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, a two-vehicle collision took place on Garscube Road in Glasgow at around 6.50pm on Wednesday 16 September 2026. One of the drivers, a man, was taken to hospital following the crash. Emergency services attended the scene and the road was closed for approximately three hours, reopening at around 9.50pm.
As reported by the Glasgow Times, the other driver left the scene immediately after the collision. However, Police Scotland has since confirmed that this individual was later traced and that enquiries into the full circumstances of the incident are ongoing. A Police Scotland spokesperson stated that the man was taken to hospital "as a precaution".
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
In Scotland, when a person is injured in a road traffic collision, they may be entitled to claim compensation through the civil courts or via an insurance settlement. In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with the driver whose actions caused or contributed to the collision. All drivers in the United Kingdom are legally required to hold at least third-party motor insurance, which exists precisely to cover losses suffered by other road users.
Situations involving a driver who leaves the scene, sometimes referred to as a hit-and-run, raise additional considerations. Where the at-fault driver cannot initially be identified or traced, injured people in Scotland are not necessarily left without a remedy. The Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) operates an Untraced Drivers Agreement that allows victims of collisions caused by drivers who cannot be found to pursue a compensation claim. In this particular case, the other driver has reportedly since been traced, which means a conventional insurance claim route may be available. The appropriate route will depend on the full circumstances as they emerge from the ongoing police enquiries.
It is important to note that making a claim does not require a criminal conviction against any other party. Civil claims are decided on a balance of probabilities rather than the higher criminal standard of proof.
Time limits
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, injured people generally have three years from the date of the accident to raise a court action for personal injury compensation. Missing this deadline will, in most circumstances, extinguish the right to claim entirely.
There are some limited exceptions worth knowing about. Where the injured person was under 16 at the time of the accident, the three-year period does not begin until they turn 16. Where a person lacks legal capacity, the clock may also be paused. In cases involving the MIB Untraced Drivers Agreement, different procedural deadlines can apply, and it is advisable to seek legal advice promptly rather than waiting until the three-year period is approaching. In any event, gathering evidence, medical records, and witness information is far easier in the weeks and months immediately following an incident.
What compensation can cover
A successful personal injury claim in Scotland can include a number of different heads of loss, depending on the nature and extent of the injuries suffered. These typically include:
- Solatium - compensation for pain, suffering, and the loss of enjoyment of life caused by the injury itself.
- Loss of earnings - where an injury prevents a person from working, either temporarily or on a longer-term basis, lost income past and future can be claimed.
- Care and assistance - if friends or family members have provided care during recovery, or if professional care has been required, these costs can form part of a claim.
- Medical and treatment costs - physiotherapy, prescription charges, psychological support, and other reasonable treatment expenses are recoverable.
- Travel costs - journeys to medical appointments or other reasonable travel expenses arising from the injury.
- Vehicle damage - in road traffic cases, damage to the injured person's vehicle may also be recoverable, though this is typically dealt with separately from the personal injury element.
Compensation awards in Scotland are calculated by reference to the Judicial College Guidelines and the decisions of Scottish courts. Awards vary widely depending on the type and severity of injury, so it is not possible to give a meaningful estimate without a full assessment of the individual circumstances.
One practical point worth noting: some personal injury firms in Scotland deduct up to 20% from a client's 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 was injured, not to the firm.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation if the other driver fled the scene?
Yes, in many cases you can. If the other driver has been traced, a conventional insurance claim may be possible. If the other driver remains unidentified, the Motor Insurers' Bureau operates an Untraced Drivers Agreement specifically to assist victims in that situation. Seeking legal advice early gives you the best chance of understanding which route applies to your circumstances.
Do I need to wait for the police investigation to finish before making a claim?
No. A civil personal injury claim is separate from any criminal investigation or prosecution. You do not need a criminal conviction, or even a charge, to pursue compensation. However, the outcome of police enquiries can sometimes provide useful supporting evidence, so it is worth keeping records of any updates.
What if I was taken to hospital as a precaution and my injuries seem minor?
Even injuries initially described as precautionary can turn out to be more significant once properly assessed. Soft tissue injuries, for example, sometimes worsen in the days following a collision. It is sensible to seek a full medical assessment and to keep records of any symptoms, treatment, and time off work, regardless of the initial severity.
How long does a road traffic accident claim typically take in Scotland?
The timescale varies depending on the complexity of the case, whether liability is disputed, and the nature of the injuries involved. Straightforward cases where the other driver accepts responsibility can sometimes settle within several months. More complex cases, particularly those involving disputed liability or serious injury, can take considerably longer. Your solicitor should keep you updated throughout the process.
What evidence should I gather after a road traffic accident?
Where it is safe to do so, photographs of the scene, vehicle positions, and any damage are valuable. Witness names and contact details should be noted. The other driver's insurance details and vehicle registration should be recorded. A copy of the police incident reference number is also useful. Medical records and any receipts for expenses incurred because of the injury will support the financial elements of a claim.
Based on reporting by Glasgow Times, 25 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.