Bus Accident Claims & Bus and Coach Passenger Injury Claims Solicitors

What can I claim for?

The nature of your compensation claim will vary with the circumstances, including the degree of negligence shown and the severity of your injuries.

The types of compensation you may be able to claim are:

• Pain and suffering - damages may be claimed for pain and suffering caused by physical injuries but also emotional and mental injuries such as fear, insomnia, grief, and worry.
• Medical treatment – all medical costs that you had to pay to treat the injuries caused in the accident.
• Loss of earnings – compensation for any loss of earnings, present, and future, due to the health issues sustained in the accident.
• General damages – physical pain, mental stress, and anguish, as well as other general damages.
• Travel costs – any travel expenses you incurred as a direct consequence of the accident.
• Damaged property & possessions - compensation for any personal items damaged in the accident such as clothing, a helmet etc.

How common are bus and coach accidents?

Unfortunately, due to passenger capacity and a lack of seatbelts, when a bus is involved in an accident there are often a high number of people who sustain injuries, and the injuries can be quite serious.

Thankfully, bus and coach casualties have decreased by more than 50% over the last 10 years but the numbers are still high with over 3,000 people sustaining injuries in a bus accident in 2019.

Despite these figures, bus travel in the UK is relatively safe. Bus drivers are highly trained, and there are stringent maintenance regulations in place. However, dark nights, bad weather and careless driving by other road users combined with crowded buses, standing passengers and the lack of seat belts create conditions that heighten the risk of bus accidents and injuries.

Public transport is being promoted by the government to reduce congestion and pollution and the services are improving as a result. With increasing passenger numbers, there is a higher risk that injuries will occur.

If you believe that the injuries you suffered were caused by a negligent bus driver, a pedestrian, or another road user then you may have the basis for a compensation claim. Please call our team of road traffic accident claims solicitors today for further advice.
 

Types of Bus Accident Claims.

Bus accidents can occur in a variety of circumstances.  The type of claim you pursue will depend on the specific nature of the incident and injuries sustained.  In this section, we'll discuss the most common types of Bus Accident Claims, providing insight into the factors that contribute to these accidents and the parties that may be held liable.

Passenger Injuries.

Passengers are vulnerable to injuries in various bus accident scenarios. Some common situations that can lead to passenger injuries include:

• Collisions with other vehicles.
• Sudden stops or sharp turns.
• Slip, trip and fall accidents on the bus.

Bus passengers are vulnerable to injuries in these scenarios due to several factors related to the bus’s design and characteristics.  These include, the lack of seat-belts, higher centre of gravity, limited visibility (which prevents anticipation of the impact), narrow aisles and limited space and the possibility that the passenger was standing at the time.

The likely injuries in these situations may include: 

• Whiplash injuries
• Concussion and other head injuries
• Bone fractures
• Soft tissue injuries
• Dislocation
• Lacerations and abrasion
• Dental damage
• Back injuries
• Psychological injuries

If you are considering making a bus passenger accident claim, speak to the experienced team of personal injury lawyers at PSR Solicitors today.  We’ll give you our expert evaluation of whether the circumstances of your accident make you eligible to claim compensation

Pedestrian and Cyclist Injuries.

Buses share the road with pedestrians and cyclists, and accidents can occur when the bus driver or other road users fail to exercise due care. These accidents can occur at bus stops, pedestrian crossings, or in traffic, and often lead to severe injuries due to the size and weight of the bus.

Driver Injuries.

Bus drivers can also be victims of accidents caused by third-party negligence, such as reckless driving by other motorists, poor road conditions, or faulty traffic signals. In these cases, the bus driver may be eligible to pursue a personal injury claim against the responsible party.

Faulty Equipment or Vehicle Failure.

In some instances, bus accidents may result from mechanical issues or poor maintenance of the bus. These can include brake failure, tire blowouts, or malfunctioning safety equipment. In such cases, the bus operator or maintenance provider may be held liable for injuries sustained by passengers, pedestrians, or other road users.

By understanding the various types of Bus Accident Claims, you can better identify the appropriate course of action to pursue compensation for your injuries. In the following sections, we'll discuss the process of establishing liability and the steps required to file a successful bus accident claim.

What evidence do I need to show when making a bus accident claim?

It is important to record as much information about the incident as possible. We recommend you take the following actions immediately after suffering an injury in a road traffic accident on a bus or coach:

Keep your ticket.
One of the first things an insurance company might dispute is that you were a passenger on the bus at all. It is vitally important that you retain the proof of travel such as your ticket or bus pass. You may also be able to prove that you were on the bus at the time of the accident through a witness or CCTV footage.

Get the details of the driver.
Make a note of the name and driver ID number of the bus driver involved and make sure the driver takes your details in full including a description of any injuries.

Get the details of any other vehicles involved.
If your bus accident involved any other vehicles you should record the make, model and registration number of those too including the driver details if possible.

Get the details of any witnesses.
This might be by-standers or other passengers. Record details of the accident location - where and when did the accident take place? Make a note of street names, the direction of travel and the time. This may help obtain CCTV footage.

Report and record your accident.
Contact the customer service department of the operator and report the accident to them. Make sure they take your name, contact details and details of the accident. Make a sketch of the scene. Take photos and videos with your phone.

