Coach accident claims

Coach travel is a popular way to get around whether on holiday, visiting an attraction or catching up with friends and family. Many people like the relatively low cost and convenience of travelling by coach compared to other forms of travel.

But if you are unlucky enough to sustain an injury in a coach accident which was not your fault then you may be able to claim compensation.

You may also be able to claim compensation if you have suffered a bereavement as a result of a coach accident.

Seatbelts have been fitted in coaches to protect passengers and reduce the risk of an injury. However, the owners of a coach company have a responsibility to their passengers which means ensuring their safety and care.

What can go wrong?

If there is a lack of duty of care or negligence then the coach firm can be held responsible. If they failed to fit seatbelts in the coach, did not perform enough safety checks on the vehicle or the accident was due to ‘driver error’then these are all grounds for compensation.

In reference to ‘driver error’: a driver of a company vehicle such as a coach has to take regular breaks to ensure that they are safe and competent to drive. There are strict rules governing this but if these are flouted in a way then this increases the risk of an accident.

A coach accident can occur due to a badly maintained road surface, adverse weather conditions, e.g. ice or inadequate signage. It can also happen as a result of the actions of another road user.

Effects of a coach accident

The consequences of a coach crash can be devastating. Apart from the physical injury there is also the accompanying physiological and emotional trauma.

This not only affects the victim of the accident but their family as well. If the person affected has become seriously injured to the extent that they have a permanent disability then this will place a great deal of stress on their family.

This is even worse if the person in question has died as a result of an accident. Many people each year are killed in coach crashes which is a terrible state of affairs for their families who then have to deal with the aftermath.

If you are injured in a coach accident then you may have to take time off work to recover. This subsequent loss of earnings and pension rights impacts upon your family’s income level and can add to the stress. In some cases it may lead to financial hardship.

The effects of a coach accident can be far more widespread than you imagine.

Making a claim for compensation for a coach accident injury

If you have been injured as a result of a coach accident then consider making a claim for compensation.

It is often easier to do this if several of you have been injured which is often the case when a coach crash is reported in the media. Coaches carry a large number of people so it is more than likely that several of these will sustain injuries in the event of an accident.

Many coach accidents involve the coach turning over which often results in serious injury.

Search for a personal injury law firm or a firm of solicitors who have experience in dealing with coach accident claims. They will have expertise and understanding of the issues involved –which can be complex and will advise you about the best way of making an application.

They should handle your claim with understanding and sensitivity especially if you have suffered bereavement due to a coach accident.

If you are one of many who have been injured in a coach accident then you may find that having the support of others who have undergone the same experience to be of great benefit. They will understand the emotional trauma caused by the accident and may be able to recommend a personal injury lawyer or solicitor to you.

The claims process is discussed in full within this guide. Find out more in our making a claim for compensation section.

If your coach accident occurred whilst overseas then visit our coach accidents abroad claims section. This section contains information about what to do if you are injured in a coach accident whilst abroad.

Time limit for claiming compensation for a coach accident injury

Claims for personal injury compensation have a 3 year time limit. This usually starts from the date of the accident or the initial diagnosis of the illness and runs for 3 years.

However this does vary in certain types of claims so check with your lawyer or solicitor about the time limit for your type of claim.