Public Transport Accident Claims In Scotland
If you’ve been involved in a Public Transport Accident in Scotland that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible for compensation.
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What are Public Transport Accident Claims?
Public transport accident claims are the legal action taken by individuals who have been injured in accidents involving public transportation.
The majority of accident claims involving public transportation happen on buses and trains. The bus and train companies have a legal duty of care to all passengers. You have the right to compensation if this duty of care was violated and you were injured as a result.
If you were injured on this public transportation due to no fault of your own. Then, you are eligible for financial compensation for any lost wages, medical bills, or rehabilitation expenses you incurred.
When Can I Make a Public Transport Accident Claim?
You can make a public transport accident claim if you were injured while using a bus, train, tram, taxi, or another form of public transportation due to negligence or unsafe conditions. If the accident was caused by the driver’s reckless actions, such as speeding, sudden braking, or failing to follow traffic rules, you may have grounds for a claim against the transport operator. Similarly, if another vehicle was responsible for the accident, you may need to seek compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance.
Poor maintenance, faulty equipment, or hazardous conditions on public transport, such as broken handrails, defective doors, or slippery floors, can also be valid reasons for a claim. Additionally, if you suffered an injury due to a slip, trip, or fall caused by abrupt vehicle movement or overcrowding, you might be entitled to compensation.
What are the Different Types of Public Transport Accident Claims In Scotland?
There are several types of public transport accident claims, each arising from different causes of injury or damage. One of the most common is a vehicle collision claim, where an accident occurs due to a collision between a bus, train, tram, or other public transport vehicle and another vehicle, such as a car or another transport unit.
Passenger injury claims are another type, where a passenger is injured inside the vehicle, either due to the driver’s reckless behaviour, sudden braking, or unsafe conditions within the transport, such as overcrowding or slippery floors. Slips, trips, and falls are also frequent causes of claims, often occurring in poorly maintained vehicles or stations with hazards like broken steps, defective handrails, or damaged flooring.
Injuries from faulty equipment or lack of safety measures, such as broken doors, defective seatbelts, or malfunctioning safety features, may also form the basis of a claim. Finally, psychological injury claims can arise if a person suffers emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD from a traumatic accident on public transport.
Cities & Towns That We Cover
We offer public transport accident claim services across all main cities and towns in Scotland. No matter where you’re located, our dedicated team is here to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Our service areas include:
When Can I Make a Bus Accident Claim Scotland?
You can make a bus accident claim if you were injured as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or driver due to negligence or unsafe conditions. If the bus driver was at fault such as speeding, failing to stop safely, or violating traffic laws you may have grounds for a claim against the bus company.
If another vehicle caused the accident, you may need to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance. Additionally, poor road conditions, defective traffic signals, or improper bus maintenance (such as faulty brakes or worn-out tires) may also justify a claim. Injuries caused by sudden braking, overcrowding, or slipping on an unsafe surface inside the bus may be valid reasons for compensation. You may be able to start a bus accident claim if you were injured in an accident. Instant Assist, a claim management company has directly seen the severe impact of these types of accidents.
When Can I Make a Train Accident Compensation Claim Scotland?
You can make a train accident compensation claim if you were injured while travelling on a train, at a railway station, or due to a railway-related incident caused by negligence. If the accident was the result of the train operator’s actions, such as excessive speeding, abrupt braking, or failure to follow safety regulations, you may have grounds for a claim.
Additionally, if the accident was caused by poor track maintenance, defective train equipment, or hazards at the station, the responsible transport authority or company may be held liable. In cases where another vehicle collides with a train due to the negligence of a third party, such as a reckless driver ignoring railway signals, you may be able to claim against the at-fault party’s insurance.
Passengers can also seek compensation for injuries sustained due to overcrowding, slip-and-fall accidents, or sudden jolts inside the train. It is essential to act quickly, as strict time limits apply, often ranging from a few months to several years depending on local laws.
How Long Do I Have to Make a Public Transport Accident Claim?
If you have been injured on a bus or train, you can make a claim for public transportation up to three years after the accident or three years after a doctor diagnosed your injuries. If you are claiming for a child, you have until the child reaches their 21st birthday to start your claim.
The three-year time limit to claim compensation is known as the statute of limitations and applies to all personal injury claims. However, the three-year time limit does not apply if you claim on behalf of someone with limited mental capacity or if the injuries prevented them from claiming within three years.
However, our Instant Assist team recommends starting your claim as soon as possible. This can help our team prepare your case by having access to important proof before it is lost.
How We Work?
At Instant Assist, we handle public transport accident claim. Our expert team provides fast, transparent support, guiding you from start to finish for a stress-free experience.
What are the Most Common Types of Injuries Claimed for Accidents on Public Transport?
