Every day, millions of people use buses, trams, and subways to get around the city. These are generally safe modes of transport, but sudden braking can cause one or more passengers to fall, resulting in serious injuries.

Many people believe that simply braking is part of the normal risks of public transport and that, therefore, no compensation is available. In reality, this isn't always the case.

Under certain circumstances, anyone injured on public transport may be entitled to compensation for their injuries.

When can braking become a source of liability?

Buses and subways inevitably brake during operation. However, there are situations where the maneuver is particularly sudden, abnormal, or unpredictable, causing passengers to fall.

Let's think, for example, of a person who loses his balance and falls violently to the ground, suffering a fracture, a sprain, or other injuries.

In these cases, liability may arise on the part of the carrier, i.e., the company that manages the public transport service.

Public transport has safety obligations towards passengers

The legislation requires the transporter to adopt all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the transported persons.

This means that the transport company must perform the service with the utmost diligence, avoiding maneuvers that could jeopardize the safety of passengers.

Naturally, each situation must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Not every fall automatically entails liability for the company, but when the event is attributable to an abnormal or particularly violent maneuver, grounds for a compensation claim may arise.

What to do after a fall on a bus or subway?

The moments immediately following the accident are often decisive.

If health conditions allow, it is important to collect as many useful elements as possible to document what happened.

For example, it may be useful:

• request the intervention of the personnel present on the vehicle;
• report the incident immediately;
• note the line, vehicle number, date and time;
• identify any witnesses;
• keep the travel document;
• go to a healthcare facility for the necessary checks.

Medical documentation is one of the most important elements in proving the damage suffered.

What damages can be compensated?

Anyone who suffers an injury as a result of sudden braking may be entitled to compensation for various types of damages.

These include:

• biological damage due to the injuries sustained;
• medical and rehabilitation expenses;
• moral damage;
• possible loss of income;
• financial damages related to the accident.

The amount depends on the severity of the consequences and the specific circumstances of the case.

Evidence is key

As with any compensation claim, proof of the incident plays a central role.

Transport companies can, in fact, dispute the dynamics of the event or argue that the fall was due to factors other than braking.

For this reason, the following are particularly useful:

• testimonies from those present;
• medical reports;
• any recordings from on-board cameras;
• reports drawn up by the vehicle personnel;
• photographic documentation.

A correct reconstruction of the facts allows us to assess responsibilities and the possibility of obtaining compensation.

Falls on buses or subways in Rome: a common occurrence

In Rome, where thousands of people use buses and the subway every day, accidents caused by sudden braking are far from uncommon.

These are often incidents that are underestimated by passengers, who are unaware that they can verify whether the conditions for a compensation claim exist.

A timely assessment of the case allows us to preserve important evidence and understand whether there are any responsibilities that need to be ascertained.

How the Cruciani Law Firm can help you

For over 30 years, the Cruciani Law Firm has been assisting victims of accidents and injuries in the public transport sector, handling compensation claims against transport companies and insurance companies.

Thanks to our collaboration with medical examiners and professionals specializing in compensation for damages, the firm analyzes each case thoroughly to best protect the rights of its clients.

If you've suffered a fall following a sudden stop on a bus, tram, or subway in Rome or the Lazio region, contact the Cruciani Law Firm for an assessment of your case.