Based on reporting by Glasgow Times, 25 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to the Glasgow Times, police were called to Dalmarnock Road in the East End of Glasgow at around 6.10pm on 24 September 2026 following a collision involving a car and a young boy, understood to be around 11 years old, who was riding an electric scooter. Officers attended the scene promptly, and a Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed that no serious injuries were sustained.
As reported by the Glasgow Times, the electric scooter involved in the incident was seized by police following the collision. Police Scotland has confirmed that enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
The incident took place on a busy road and serves as a reminder of the risks faced by vulnerable road users, particularly younger children, in urban traffic environments. No conclusions about responsibility have been drawn at this stage, and any investigation into the cause remains a matter for Police Scotland.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
When a child or other vulnerable road user is injured in a collision involving a motor vehicle, it may be possible to pursue a personal injury claim under Scots law. In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with the driver whose conduct is found to have fallen below the standard expected of a reasonable, careful driver. However, determining liability depends entirely on the facts established by investigation, and no assumption of fault should be made at this early stage.
Where an electric scooter is involved, the legal picture can be more complex. Privately owned electric scooters are not currently legal to ride on public roads or pavements in Scotland, and this may have implications for how a claim proceeds. However, the involvement of an illegal or uninsured vehicle does not automatically prevent a claim. In cases where a responsible insurer cannot be identified, the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) exists specifically to compensate victims of uninsured or untraced drivers, and claims involving children are treated with particular care by the Scottish courts.
Parents or guardians are able to bring a claim on behalf of an injured child. Scots law also provides important protections for child claimants in terms of the time allowed to pursue compensation, as explained below.
Time limits
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, adults generally have three years from the date of an accident, or from the date they became aware of an injury, to raise a personal injury claim in Scotland. Missing this deadline will typically prevent any claim from proceeding, regardless of how strong it might otherwise be.
Importantly, where the injured person is a child, this three-year period does not begin to run until their 16th birthday. This means that a child injured in an incident of this kind has until their 19th birthday to raise a claim in their own right. Parents may also act on a child's behalf before that point. It is still advisable to seek advice as early as possible, while evidence is fresh and witnesses are easier to trace.
What compensation can cover
A successful personal injury claim in Scotland can provide compensation across several recognised categories. These include:
- Solatium - a sum awarded for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the injury itself, including any emotional or psychological impact.
- Loss of earnings - relevant where an adult victim has lost income as a result of their injuries; for a child, this may be considered in the longer term if injuries affect future earning capacity.
- Care and assistance - reimbursement for the cost of care provided by family members or professionals during recovery.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation - covering physiotherapy, specialist appointments, prescriptions and any aids or adaptations required.
- Travel expenses - reasonable costs incurred travelling to medical appointments related to the injury.
Compensation awards are always tailored to the individual circumstances of the claimant and the nature and severity of their injuries. In children's cases, the Scottish courts are careful to ensure that any settlement truly reflects the child's needs both now and in the future.
One important point for anyone considering a claim: most Scottish personal injury firms deduct up to 20% from your compensation as a success fee. At Scotland Claims, clients keep 100% of their compensation, with a 0% success fee, meaning the full award goes to the person who needs it most.
Frequently asked questions
Can a parent claim compensation on behalf of an injured child in Scotland?
Yes. In Scotland, a parent or guardian can bring a personal injury claim on behalf of a child who lacks legal capacity to act for themselves. Any settlement reached on behalf of a child must be approved by a court to ensure it is in the child's best interests.
Does it matter that an electric scooter was involved in the collision?
It can affect how the claim is structured. Privately owned electric scooters are not currently permitted on public roads in Scotland, which may raise questions about insurance and contributory negligence. However, a child's age and understanding will be taken into account, and specialist legal advice should be sought in such cases.
What if the driver involved was uninsured?
Scotland Claims can still help. The Motor Insurers Bureau operates a scheme specifically to compensate victims injured by uninsured or untraced drivers. Claims involving children are treated with particular seriousness under this scheme.
How long does a road accident claim typically take to resolve in Scotland?
Timescales vary depending on the severity of the injuries, how liability is disputed, and the complexity of any investigation. Straightforward claims may resolve within several months. Where injuries have a long-term impact, or where a child's future needs must be assessed, the process can take considerably longer.
What is the three-year time limit, and does it apply to children?
The Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973 sets a three-year limit for most personal injury claims. For children, this period begins on their 16th birthday, giving them until age 19 to claim in their own right. Parents may act sooner on the child's behalf, and early action is always advisable.
Based on reporting by Glasgow Times, 25 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.