Mind the Gap: Tram Accidents and Your Right to Compensation

Trams are a convenient and environmentally friendly way to travel, and thousands of people use Nottingham Express Transit (NET) every day. However, like any form of transport, accidents can and do happen.

 A recent report from Nottingham Express Transit, highlights that there have been an unprecedented number of road traffic collisions  recently with collisions varying between trams, other vehicles and derailments.

In response to this, Nottingham Trams is working with local authorities and Nottinghamshire Police introducing initiatives such as ‘Operation SafeNET’ and ‘Operation SafeTravel’ to target high-risk areas of antisocial behaviour, collisions and where possible, design out or reduce risks. Additional measures have also been introduced with a further road traffic collision awareness campaign, focusing on the dangers of trying to out-race a tram and taking risks at light-controlled junctions.

NET has further issued the ‘Light Right Safety Board’ which provides refresher courses for drivers, enhanced internal communication, identification of hotspot areas, and working with the Council’s safety team, in hopes of reducing road traffic collisions.

Despite these efforts, accidents involving trams can still result in serious injuries to passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and motorcyclists.

Common tram incidents:-

Tram accidents can occur in a variety of circumstances, including:

• Tram derailments: derailments can cause passengers to suffer injuries ranging from minor soft tissue injuries to more serious fractures and psychological trauma.
• Vehicle collisions: due to the fact trams share the road with other vehicles, this usually causes collisions with either another tram, a car, bus, cyclist or motorcyclists. Such incidents can occur at junctions, crossings, roundabouts or where drivers fail to appreciate the speed or stopping distance of a tram, or just general impatience.
• Passenger accidents: passengers may be injured even where there has been no collision, whether that is while on the tram by way of sudden stops, faulty doors or a collision, slips, trips and falls, overcrowding or if a tram collides with a pedestrian.

Who May Be Responsible?

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, liability may be established against:

• The tram operator
• Another motorist
• A cyclist or pedestrian
• A local authority responsible for road design or maintenance
• A maintenance contractor
• Multiple parties sharing responsibility

What to do if you suffer an accident with a tram:-

• As soon as possible, seek medical attention – you may not have a major injury, but you could be suffering from internal injuries which need to be noted and treated. The medical entry will also serve as a record of the incident.
• If possible, take any photographs of the accident location, tram number and stop, and injuries. If applicable, also get details of any witnesses – i.e., their name and contact details.
• If possible, inform the tram provider (e.g., Nottingham Express Transit) of the accident, and ask them to retain any CCTV footage.
• If applicable, obtain details of the police incident number and your contact at the police.

How We Can Help

Tram accident claims can be legally complex, particularly where multiple parties are involved or liability is disputed. Our specialist personal injury team can investigate the circumstances of the accident, obtain relevant evidence, assess liability and help you pursue compensation.

If you have been injured in a tram accident, whether as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist or motorist, contact our team today for advice on your options.