Public Transport Accident Claims2023-08-24T12:13:39+01:00

Public Transport Accident Claims Solicitors

Public Transport Accident Claims Solicitors

Have you been injured in a public transport accident involving a bus, taxi or train in Northern Ireland? Our specialist solicitors can help you gain compensation for your suffering.

  • Experienced personal injury solicitors
  • Affordable and independent legal advice
  • Supporting people injured in public transport accidents since 1993
  • Hassle-free claim process to secure your compensation
  • Free initial consultation to talk about your claim

Public Transport Accident Claims, Northern Ireland

More than 83 million journeys are made on Northern Ireland’s bus and rail network every year. While public transport is a popular way of travelling around Belfast and further afield, it is not without its risks and public transport accidents do happen.

You might need to make a public transport accident claim because you were involved in a collision while travelling on public transport or because a public transport vehicle collided with you when you were not a passenger.

You might also have sustained an injury because of how the public transport vehicle was being driven, even if there was no collision.

The main types of public transport accident claims are:

Bus Accident Claims
You were injured when a Translink-operated bus, such as Ulsterbus, Metro, Goldline or Glider services, or a private hire bus was involved in a collision or was driven in a way that caused your accident.

Taxi Accident Claims
You were injured in a collision involving a private hire taxi, black taxi or Uber.

Train Accident Claims
You were injured by or while travelling on a train operated by Northern Ireland Railways.

Public Transport Accident Injuries

A wide variety of injuries can be sustained in public transport accidents, ranging from minor bruising to life-changing injuries and even fatalities. The severity will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the speed at which the public transport vehicle was travelling. Common public transport accident injuries include:

Whiplash – Just like in road traffic accidents, whiplash can be sustained when the body is thrust forward and immediately jolted back due to sudden braking or a collision. This is particularly common because many public transport vehicles do not have seatbelts.

Cuts, Bruises and Burns – These injuries can be suffered if you are thrown to the ground by a collision or sudden movement. You could also be thrust into the seat in front, another part of the furniture, or hit by an unsecured object. Being forced to stand or a spillage on the floor might cause you to slip or fall, which can also cause these injuries.

Broken Bones – Broken and fractured bones might be caused if you are hit or clipped by a public transport vehicle. They could also be sustained in a heavy fall or crush caused by a collision or sudden movement.

Head or Spinal Injury – Head or spinal injuries are typically caused by high-speed or heavy-impact collisions involving public transport vehicles. Heavy luggage falling from overhead racks can also cause these injuries.

Fatal Injury – Given the speed and size of many public transport vehicles, accidents can sometimes result in fatalities.

Psychological Injury – Any accident is a traumatic experience. The scale and circumstances of public transport accidents can make them particularly troubling, and this often results in psychological injuries.

Who can make a Public Transport Accident Claim?

Anybody injured in a public transport accident that wasn’t their fault is eligible to claim compensation.

This could be pedestrians or even a public transport driver who was not responsible for the accident. But most claims are made by passengers. Public transport operators have a duty of care to their passengers, and if driver negligence has resulted in an injury then you are entitled to compensation.

Claiming for Yourself – If you were travelling on or involved in a collision with a public transport vehicle and sustained an injury that wasn’t your fault you can claim.

Claiming on Behalf of Someone Else – If a loved one has been the victim of a public transport accident and is unable to make a claim themselves, you can claim on their behalf.

Public Transport Accident Claim Process

We’ve designed our claim process to cause minimal disruption to your life. Once you’ve made contact with us, our experienced solicitors will handle the entire process from start to finish. This is what you can expect.

Step 1: Contact Reid Black
The first stage is to get in touch to arrange a free consultation with one of our solicitors. You will get independent legal advice with no obligation to proceed with us.

Step 2: Gathering Information
We will gather any evidence that will support your claim. This might include medical notes, video footage or photos from the scene, and the accounts of any eyewitnesses or fellow passengers.

Step 3: Medical Assessment
You can only claim once so we want to be certain the full extent of your injuries is known when we make your claim. We’ll arrange for an independent medical professional to assess any long-term or undetected injuries.

Step 4: Compensation Negotiations
Once we’ve got all of the facts we will negotiate with the public transport operator’s representatives — usually its insurance company — to secure the maximum compensation payout to which you’re entitled.

Step 5: Compensation Payout
We will continue to support you to oversee the payout process and make sure you receive the compensation agreed upon in a timely manner.

How long do I have to make a public transport accident claim?

Usually, you need to claim within three years of a public transport accident. This does vary slightly:

  • If you were over 18 at the time, you must claim within three years of the accident
  • If you were under 18 at the time, you must claim by your 21st birthday

You may be allowed more time to make your claim if there are mitigating circumstances, such as your injuries preventing you from claiming. In all cases, the best option is to start your claim as soon as possible.