Accidents on public transport can result in various injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Some of the most common types of injuries claimed include whiplash and neck injuries, which often occur due to sudden braking or collisions, causing strain on the muscles and ligaments. Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, may result from falls or impacts against hard surfaces inside the vehicle. Fractures and broken bones are also frequently reported, especially when passengers fall due to abrupt stops, defective handrails, or overcrowding.
Back and spinal injuries are another common claim, often caused by jolts, falls, or severe impacts that affect the vertebrae or spinal cord. Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and bruises, may seem minor but can cause significant pain and discomfort over time. Additionally, cuts and lacerations can occur from broken glass, sharp edges, or defective transport equipment.
Passengers may also suffer psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety, particularly after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic accident.
Can I Make a No-Win, No-Fee Public Transport Accident Claim?
Yes, you can often make a no-win, no-fee public transport accident claim, depending on the circumstances of your case and the legal firm you choose. A no-win, no-fee agreement, also known as a conditional fee agreement (CFA), allows you to pursue compensation without having to pay upfront legal fees. You only pay if your claim is successful, typically as a percentage of your compensation.
To be eligible for a no-win, no-fee claim, you must prove that the accident was caused by negligence whether by the public transport operator, driver, another road user, or due to unsafe conditions. Common claims include injuries from sudden braking, collisions, poor vehicle maintenance, or slips and falls inside the transport.
Most No-Win, No-Fee offer a free initial consultation to assess the strength of your case. If your claim is valid, they will handle the legal process on your behalf, gathering evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and CCTV footage.
*The solicitor we recommend will charge you a fee of 36% (inclusive of VAT) off your compensation. The solicitor may charge a termination fee if you cancel your agreement with them after the cancellation period, please read their Terms and Conditions for more information.*
What Evidence Do I Need to Provide to Support My Public Transport Compensation Claim?
To support your public transport compensation claim, you need strong evidence proving that the accident occurred due to negligence and that it resulted in your injuries.
First, medical records are crucial as they provide official documentation of your injuries, diagnosis, and treatment. Seeking medical attention immediately after the accident strengthens your case. Second, witness statements from other passengers, pedestrians, or transport staff can help corroborate your account of the incident. Collect their contact details if possible.
Third, CCTV footage or photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, or hazardous conditions (such as broken handrails or slippery floors) can serve as visual proof. Many public transport vehicles and stations have security cameras, so requesting this footage early is important. Fourth, accident reports filed with the transport company or police provide an official record of the incident. If the accident involved a crash, obtaining a police report can be valuable.
What is the Claim Process for a Public Transport Accident Claim?
The claim process for a public transport accident claim typically begins with gathering evidence to support your case. If you have been injured in a public transport accident, you should seek medical attention immediately, as medical records will serve as crucial evidence.
Reporting the incident to the transport operator, the police (if necessary), or relevant authorities is also important. Collecting witness statements, CCTV footage, and photographs of the accident scene can strengthen your claim. Once you have sufficient evidence, you should consult a personal injury expert who specializes in public transport accident claims. Many legal firms offer a no-win, no-fee arrangement, meaning you only pay legal fees if your claim is successful.
You can contact us at 0141 3453772 to find out if you can claim or fill out the Claim Form present on our website page.
Why Choose Instant Assist for Public Transport Accident Claims Scotland?
Accidents involving public transport can lead to serious injuries, and navigating the claims process can be confusing. At Instant Assist, we specialize in public transport accident claims, offering expert support to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Whether you’re involved in a bus, or train accident, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process. From collecting evidence to negotiating with insurers, we ensure that your claim is handled efficiently and effectively. Trust Instant Assist to provide the legal expertise you need while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Let us fight for your rights and get the compensation you’re entitled to.
Frequently Asked Questions
A public transport accident claim will rarely have to go to court, as over 95% of claims are settled out of court. Even if your claim goes to court, you may not be required to attend.
While bus drivers are not obligated to wait until all passengers are seated, they must be considerate in their actions when leaving and arriving at bus stops. If due consideration was not taken, and you were injured as a result, you may be able to claim.
Yes, you can claim compensation if you've been injured. If you work for a public transport company, your employer has a duty of care to you as an employee. If this duty of care has been breached, you can make an accident at work compensation claim.
For most personal injury claims, you’ll be required to check a routine medical examination by an experienced medical expert, who will discuss your injuries and their impact on your life in detail. They will give a medico-legal report, which is used as evidence by the courts. It determines the extent of your injuries and how quickly you might be expected to recover.
Yes, Instant Assist specialising in No Win No Fee claims, is a risk-free way to claim the compensation you deserve. You won't have to pay any costs upfront because your opponent party will cover all your claim costs and expenses.
Feel free to contact us at 0141 3453772 to find out if you can claim for the public transport accident.
