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Every year, thousands of people place their faith in buses, trams, trains, and other public transport to move around Ireland safely. Unfortunately, accidents still happen, and when they do, the resulting injuries, disruptions, and financial losses can be serious.
At Good & Murray Smith LLP, we have spent decades advising on claims where passengers have sustained injuries through no fault of their own. Below, we outline the key elements of making a claim following an incident on public transport and share how you might secure the compensation you are entitled to.
Public transport operators, including drivers, transport companies, and local authorities, owe a high duty of care to all passengers. Vehicles must be properly maintained, and drivers should be trained to operate responsibly. If a provider neglects these responsibilities and someone is hurt, it constitutes a breach of duty of care.
Whether you experienced a minor but painful injury or a catastrophic accident that changed your life, it is vital to understand your rights.
No matter how minor your injuries may seem, see a doctor or other healthcare professional as soon as possible. Proper records are essential for evidencing your claim.
Legal guidance at an early stage can prevent common pitfalls and help preserve crucial evidence. We will advise you on the next steps, including how to handle insurers or the Injuries Resolution Board (formerly PIAB).
Public transport crashes or abrupt movements often cause:
Whiplash, strains, and sprains may hamper everyday activities for months.
Arms, wrists, ankles, and shoulders can break or dislocate when passengers lose their balance or fall onto a hard surface.
Sudden jerks or collisions can damage discs or spinal nerves, causing persistent pain or mobility issues.
Striking a seat, door, or platform can lead to concussions, lacerations, or more severe trauma.
Anxiety, fear of travelling, insomnia, or post-traumatic stress (PTSD) is frequently reported after a daunting incident.
Regardless of whether your physical harm is mild or severe, you might have grounds to claim compensation if someone else’s oversight or negligence caused your injury.
Drivers are trained to operate vehicles safely, but if they speed, brake abruptly, or become distracted, they may be held liable for resultant injuries. In many cases, the employer (transport company) shares liability under vicarious liability principles.
Companies must ensure buses, trams, or trains are fit for service. Faulty brakes, worn tyres, or poorly maintained steps can cause serious accidents. Firms also have a duty to train staff and impose strict safety standards.
Many transport hubs like bus stops or railway stations are under the care of councils or transport bodies. If ice, cracked pavement, or other neglected conditions contributed to your accident, these entities may bear fault.
Sometimes, a collision occurs because another driver (not associated with the transport provider) was speeding or driving recklessly. In such instances, claims might be directed towards that party’s insurer.
If your claim is successful, two main categories of compensation may apply:
Cover your pain, physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Reimburse financial losses, including medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, travel costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses tied directly to the accident.
You generally have two years from the date of the accident (or from the date you became aware of your injury) to initiate a claim in Ireland. Acting swiftly boosts your chance of gathering strong evidence and fosters a clearer recollection of events.
For more than a century, the legal professionals at Good & Murray Smith LLP have dedicated themselves to representing clients with tenacity. We understand how public transport accidents happen and how to ensure that victims’ rights are protected. Our solicitors merge skilled legal counsel with genuine emotional intelligence, meticulously guiding you through every stage:
Your well-being underpins our approach, and we strive to secure justice for you while allowing you the space to recover.
Not automatically. Buses frequently brake suddenly to avoid collisions. However, if the stop was excessively abrupt or the driver acted recklessly, you may have a valid claim.
Yes. Passengers often stand when seats are unavailable or full. Transport operators must drive carefully to avoid injuring standing passengers.
Depending on the situation, the operator might still share liability if they allowed unsafe conditions to arise (e.g., failing to manage aggressive behaviour).
Not always. If it was a minor slip with no third-party vehicle involved, the Gardaí might not attend. However, reporting it to local authorities or the transport provider and documenting it in writing is advisable.
Yes. Many injuries (e.g., whiplash) manifest symptoms days or weeks after an incident. Seek medical advice promptly once you notice problems.
Eyewitness statements, CCTV footage, or data from onboard systems can help prove negligence. A solicitor can coordinate these steps on your behalf.
Potentially. If poor maintenance or a failure to clean up hazards caused your fall, that may form the basis of a negligence claim.
Certainly. If the driver failed to yield or acted carelessly, you could claim for injuries as a pedestrian.
It might. If you contributed to your own injury by not paying proper attention, your compensation may be reduced, but you may still recover some damages if the operator was also negligent.
Potentially yes, if the council was negligent in not salting or clearing the area. However, local authorities are sometimes shielded if the ice is seen as a ‘natural phenomenon.’ Legal advice is crucial.
Each scenario is unique. If, for instance, a ramp was faulty or the driver did not allow enough time for passengers with aids to secure themselves, the operator could be at fault.
While moving around can carry risks, operators must drive responsibly and may have a duty to warn passengers about standing up or moving. Each case depends on specifics.
Yes. Regardless of nationality, if you are harmed due to negligence in Ireland, you usually have the right to pursue compensation.
Not at all. CCTV helps, but witness statements, medical records, and the driver’s report also prove invaluable in constructing a strong case.
If you or a loved one has been harmed on public transport in Ireland, do not delay. Contact us today to discuss your potential claim in complete confidence and take the first step towards understanding your options and seeking the compensation you may be entitled to.
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If you’ve been injured and believe you may have a claim, don’t wait. Good & Murray Smith LLP is here to help. Contact us to arrange a consultation to review your case and guide you through the next steps.