How much can I claim for a public transport accident?

The amount of compensation you can claim following a public transport accident will depend on the seriousness of your injuries, how severely your life is impacted and for how long. You can claim:

General Damages
Compensation for the level of pain and suffering you endured because of your injuries. The more serious and longer-lasting the pain, the greater the damages will be.

Special Damages
Compensation for out-of-pocket expenses you’ve incurred because of a public transport accident. This includes costs such as medical bills, replacing damaged items and loss of earnings.

Why Choose Reid Black?

We’ve been helping people in Northern Ireland get the compensation they deserve since 1993. Our solicitors are widely recognised as road traffic accident claim experts — and most public transport accident claims fall under that category. You’re welcome to join us for a no-obligation consultation. Get some free initial legal advice before entrusting us with your claim.

Our Specialist Public Transport Accident Claim Solicitors

Our Specialist Public Transport Accident Claim Solicitors

Peter Lynch
Peter Lynch
30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
  • Peter Lynch of Reid Black Solicitors is one of Northern Ireland’s Leading Road Traffic Accident Experts.
  • He will act for you solely and does not accept referrals from insurers or Accident Management companies thus ensuring we have your interests first.
  • Have an initial no-cost chat about any Road Traffic Accident to see if you have a case.
  • He acts in Car Accidents, Cycling & Motorbike Accidents and Pedestrian Accident Claims.
  • Peter will be able to Fast track your claim to get you the compensation you deserve.
Libby Smyth
Libby Smyth
20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
  • Libby Smyth is one Northern Ireland’s leading Road Traffic Accident and Personal Injury Solicitors.
  • She will handle your Road Traffic Accident Claim effectively and efficiently, keeping your best interests as her prime concern.
  • Specialist in all types of personal injury claims, with a focus on Road Traffic Injury Claims.
  • Libby can expedite your injury claim to ensure you get your compensation as fast as possible.
  • If you’ve been injured as a result of a Road Traffic Accident, contact Libby today for free initial chat to see if you’re eligible for a claim.
Eilis McQuillan
Eilis McQuillan
14 YEARS EXPERIENCE
  • Elis McQuillan has extensive experience dealing with Road Traffic Accident Claims in Northern Ireland.
  • She will prioritise your interest’s first and act solely on your behalf.
  • Specialist in all types of Road Traffic Accident Claims and Litigation, including Car Accidents, Cycling Accidents and Motorbike Accidents.
  • Ellis can Fast Track your Road Traffic Accident Claim, so you get your compensation as soon as possible.
  • Contact Ellis today for a free initial consultation to determine if you’re entitled to a Road Traffic Accident Claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, bus operators have a duty of care to passengers, so you can claim for any accident on a bus that wasn’t your fault.

It is very unlikely. Most public transport accident claims are settled directly with insurance companies. If the level of compensation being offered was less than you deserve, we would take the matter to court on your behalf.

You will claim against the public transport operator responsible for the service on which you suffered the accident. Public transport companies have insurance policies in place, so the compensation will usually be paid by their insurer.

Straightforward claims involving minor injuries for which the public transport operator accepts liability can be settled in as little as three months. More complex claims, such as those involving serious injuries and larger settlement figures, often take longer. It is sometimes beneficial for claims to take longer if the full extent of your injuries is still emerging.

We will arrange a medical assessment for you to ensure we know the full extent of your injuries. You cannot make a second claim if your injuries turn out to be more serious than first thought, so it is important to have a full picture of your condition.

Although they are popular and widely promoted by solicitors in England and Wales, no win no fee arrangements are not allowed under the law in Northern Ireland. As an alternative, we offer a free consultation at which we provide initial legal advice on your claim.

Trust us with your Public Transport Accident Claim

If you’ve been injured as the result of a public transport accident, take the first step gaining the compensation you deserve. Contact our specialist personal injury solicitors today for a free, friendly, no-obligation initial consultation.

