Tram accident compensation claims

If you’ve been injured in a tram accident that wasn’t your fault, we can help you make a tram injury compensation claim on a no win no fee basis.

  • Get free impartial advice with no obligation
  • A risk-free, No Win No Fee service
  • Experienced solicitors available nationwide

We are a claims management company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

tram accident claims

Tram Accident Claims

Trams are efficient and environmentally friendly modes of transport that are usually powered by electricity. Together with trains and buses, they are often used for travel on short to medium distances within cities. While they are a very safe form of public transport, tram accidents can sometimes happen, potentially causing severe injuries.

If you or a loved one were injured in a tram accident, you might be entitled to compensation for the pain, suffering and financial losses incurred as a result. If you have a valid tram accident claim, a personal injury solicitor will take on your case on a no win no fee basis, so there is no financial risk to you if your case fails.

To learn more about making a claim and how much compensation you could be entitled to, call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back. You will receive a free case assessment with a friendly legal adviser who will guide you through the claims process and answer any questions you may have.

Find out if you can claim

Call 0800 470 0474 now or request a call back below:

Callback form overlay Icon

    By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

    Tram companies and operators have a legal duty to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers during their travel. They must also comply with traffic rules to ensure the safety of all other road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Their duties include:

    • Carry out regular inspections and maintenance of trams to keep them in safe working order;
    • Conduct frequent checks of tram tracks, overhead wires and other infrastructure to identify potential hazards that could lead to accidents;
    • Ensure tram stops and platforms are well-lit, clearly marked, and free of obstacles or hazards;
    • Make sure that drivers have the necessary skills and training to operate trams;
    • Regularly evaluate driver performance and provide additional training as needed;
    • Have clear emergency procedures in place in case of accidents or injuries.

    If a tram operator fails to fulfil their legal duties and you suffer an injury as a result, you may be able to claim compensation.

    Am I eligible to make a tram accident compensation claim?

    If you were injured in an accident involving a tram, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Generally, a solicitor will take on your case if they can prove the following:

    • Another party owed you a duty of care legally;
    • They breached this duty and caused a tram or Metrolink accident;
    • You suffered an injury or injuries as a result.
    • The accident happened within the last three years (unless a valid exception applies)

    Your solicitor will establish a duty of care by referring to the relevant legislation. Based on the circumstances of your accident, the negligent party could be the tram company, the tram driver, a manufacturer, another road user or another party. Once liability is established, your solicitor will also help you gather the necessary evidence to start your claim, such as:

    • Photographs or videos of the accident scene
    • CCTV or dash cam footage, if available
    • Pictures of your injuries and your recovery process
    • Statements from witnesses to the incident
    • The copy of an accident report filed with the tram operator
    • A police report and crime reference number if you were the victim of an assault
    • Your tram tickets or other evidence that you were on the tram when the accident took place
    • Medical records that show the type and severity of the injuries you suffered
    • Your statement about what happened and how it has affected your life
    • Evidence of related financial losses and expenses

    Types of tram accidents that could lead to a claim

    Tram network systems are generally safe and reliable and provide efficient and eco-friendly transportation within cities. However, incidents can sometimes occur, which can cause injuries to passengers and other members of the public. Some of the most common types of tram accidents for which you could make a compensation claim include:

    • Slips, trips and falls in trams or on tram platforms due to wet or slippery surfaces, uneven pavement or objects left in walkways;
    • Falls resulting from sudden stops or jolts of the tram, speeding or defective tracks;
    • Accidents caused by faulty doors that close unexpectedly on passengers;
    • Derailments due to excessive speed, damaged tracks or poor weather conditions;
    • Collisions with other vehicles like cars, busses or lorries at junctions or on tram tracks;
    • Injuries caused by damaged seats, fittings or fixtures of the tram;
    • Accidents involving pedestrians being hit by trams on zebra crossings or on the road;
    • Physical assaults on trams and in tram stations;
    • Incidents caused by mechanical or structural faults within the tram;
    • Electric shocks caused by faulty overhead wires.

    If you have been injured in a similar accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to make a tram injury compensation claim.

    Examples of negligence that could cause a tram accident

    A tram injury claim could stem from various situations, such as:

    • Distracted driving, such as using the phone while operating the tram;
    • Fatigue due to long working hours and insufficient breaks;
    • Speeding and other types of driving errors from other road users;
    • Driving under the influence;
    • Inadequate training of employees;
    • Mechanical or structural faults with the tram, such as brake failures;
    • Inadequate maintenance of tram tracks, vehicles or tram stations;
    • Insufficient or unclear signage warning passengers and road users of known hazards;
    • Poor visibility or other unsafe weather conditions.

    This list is not exhaustive, and other situations and negligence from different parties could entitle you to make a public transport accident claim for compensation.

    Common injuries seen in tram accident claims

    You could claim tram accident compensation for any injuries caused by tram incidents, including:

    • Sprains and strains can be due to sudden jolts, which can cause overstretching or tearing of ligaments and muscles;
    • Cuts and lacerations may result from contact with broken furniture or sharp objects;
    • Broken bones can result from collisions or falls inside the tram;
    • Whiplash injuries occur due to the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head and neck caused by abrupt stops or impacts;
    • Crush injuries can happen if you are trapped between faulty tram doors or other objects during collisions or derailments;
    • Head injuries range from concussions to severe brain trauma and result from hitting your head against a hard surface;
    • Spinal injuries can be due to severe impacts or falls and can lead to long-term disability or paralysis;
    • Electrocution may occur from contact with overhead wires or other electrical faults;
    • Amputations can occur from severe crush injuries or trauma;
    • Fatalities can be due to serious injuries caused by tram accidents, such as severe head trauma or damage to internal organs.

