Based on reporting by STV News, 27 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to STV News, four people required hospital treatment following a two-vehicle collision on the northbound A1 at the Innerwick junction in East Lothian. The incident is reported to have occurred on the evening of Saturday 26 September 2026, at around 8.15pm, and involved a car and a van.
As reported by STV News, the male driver of the van and three female passengers were all taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Hospital staff described the condition of one of the passengers as serious, while the others were assessed and discharged. The driver of the car did not require medical attention.
Police Scotland has appealed for witnesses to come forward and is understood to be seeking any dash-cam footage recorded by motorists travelling on the road at the time. Anyone with information has been asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting the relevant reference number.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
When a collision on a Scottish road results in injury, those who have been hurt may be entitled to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with the driver or drivers whose actions caused or contributed to the crash. Every driver in the United Kingdom is legally required to hold valid motor insurance, and in most cases a claim is made against the at-fault driver's insurer rather than directly against the individual.
Where a driver was uninsured or fled the scene, the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) exists specifically to compensate victims in Scotland and across the UK. Passengers injured in a vehicle are generally in a strong position to pursue a claim, as they are rarely considered to bear any responsibility for the collision itself.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland follow Scots law and are typically handled through negotiation with the relevant insurer. If a settlement cannot be agreed, the matter may be raised in the Scottish civil courts. Evidence such as police reports, witness accounts, medical records and, increasingly, dash-cam footage can all play an important part in establishing the facts of a case.
Time limits
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, anyone wishing to bring a personal injury claim in Scotland must generally do so within three years of the date of the accident. For most adults injured in a collision, the clock starts running from the date the incident occurred.
There are important exceptions to this rule. Where a person was so seriously injured that they lacked legal capacity at the time, the three-year period may begin from the date capacity was regained. For children injured in a road accident, the three-year period does not begin until their 16th birthday, meaning they have until they turn 19 to raise a claim. Courts do retain a discretion to allow claims outside the time limit in exceptional circumstances, but this is never guaranteed and seeking advice promptly is always advisable.
What compensation can cover
A successful road traffic accident claim in Scotland can include several distinct heads of loss. These are not speculative figures but recognised legal categories, and any award will reflect the specific circumstances of the injured person.
- Solatium: This is compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity. It covers the physical and psychological impact of the injuries, including any long-term effects on quality of life.
- Loss of earnings: Where injuries prevent someone from working, either temporarily or permanently, lost income from the date of the accident onwards can be claimed. Future loss of earnings may also be included where the prognosis supports this.
- Care and assistance: If an injured person requires help at home, whether from a professional carer or an unpaid family member, the reasonable value of that care can form part of a claim.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation: The cost of private physiotherapy, specialist appointments, medication and other treatment not covered by the NHS can be recovered.
- Travel expenses: Journeys to and from hospital or medical appointments, and any transport costs arising directly from the injury, are also recoverable.
It is worth noting that, unlike many Scottish personal injury firms that deduct up to 20% from a client's compensation as a success fee, some services operate on a 0% success fee basis, meaning clients keep 100% of whatever they are awarded.
Frequently asked questions
Can a passenger claim compensation after a road traffic accident in Scotland?
Yes. Passengers are in a strong position to claim because they are not usually considered responsible for a collision. A claim would typically be made against the insurer of the driver or drivers found to have caused the accident. The passenger's own conduct would only become relevant in very limited circumstances, such as failing to wear a seatbelt.
What if the at-fault driver was uninsured?
In Scotland, as elsewhere in the UK, the Motor Insurers' Bureau exists to compensate victims injured by uninsured or untraced drivers. An injured person can submit a claim directly to the MIB. Time limits and eligibility rules apply, so it is important to seek advice as early as possible rather than waiting to confirm the other driver's insurance position.
How long do road accident claims in Scotland typically take?
Straightforward claims where liability is admitted and injuries resolve quickly can sometimes settle within several months. More complex cases, particularly those involving serious or long-term injuries, can take considerably longer, sometimes a number of years. The priority is always to ensure a settlement reflects the full extent of the injury rather than accepting an early low offer.
Does dash-cam footage help a personal injury claim?
Dash-cam footage can be extremely valuable evidence, both in any police investigation and in civil proceedings. It can help establish vehicle speeds, road positions and the sequence of events leading to a collision. Anyone who believes they may have relevant footage should preserve it and, if asked, make it available to police. Legal advisers can also request disclosure of such footage during a claim.
What is the three-year time limit and when does it start?
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, injured adults generally have three years from the date of an accident to raise a personal injury action in Scotland. Missing this deadline can result in losing the right to claim entirely. Exceptions exist for children and for those who lacked capacity, but it is always safer to seek advice well before any deadline approaches.
Based on reporting by STV News, 27 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.