Create a medical record of your injuries.
Clear evidence of the injuries that were sustained will be a vital element of any successful personal injury claim.  Attend your local GP or A&E immediately, and if possible, keep a photographic record yourself too.

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, we are here to help.

How to make a Bus Accident Claim?

It is vitally important that you ensure there is evidence of you being on the bus as this is often disputed by insurance companies after a bus accident. Ensure that you keep hold of your ticket and provide your details to a member of staff or the local station/depot. It is advisable to also report the matter to the police.

Our experienced solicitors can help you with a wide range of bus accident compensation claims:

• Collisions with other vehicles
• The bus accelerating too quickly before passengers sit down
• The bus braking too hard causing passengers to be thrown about
• Slips and trips on the bus
• Driver losing control
• Driver not allowing vulnerable passengers sufficient time to take a seat

A specialist bus accident claims solicitor will ensure that you have a better chance of winning your claim and receiving all the compensation you are entitled to all on a No Win No Fee basis. This means that you won't have any legal costs to pay if your claim is unsuccessful so No Win No Fee = No Risk to You.

What if the accident was caused by another driver?

It is possible to make a successful claim for compensation following injuries sustained in a bus accident caused by another driver, but these cases can be more complex, and you’ll need an expert legal team on your side. The main challenge is usually proving exactly who was at fault.

Bus passengers may not witness the events leading up to the accident, especially if they are seated towards the back, or they may not be paying attention to the road at all. So, they may not be able to describe how the accident occurred. Bus companies are likely to deny liability if there are witnesses to confirm that the driver braked suddenly to avoid a collision.

However, it is possible to claim compensation for a bus accident where the bus driver was not at fault and our experienced team of Bus Accident Claims Solicitors know exactly how to approach this complex situation.

Passenger Rights and Bus Operator Obligations

Understanding the rights of bus passengers and the obligations of bus operators is essential when pursuing a Bus Accident Claim. In this section, we will provide an overview of the legal rights of bus passengers under UK law and the responsibilities of bus operators to ensure the safety and wellbeing of passengers and other road users.

Legal Rights of Bus Passengers.

Under UK law, bus passengers have specific rights that protect them from potential harm and negligence. These rights include:

The right to a safe and well-maintained vehicle

Bus operators must ensure that their buses are regularly inspected, maintained, and comply with all relevant safety standards.

The right to a competent driver

Bus operators must ensure that their drivers are properly trained, licensed, and adhere to all applicable traffic laws and regulations.

The right to be informed

Passengers should be provided with accurate information about bus routes, schedules, and fares.

The right to accessibility

Bus operators must comply with accessibility requirements, such as providing wheelchair access and accommodating passengers with disabilities.

Responsibilities of Bus Operators

In addition to respecting the rights of passengers, bus operators have a duty of care towards passengers and other road users. This duty of care involves:

Regular maintenance and inspection

Ensuring that buses are in good working order, and addressing any issues that may pose a risk to passengers or others on the road.

Driver training and supervision

Providing drivers with appropriate training, regular evaluations, and supervision to ensure they operate buses safely and competently.

Compliance with safety regulations

Adhering to all relevant safety regulations and guidelines, including those set forth by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Accident prevention and response

Implementing measures to prevent accidents, such as adhering to strict timetables that discourage speeding and ensuring that drivers are well-rested. In the event of an accident, bus operators must provide assistance and cooperate with any ensuing investigations.

It is important to be aware of the rights of bus passengers and the obligations of bus operators gives you the ability to better assess the circumstances surrounding a bus accident and determine whether there has been a breach of duty that may warrant a claim for compensation.

Establishing Liability in Bus Accident Claims.

Determining liability in Bus Accident Claims is crucial for securing compensation for the injured party. To be successful in your claim you will need to establish whether it was the driver, the operator or a third party that was responsible for what happened to you.

If a bus driver's negligence or error causes an accident, they may be held liable for the injuries sustained by the passengers or other parties involved. Bus drivers have a duty of care to their passengers, other road users, and pedestrians. They must adhere to traffic laws, maintain safe speeds, and ensure they are operating the vehicle safely.

Bus operators are responsible for maintaining their fleet of buses and ensuring they are in good working condition. If a mechanical failure or maintenance issue leads to an accident, the bus operator could be held liable for any resulting injuries. Additionally, bus operators are responsible for providing adequate training to their drivers and ensuring they are properly qualified.

In some cases, a bus accident may be caused by the negligence or recklessness of another road user, such as a car driver or cyclist. In these situations, the third party may be held liable for the injuries sustained by bus passengers or other parties involved in the accident.

Poor road conditions, such as potholes or inadequate signage, can also contribute to bus accidents. In these cases, the local authority responsible for maintaining the roads may be held liable for any injuries resulting from the accident.

Finally, if a defective vehicle component, such as a faulty brake system or steering mechanism, causes a bus accident, the manufacturer of the component may be held liable for the injuries sustained in the accident.

No Win No Fee Bus Accident Claims.

Transparency is important to us. When you are ready to proceed with your claim, and we are satisfied that you have a strong case to pursue, we will send you a letter confirming the details of your claim, the costs and the no win no fee agreement so you can rest assured that you will be fully informed and aware of the process.

Our team of experienced solicitors will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve and will keep you informed throughout the entire process. We understand the distress and disruption that a bus accident can cause and will do our best to make the process as stress-free and straightforward as possible.