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Home > News > 2 July 2026 - Collins Solicitors takes on clients following the Bedford train crash

2 July 2026 - Collins Solicitors takes on clients following the Bedford train crash

2 July 2026 - Collins Solicitors takes on clients following the Bedford train crash

Passenger rail services have resumed on the stretch of track impacted by the Friday 19 June collision between two East Midlands Railway trains near Bedford, but for many of the 162 injured in this collision, it will be a long time before any semblance of normality resumes.

Over 100 people required hospital treatment and many will continue to be off work as they recover medically and emotionally from the incident.

Some are beginning to turn their thoughts as to how to put lives back together and obtain compensation. Collins Solicitors has received inquiries from the families of several victims looking for legal assistance in this regard.

The firm is advising people to
• Keep hold of your ticket or proof of purchase;
• Write down everything you can remember of the crash, including where you were sitting/standing and what happened to you after the impact;
• Write down the injuries you have suffered, and if you were treated by medical staff and then went to hospital, if possible, try to get hold of a copy of your medical notes.
• Write a note on how this has affected you in terms of your ability to work, concentrate, sleep, interact with others – ie keep a clear record of how you are suffering as a result of this incident.

Collins Solicitors, Senior Partner, Des Collins comments: “It is still premature to make a compensation claim because claims will depend not only on the injury suffered but a number of matters yet to be determined. The investigation process is now underway.

Initial findings suggest the lack of a TPWS (Train Protection Warning System) may have contributed to the accident, however experts will need to provide detailed analysis on exactly what happened and why.

Meantime, it may be possible to make an interim claim for financial relief – for example if time off work exceeds sick pay allowances.”

Des adds: “Given our experience advising the victims and survivors of several past rail crashes (including Paddington/Ladbroke Grove, Southall, Watford, and Hatfield), we are well placed to assist those involved in the Bedford crash. We are also regulated to work on a no-win no-fee basis meaning victims will not be required to put up any money to bring a claim.”

Collins Solicitors, based in Watford, is well-known for its work on the Corby toxic waste litigation and most recently the infected blood inquiry. The team is now gearing up to assist Bedford rail-crash victims, many of whom will likely live in and around the Corby area, as their next fight for justice and compensation for victims.

Des Collins says: “This is very much our area of expertise and we have a team briefed and ready to provide support as the legal side of this tragedy unfolds.”

Collins’ Transport Litigation team will be able to help people understand what level of damages is achievable under the law, and in time against whom any claim should be made. They will also be able to advise on rights if a redress scheme is set up by Network Rail or a train operator.

For more information the firm recommends victims and their families visit their website section What Should I do if I was Involved in the Bedford Rail Crash. You can call 0800 731 5821 or 01923 223324. The email address is collins@collinslaw.co.uk

East Midlands Railway also has a dedicated help line for anyone who was directly involved in the Bedford incident staffed by the British Red Cross and the number is 0333 212 59 34.

ENDS

To interview Des Collins on this topic, please contact:-

Chloe Skeath: chloe@bykcomms.com 07951 233819
Louise Beeson: louise@bykcomms.com 07768 956997
Or his EA Tara Parkin tparkin@collinslaw.co.uk

parkin@collinslaw.co.uk”:mailto:tparkin@collinslaw.co.uk

Notes to Editors

For further details of Collins’ experience in the personal injury space please visit www.collinslaw.co.uk

Collins Solicitors
20 Station Road,
Watford,
Herts
WD17 1AR
T: 01923 223324
DX: 51516 Watford 2
E: collins@collinslaw.co.uk
VAT Registration No: 653 3264 44
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