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      Accreditations

      Three Best Rated

      Client Testimonials

      Client Testimonials

      William Campbell
      William Campbell
      16:37 13 Nov 19
      Great if you get stuck in a jam with the local police.
      Harry Walmsley
      Harry Walmsley
      14:51 22 Aug 19
      Brilliant solicitor. Thank you.
      Andrew Aicken
      Andrew Aicken
      08:51 20 Apr 18
      Great service from a professional company. Eilis McQuillan handled a case for me and was outstanding. I was kept informed at every stage and would recommend Reid Black without hesitation.
      Victoria J
      Victoria J
      10:12 18 May 18
      I would highly recommend this company and I have used them a few times . Absolutely Fantastic company .
      Alan Cromie
      Alan Cromie
      14:54 08 Nov 15
      I approached Reid Black Solicitors having known Hamill Clawson for many years as a good dependable lawyer and having been badly let down and grossly overcharged by another solicitor. He referred me to his colleague, David French who was very approachable and went out of his way to help resolve matters equitably in a timely and stress free manner.As a busy professional, this invaluable advice from Hamill and, especially his partner David was greatly appreciated. I am impressed by the high standard of service offered by this Firm and would recommended their services without caveat.read more
      Stephen Lavery
      Stephen Lavery
      09:12 21 Feb 20
      1st class service. Case was resolved quickly, handled with sensitivity and professionalism. Couldn’t recommend Eilis highly enough. Very happy.
      David Hogg
      David Hogg
      12:07 09 Mar 20
      Very helpful....quick results...
      Conor Mccomish
      Conor Mccomish
      21:47 25 Jul 20
      David helped me get a licence reinstated with the council. Very fast, efficient and professional service. I would highly recommend this company.
      mike naylor
      mike naylor
      09:41 06 Sep 20
      Great business
      Seema King
      Seema King
      17:07 30 Sep 20
      Highly recommend Reid Black Solicitors. David French handled my case and guided me step by step. Very fast and professional. Made my whole experience stress free. Couldn't be more thankful. 🙂
      Jonathan Loughlin
      Jonathan Loughlin
      16:52 29 Nov 20
      Highly experienced staff have helped me massively and would recommend them to anyone 10☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
      Shaun Leese
      Shaun Leese
      13:18 31 Mar 21
      Worked with Karen Cox on house purchase. Fantastic service!
      Adrian Bodle
      Adrian Bodle
      14:57 23 Jul 21
      I would highly recommend Reid Black Solicitors. my experience was totally stress free and easy from the start. David handled my case in a professional manner, notifying me every step of the way. Thank you for all your hard work. A1read more
      James Cullen
      James Cullen
      14:53 23 Jul 21
      Had the best service from all at Reid black from David and Karen who dealt with my claim, all in all a great service I would highly recommend this Company to anybody wanting a professional service, thankyou to everyone at your office. odyread more
      TONIK TZW (tonik_tzw)
      TONIK TZW (tonik_tzw)
      14:17 29 Jul 21
      Reid and Black were absolutely outstanding and extremely professional in their handling of my case, They were well organised, timely and informative in their updates as the case progressed. The outcome was even better than anticipated which can only be due to the excellent knowledge, tenacity and determination in seeking a satisfactory outcome. I would highly recommend their services to anyone.read more
      Phoebe Brigginshaw
      Phoebe Brigginshaw
      17:09 08 Dec 21
      Karen was wonderful and took fantastic card of us as first time buyers. Excellent service all round, thank you so much!
      David Raeburn
      David Raeburn
      11:48 10 Feb 22
      I would like to thank Reid Black solicitors for the outstanding work you have done for all the veterans who have mostly suffered in silence and would never have thought to start any sort of compensation claim against the MOD,also to find out that your firm does not take a penny from the veteran's settlement just shows the amazing integrity of Reid Black.read more
      Luke Tedford
      Luke Tedford
      12:26 31 Mar 22
      Just want to start off by Thanking Eilis for helping me through everything. I arrived in with very little expectations to get anywhere and I came out with exactly what I wanted, all thanks to the hard work and dedication of Eilis. When I first met Eilis she gave me the warmest reception and was fully understanding and complient with what I wanted. The best solicitors in Belfast hands down! would very highly recommend to anyone!read more
      Jude Campbell
      Jude Campbell
      13:18 11 May 22
      We would like to thank Reid Black Solicitors and specifically David French for helping us in a recent professional negligence case. His professionalism was a breath of fresh air and the positive outcome we received has been a weight off our shoulders, we would highly recommend David and his team.read more
      CJ MCKIMM
      CJ MCKIMM
      11:13 05 Jun 22
      A big thanks to David and the team for sorting out my hearing loss claim. Very professional, polite and efficient throughout.
      Leonidasz Rafael
      Leonidasz Rafael
      14:29 25 Jun 22
      at this location The staff is very kind quick helpful hilarious Mr Hamill very professional defense attorney I recommend to everyone protection and tranquility are highly guaranteed always provides the best and fastest help if you are looking for the best defense attorney Mr Hamill 💯💯read more
      James Tate
      James Tate
      22:28 26 Aug 22
      Excellent attraction staff super.
      Jennifer McCann
      Jennifer McCann
      14:25 10 Oct 23
      They are a fantastic company to represent you
      Russdamuss
