and suffering and secured £400 in other expenses such as earnings / prescriptions, care and services etc.

Important - Try to remember if you are involved in a bus accident: If possible ensure the driver is notified that you have been injured - sometimes injuries are not immediately apparent but if you have the opportunity, always report to the driver.

The bus company owe you a duty of care and their drivers are supposed to drive with reasonable care. If they fall below this standard - you could and should be able to claim. Make a note of the Bus route number, vehicle registration number and drivers name if possible. Always retain your bus ticket. Please make a note of any available witnesses.  

Call our free legal careline now on 0800 0322210

News

Public to be let loose with speed guns in South Devon - 16th June 2010

Wider cars blamed for the increase in minor car accidents - 4th June 2010

Harsher sentencing for drivers who cause serious accidents whilst using mobile phones or eating whilst at the wheel - 28th August 2008 

The Claims Connection passenger injury compensation claims - bus / coach accidents - UK Accident claim and personal injury compensation specialists. Offering advice Nationwide - London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham, Bristol, Cardiff and many more locations.