Train and rail accident compensation claims

Although train travel is one of the safest forms of transport in the UK, train and rail accidents still happen. Injuries can be caused by a range of situations, including:

• Injuries on board a train
• Accidents at stations, such as trips, slips and falls
• Train derailments
• Level crossing accidents
• Injuries caused by falling objects on trains

Common injuries that can happen in a train accident include:

• Brain or head injuries
• Neck injuries
• Leg and lower body injuries
• Fractures
• Scarring

To start a train accident claim, you can call our Helpline Advisors on or begin your claim online. We'll review your situation and let you know if you may be eligible before anything moves forward.

To make a train injury claim, you'll need evidence to show how the incident happened and what caused your injuries, helping to support your case and prove liability.  Key evidence that can support train accident claims includes:

Ticket or travel record: A train ticket, e-ticket or booking confirmation for your journey.

Train details: The service you were on, including the time, route and operator (such as CrossCountry or Great Western Railway).

Location and incident details: Where and when the accident happened, including the platform, station or carriage, as well as the date and time.

Photos or videos: Images of the scene, any hazards, damage to the surrounding area or visible injuries.

CCTV footage: Note any nearby cameras at stations or on trains that may have captured the accident.

Witness details: Names and contact information of anyone who saw what happened.

You'll have three years from the date of the accident to make a train injury claim, although there are certain exceptions where different time limits may apply including:

• If you were under 18 at the time of the accident:
  If no claim was made on your behalf, you have until your 21st birthday to start a claim.
• If you're claiming on behalf of someone who has died:
  You usually have three years from the date of their death to make a claim.
• If the injured person lacks mental capacity:
  There is typically no time limit while they lack capacity. If they later regain capacity, the standard three-year limitation period will usually apply from that date.

If you or a loved one has had an accident on a train but aren't sure whether you're within the time limit to claim, contact our Helpline Advisors on . They'll be able to confirm whether you're eligible.

No, it's unlikely you'll need to go to court for a train accident claim. Only around 5% of claims we handle go as far as a hearing in front of a judge.

Even where legal proceedings are started, most cases are still settled before the court date through negotiation. And if a hearing is needed, it's often dealt with remotely or without you needing to attend in person.

Liability for train injury claims depends on how and where the incident happened. In many cases, responsibility may fall on the train or station operator as they have duty of care to passengers.

This could include situations where there was poor maintenance, unsafe conditions, staff negligence or an issue with the operation of the service. Every case is different, so your train injury lawyer will look at the specific circumstances of your accident to understand who may be responsible.

The time it takes to settle a train injury compensation claim can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. If liability is clear and injuries are relatively minor, a claim may settle in less than a year.

More complex train accident claims involving serious or multiple injuries or where liability is disputed can sometimes take several years to fully resolve.