Everyday, almost half of the population travels on the public transport system to commute to various places. Usually travelling by Tram is a cheap, efficient and generally reliable mode of transport. However with over 12 million users of the 6 Tram systems located around the UK, accidents will often occur.

As nothing is certain, there are many times when accidents on public transport occur and the passengers are left to pay for the consequences through injuries and deteriorated health.

Just because you are a passenger and not in control of the functions of the tram, does not mean that you have no rights if you suffer an accident. Many people who are injured after being involved in an accident on a Tram do not realise that they are able to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Know your rights
The passengers on a tram are entitled to claim compensation for any injuries suffered as a result of any collision that the tram may have or indeed any derailment. You may even be entitled to claim if you become injured when the Tram performs an unexpected manoeuvre such as overshooting the railway platform or, reversing in an unexpected and excessive manner.

Potential causes of tram accidents

• Platform overcrowding
• Alighting from/or getting onto the Tram
• Faulty tracks
• Negligent driving
• Tram collision
• Vehicle failure

Injuries
Accidents involving trams are becoming more and more frequent. As these accidents have now become an integral part of everyday life, they should not be taken lightly because it can prove to be highly dangerous and problematic.

There are several types of injuries that an individual can suffer including:

• Broken bones
• Fractures
• Head injuries
• Neck injuries and back injuries
• Whiplash

Tips for avoiding injuries
There are a few you things you can do to avoid the risk of sustaining passenger injuries in a tram accident. It is always a good idea to be seated if a seat is available. This way, in the event of any collision or sudden breaking, you are less likely to be thrown around inside the tram.

Keeping your personal belongings secure, just as you would when travelling by plane, is another good method to reduce your chances of suffering passenger injuries. So storing bags under seats or in any specialised luggage compartments for the duration of your journey will help keep you and your fellow tram passengers free from personal injury.

What to do after an accident...

• Inform the driver or any other official such as an inspector of the accident as soon as possible. Make a note of the name and number of that person and ensure that they note your name, address and injuries.


• Keep your ticket - Although there is a high probability of CCTV on the vehicle, you may still need to establish that you were a passenger. You can do this by providing your ticket or receipt for that journey.


• Get medical advice for your injuries from a hospital or your GP. Keeping a diary of your pain and medication is recommended.


• Collect any names and addresses from witnesses who saw the accident take place

Accident time limitation
The Tram accident must have happened within the past three years in order to make a compensation claim. If you were under the age of 18 when the Tram accident happened, the three year period starts on the date you turned 18 years old. If the three year limitation period has passed, you would not be able to make a compensation claim.