      Russdamuss
      07:02 26 Nov 23
      Was recommended Reid Black by others on my claim from the MOD. From start to end this company have been brilliant in particular DF whom was personally dealing with my case. If you are looking for a professional solicitors to deal with claims against the MOD look no further. Thank you all at Reid Blackread more
      tomsturdy1
      tomsturdy1
      09:51 28 Nov 23
      I cannot recommend this firm highly enough. For any ex army out there with hearing problems please contact them. The process was easy and more importantly they do not take any money from you unlike a lot of firms that take up to 33%. I thoroughly recommend Reid Black.read more
      Wayne Perry
      Wayne Perry
      19:16 08 Dec 23
      What a fantastic group of people to work with from start to finish. I thoroughly endorse this firm of solicitors to any former service personnel who have suffered hearing loss and/or tinnitus as a result of live firing in pipe ranges in Northern Ireland. These guys acted on my behalf following a simple hearing assessment and secured a sizeable settlement from the MoD for me. They did not take ANY of my compensation in payment, but claim a separate payment directly from the MoD for their work. David even declined an initial derisory offer from the MoD and secured a much better one which was 500% (yes 500%) above the original offer. If you or you know anyone who suffers the same problems, I would urge you to get in touch with David French or one of his colleagues at Reid Black solicitors. The only downside is the amount of time you have to wait for the MoD to play ball. On the plus side you’ll probably forget you’ve claimed at all and so it’s a great surprise when you finally get a result!read more
      Bob Parry
      Bob Parry
      05:00 12 Jan 24
      I am absolutely delighted at the result David French and the whole team at Reid Black managed to negotiate for my hearing loss claim. It was a long process, but none of that due to RB, rather the bureaucracy and feet dragging of the MoD. There was one small period of frustration on my part when I had not heard from them in a while, but it transpired that their communications with me via e-mail had gone into my spam box, that I don't regularly check, so this frustration was my fault completely. David received an initial settlement offer, but refused it and negotiated a 33% increase in the offer on my behalf. I thoroughly recommend this Business to any former service personnel that served in NI after 1987, that have suffered hearing injuries. Thank you Reid Black.read more
      thomas Gray
      thomas Gray
      18:04 21 Feb 24
      I cannot speak highly enough of Reid Black Solicitors. From start to finish, my experience with their team has been exceptional. The professionalism and expertise displayed by the solicitors at Reid Black is truly commendable. They were not only knowledgeable but also dedicated to providing personalized solutions tailored to my legal needs. The level of attention and care they demonstrated throughout the process reassured me that I was in capable hands. The communication from the firm was outstanding. I was kept informed at every step, and my questions were answered promptly. This level of transparency made the legal process much more manageable and less stressful. What sets Reid Black Solicitors apart is their commitment to client satisfaction. They went above and beyond to ensure that I felt supported and understood. The genuine concern for their clients is evident in every interaction. I would wholeheartedly recommend Reid Black Solicitors to anyone seeking legal assistance. Their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to client satisfaction make them a standout choice. Thank you to the entire team for making a potentially challenging experience smooth and successful.read more
      Claire Watt
      Claire Watt
      19:39 26 Feb 24
      Kathryn was superb throughout the process and helped me through what was a difficult period. Kathryn was always very quick to respond to my emails and on hand to answer any questions that I had. I would highly recommend the services of Kathryn and Reid Black Solicitors.read more
      Kerry Whann
      Kerry Whann
      16:28 04 Mar 24
      A Separation of a marriage is a really devasting and stressful time. My daughter used the services of Kathryn Aiken. Kathryn is such a lovely lady, with a real kindness and total understanding of the situation. She gave my daughter excellent legal advice and guided us safely through the whole process. Yes it did take time to finally come to an agreement on matters, but all throughout Kathryn was available to answer emails promptly or take a phone call. Nothing was ever a bother. That means a lot to have that total backing and support. We felt totally at ease meeting Kathryn at her office to sign documents and as upsetting as it sometimes was we were shown total empathy and comforted on occasions were needed. The quotation Kathryn gave me at the start of the process was near enough spot on at the end. I would not hesitate to recommend Kathryn to anyone in need of help. you are 100% in the best professional hands. I will be using Kathryn again in the future. Thank you for everything. Kerry and Naomi.read more
      Alan Munce
      Alan Munce
      18:18 14 Mar 24
      Ref - Military hearing loss claim. I am speechless - having left the Army 32 years ago I never expected to qualify for any sort of payout. Getting in touch with Reid Black Solicitors was more a case of - 'try it and see, nothing ventured, nothing gained.' Absolutely dumbfounded by the amount you have recovered for me. I never expected any payout to be in the 5 figure bracket. We have a modest income and lead a modest lifestyle, but now, all our current financial challenges are over. A 'Thank you' seems totally inadequate, but we are truly grateful for your efforts and the result. Thank you. Kind Regards Alan Munceread more
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