Based on reporting by Edinburgh Live, 9 October 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to Edinburgh Live, a young man in his early twenties was struck by a tram on the tramline adjacent to Broomhouse Drive in Edinburgh at around 10.55pm on Monday 5 October 2026. The man was taken to hospital with what were described as serious injuries.
As reported by Edinburgh Live, Police Scotland are continuing their enquiries into the full circumstances of the incident. A police sergeant is quoted as appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who was in the area beforehand and may have relevant information, to come forward by contacting Police Scotland on 101, quoting the relevant incident number.
Tram and pedestrian accident claims in Scotland
Collisions involving trams and pedestrians are relatively uncommon, but when they do occur the injuries sustained can be extremely serious. In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with the operator of the tram, the body responsible for maintaining the tramway infrastructure, or a combination of both, depending on the precise circumstances established during investigation. It is also possible that contributory negligence may be considered, meaning the overall level of compensation could be adjusted if evidence suggests the injured person played any part in how the incident came about.
In Scotland, a personal injury claim of this nature would typically be pursued against the relevant party's insurer or the responsible public body. Because tram networks are operated under specific regulatory frameworks, claims can be more complex than standard road traffic accident cases. A thorough investigation of the circumstances, supported by witness accounts, CCTV footage, and any police findings, is usually central to establishing what happened and who bears responsibility.
It is worth noting that, in Scotland, clients pursuing claims through some firms may find up to 20% of their compensation deducted 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 was injured, not towards legal costs.
Time limits for making a claim in Scotland
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, most personal injury claims in Scotland must be raised within three years of the date on which the accident occurred, or the date on which the injured person first became aware that they had suffered an injury as a result of another party's conduct. Missing this deadline will ordinarily result in the right to claim being lost entirely.
There are some important exceptions. Where the injured person is under 16 at the time of the incident, the three-year period does not begin to run until they turn 16. Similarly, where an injured person lacks legal capacity, the limitation period may be paused. Given that the incident near Broomhouse Drive reportedly involved a young man, no such exceptions are likely to apply in this case, making it important to seek legal advice promptly rather than waiting.
What compensation can cover
In a successful personal injury claim arising from a tram or pedestrian collision, the compensation awarded can include a number of different elements.
- Solatium: this is the element that compensates for pain, suffering, and the loss of enjoyment of life caused by the injuries themselves.
- Loss of earnings: where injuries prevent the claimant from working, either temporarily or on a longer-term basis, lost income both past and future can be included.
- Cost of care: if the injured person has required, or continues to require, assistance from family members or paid carers, those costs can be claimed.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation: costs of private physiotherapy, counselling, or other treatment not immediately available through the NHS may be recoverable.
- Travel expenses: journeys to and from hospital or other medical appointments can be included in a claim.
- Future losses: where serious injuries have a lasting impact on earning capacity or require ongoing care, a claim can account for anticipated future costs and losses.
The value of any claim depends heavily on the nature and severity of the injuries, their impact on the individual's daily life and employment, and the evidence available to support each head of loss.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation if I was hit by a tram in Scotland?
If you were injured as a pedestrian in a tram collision, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim in Scotland. Whether a claim succeeds depends on the circumstances of the incident, the evidence available, and whether liability can be established against the tram operator, the infrastructure manager, or another party.
How long do I have to make a claim after a tram accident in Scotland?
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to bring a claim. Acting sooner rather than later is advisable, as evidence such as CCTV footage and witness recollections can become harder to obtain as time passes.
What if the police investigation is still ongoing?
A continuing police investigation does not prevent you from beginning the civil claims process. Civil and criminal proceedings are entirely separate in Scotland. Evidence gathered during a police inquiry can, however, prove valuable in supporting a subsequent compensation claim, so it is sensible to keep records of any official communications.
Will I have to go to court to receive compensation?
The majority of personal injury claims in Scotland are resolved through negotiation and settlement, without the need for a court hearing. Court proceedings are typically only necessary where the parties cannot agree on liability or the value of the claim. Your legal adviser should keep you informed throughout the process.
How much compensation could I receive for serious injuries from a tram collision?
The amount varies considerably depending on the type and severity of injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and the care and treatment you have needed. Serious injuries resulting in long-term disability or significant loss of earnings typically attract higher awards. A legal adviser can provide a more specific indication once the full extent of your injuries is known.
Based on reporting by Edinburgh Live, 9 October 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.