A tram accident claim in the UK arises when you are injured in a tram-related accident caused by the tram operator's negligence, a driver error, or a defective track or platform. Tram passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users can all claim compensation. Awards are valued under the Judicial College Guidelines. The time limit is generally three years.
Tram networks operate in several UK cities including Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham, Birmingham, Edinburgh and London (Croydon). Trams share roads with cars, cyclists and pedestrians, creating unique collision risks. They are heavy, cannot swerve and take a long distance to stop. The Croydon tram derailment in November 2016, which killed seven people and injured 51, was one of the worst UK transport disasters in recent years. This guide explains how tram accident claims work. We are an independent information service, not a law firm.
Types of tram accident
- Derailment. The tram leaves the track, often at excessive speed on curves.
- Collision with vehicles. At road junctions and level crossings where trams share road space with cars.
- Pedestrian and cyclist collisions. Trams are quiet and often not heard approaching, particularly modern electric trams.
- Passenger injuries on board. Emergency braking, sudden acceleration, doors closing on passengers.
- Platform and stop accidents. Falls, gaps between tram and platform, wet or icy platforms.
Who is liable?
| Party | When liable |
|---|---|
| Tram operator (e.g. Metrolink, Edinburgh Trams) | Driver error, excessive speed, inadequate training, poor maintenance, system failure |
| Infrastructure owner | Defective track, signals, platforms or level crossings |
| Highway authority | Defective road surface or inadequate signage at tram crossings |
| Car or vehicle driver | If a motor vehicle caused a collision with a tram; claim against the driver's insurer |
| Tram manufacturer | Design or manufacturing defect under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 |
Common tram accident injuries
- Whiplash and neck injuries from sudden braking.
- Broken bones from falls or collisions.
- Head injuries from impacts inside the tram or pedestrian collisions.
- Spinal injuries from derailments or high-speed impacts.
- Crush injuries and amputations from being trapped under or between trams.
- PTSD and psychological trauma.
Pedestrians and trams
Tram-pedestrian collisions deserve special attention because they are disproportionately common and severe. Modern electric trams are notably quiet, and pedestrians often do not hear them approaching. Unlike cars, trams cannot swerve to avoid a pedestrian — they can only brake, and a fully loaded tram takes a significant distance to stop. The tram operator has duties to sound audible warnings, install pedestrian safety features at crossings (warning lights, barriers, textured paving), maintain adequate sightlines, and keep to speed limits in pedestrian areas. The local transport authority must also ensure tram crossings are designed to minimise pedestrian risk. Where these duties are breached and a pedestrian is struck, both the operator and the authority may be liable. Contributory negligence may apply if the pedestrian crossed the track carelessly, but this reduces rather than eliminates the claim.
Compensation
- General damages under the JCG 17th edition (2024) for the injuries sustained.
- Special damages for lost earnings, medical treatment, rehabilitation, care, travel and equipment.
Fatal tram accidents give rise to claims under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976.
Evidence
- RAIB investigation report. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch investigates serious tram incidents. Their reports are publicly available and can be used as evidence.
- CCTV footage from the tram and platform.
- Police report if a collision with a motor vehicle is involved.
- Medical records and photographs of injuries.
- Witness statements.
Time limits
Three years from the date of the accident under the Limitation Act 1980. For children, the three years start at their 18th birthday. See our time limits guide.
Getting help
We are not a law firm. To find a solicitor experienced in transport accident claims, use the SRA register and the Law Society "Find a Solicitor" service.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim for a tram accident?
Yes, if the accident was caused by someone else's negligence. You may have a claim against the tram operator, the infrastructure owner, a negligent driver who caused a collision with a tram, or the highway authority if a defective road surface or signal contributed to the accident. Tram passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users can all claim.
Who is liable for a tram accident?
Usually the tram operator (such as Manchester Metrolink, Edinburgh Trams, Nottingham Express Transit or West Midlands Metro) if the accident was caused by driver error, inadequate maintenance or a system failure. If a car driver caused a collision with a tram, the car driver's insurer pays. The infrastructure owner may be liable if the track, signals or platform were defective.
Are tram accidents covered by road traffic law?
Partly. Trams operate on roads and in mixed-traffic environments, but they are not motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Tram passengers cannot claim through the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) if the operator is uninsured. Claims are usually brought in negligence or under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957.
How much compensation for a tram injury?
It depends on the injury. The JCG 17th edition brackets apply to the specific injuries: whiplash, broken bones, head injuries, spinal injuries, crush injuries or PTSD. Special damages for lost earnings, treatment and care are added on top. The Croydon tram derailment in 2016 resulted in seven fatalities and multiple serious injuries.
How long do I have to claim?
Three years from the date of the accident under the Limitation Act 1980. For children, the three years start at their 18th birthday. If the tram accident was fatal, the estate has three years from the date of death.
What if I was a pedestrian hit by a tram?
Trams are quiet and cannot swerve to avoid pedestrians. The operator has a duty to sound warnings, maintain sightlines, keep to safe speeds and install pedestrian safety measures at crossings. If the operator or the highway authority failed in these duties, you can claim. Contributory negligence may apply if you crossed the track carelessly.
Was the Croydon tram crash investigated?
Yes. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) investigated the Croydon tram derailment on 9 November 2016. The investigation found the tram was travelling at approximately 73 km/h in a 20 km/h zone. Seven people died and 51 were injured. The RAIB report is publicly available and such reports are often used as evidence in claims.
Get help from official, free sources
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) — check a solicitor is regulated
- The Law Society — Find a Solicitor — accredited PI specialists
- Citizens Advice — free, impartial guidance on your rights
- GOV.UK — courts, time limits and official guidance
Related guides: train accident claims, bus accident claims, pedestrian accident claims, road traffic accident claims, and passenger injury claims.