    Can I make a claim for an accident at work?

    If you work for a tram company as a driver, engineer or in another role, your employer has a duty of care towards you under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. They must take all reasonable measures to keep you safe from accidents and injuries, including:

    • Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards;
    • Take measures to eliminate or reduce these risks;
    • Ensure all equipment, including trams and tracks, are safe and properly maintained;
    • Maintain safe and healthy working conditions, such as proper ventilation, lighting, and cleanliness in all work areas;
    • Provide thorough training for all employees on safety procedures, emergency protocols, and proper use of equipment;
    • Provide necessary PPE, such as high-visibility clothing, gloves, and helmets when necessary;
    • Have a system in place for reporting accidents and near misses and take the necessary measures to prevent recurrence.

    These are some of the measures your employer must take to protect your health and safety at work. If they fail to do so and you suffer an injury, you are entitled to make an accident at work claim and seek compensation for the damages you incurred.

    Can I claim tram injury compensation on behalf of a loved one?

    In certain circumstances, you could make a tram accident compensation claim on behalf of a loved one. Examples include if they are a child under 18 or an adult who lacks mental capacity under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

    In such cases, you can apply to the court to be assigned as their litigation friend. Once appointed, you will have several duties throughout the claims process, such as liaising with solicitors, making decisions about the claim and ensuring your loved one attends all their medical appointments.

    If you secure compensation for your loved one and this is approved by a judge, a personal injury solicitor could help you set up a trust in their name. This way, you can manage the awarded payment on their behalf without it affecting any means-tested state benefits they might be entitled to.

    Claims for fatal accidents involving trams

    If a loved one passed away following a tram accident and you classify as their dependant, you may be eligible to make a compensation claim. Under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976, you could be entitled to compensation for the following:

    • The financial benefits expected from the deceased, such as lost income, healthcare benefits, bonuses and pensions;
    • The services they provided in the household, including childcare, house maintenance and cooking;
    • Reasonable funeral expenses, such as wreaths, the headstone and embalming of the body;
    • The financial losses and expenses they incurred between the accident and when they passed away, such as medical bills and lost wages;
    • You can also claim bereavement damages of £15,120 as recognition of the wrongful death and your grief and suffering.

    Time limits to start a tram injury claim

    You typically have three years from the date of the accident or when your injuries were diagnosed to claim tram injury compensation. After this period, your case will no longer be valid.

    There are a few exceptions to this rule under the Limitation Act 1980:

    • A parent can make a child injury claim at any time before the child’s 18th birthday.
    • The time limit is suspended if the injured party cannot start a claim due to a brain injury or other condition that impacts their mental capacity. In this situation, a litigation friend can claim for them at any time.
    • If you were the victim of a criminal act on a tram, you have two years to claim through the CICA.
    • If you lost a loved one after being hit by a tram, you can start a claim within three years of their death.

    How much compensation can I claim if I’m injured in a tram accident?

    The amount of compensation that could be awarded to you for a public transport accident will depend on several factors. Your payment will consist of two types of damages that your solicitor will include in your claim:

    General damages are awarded for the injuries you suffered and all the subjective impacts these have had on your life, such as:

    • Physical pain and discomfort
    • Physical and mental disability
    • Emotional and psychological suffering
    • Reduced quality of life
    • Impacts on your hobbies and social activities
    • Loss of consortium and companionship

    Special damages are awarded for any financial losses that have resulted from the tram accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages during recovery and care costs in case of long-term disability.

    While special damages are calculated from financial documents such as receipts and payslips, general damages are based on the guidelines from the Judicial College. The latter could range from a few hundred pounds to over £400,000, based on the type and extent of your injury. You can learn more about the maximum amount of compensation you can receive by referring to our personal injury compensation calculator.

    Can I make a tram accident claim on a No Win No Fee basis?

    If you have a valid tram accident compensation claim, the solicitors we partner with will offer you a 100% no win no fee agreement. This arrangement is prevalent in personal injury claims, as it allows everyone access to legal representation regardless of their financial situation and without taking any risks.

    With a no win no fee service, your solicitor will take on the risk of litigation and will not ask for any upfront fees. Furthermore, you do not owe them a single penny if your claim fails.

    Under a no win no fee agreement, you only pay your solicitor if and after you receive tram injury compensation. If your claim is successful, they will get a pre-agreed percentage of your settlement (up to 25%) as payment for the risk they took by offering you this service.

    You will also have After the Event (ATE) insurance against any costs and disbursements incurred during the litigation process, such as court fees, medical reports and the defendant’s expenses. You will not be left out of pocket if you lose the claim.

    If you feel you may have a valid no win no fee claim for a tram accident, call 0800 470 0474 or request a callback. You will receive a free case assessment with an experienced legal adviser, which is provided with no obligation to proceed.