Based on reporting by STV News, 19 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to STV News, a bus collided with a lamppost on Church Street in Glenrothes, close to the bus station, at around 1pm on Saturday, 19 September 2026. Emergency services attended the scene, where five passengers were assessed for injuries. One person was taken to hospital for treatment.
As reported by STV News, Police Scotland confirmed that a man will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with a driving offence arising from the incident. Images from the scene reportedly showed significant damage to the front of the bus, including a smashed windscreen.
A spokesperson for the bus operator is understood to have stated that the safety of customers, colleagues and other road users is the company's absolute priority, and that the company would cooperate fully with police and emergency services during their enquiries.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
When passengers are injured in a bus or coach accident in Scotland, they may be entitled to claim compensation through the civil courts or, more commonly, through a negotiated settlement with the relevant insurer. Passengers on public transport are generally considered to owe no duty of care to other road users and are not responsible for the actions of the driver. For that reason, in incidents of this kind, liability often rests with the driver of the vehicle, the vehicle's operator, or another road user, depending on the circumstances established by any police or insurance investigation.
Bus and coach operators in the United Kingdom are required by law to hold public liability and motor insurance. This means that, if a passenger is injured as a result of the driver's conduct or a fault with the vehicle, there should be an insurer in place to meet a valid compensation claim. The fact that a driver has been referred to the Procurator Fiscal for a driving offence does not, by itself, determine civil liability, but it may form part of the evidence considered during any subsequent personal injury claim.
Claims of this kind in Scotland are pursued under Scots law, which differs in some respects from the law in England and Wales. It is therefore important for anyone injured in such an incident to seek advice that is specific to the Scottish legal system.
Time limits
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, injured passengers generally have three years from the date of the accident to raise a court action for personal injury. For the Glenrothes incident, that three-year period would ordinarily run from 19 September 2026. Missing this deadline will, in most cases, result in the claim being time-barred, leaving the injured person unable to recover compensation through the courts.
There are limited exceptions to the three-year rule. Where an injured person did not immediately appreciate the extent of their injuries, the three-year period may run from the date they first became aware, or ought reasonably to have become aware, that they had suffered a significant injury. For children, the three-year period does not begin until they reach the age of 16. Anyone who was injured in this incident and is uncertain about their position should seek legal advice promptly rather than waiting.
What compensation can cover
A successful personal injury claim following a bus accident in Scotland can include several distinct heads of loss. These typically include:
- Solatium - this is compensation for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the injury itself. The amount depends on the nature and severity of the injury and how long it affects the claimant's daily life.
- Loss of earnings - if an injured person is unable to work, either temporarily or on a longer-term basis, they may recover the net income lost as a result.
- Care and assistance - where a person requires help at home, whether from a professional carer or a family member, the reasonable cost or value of that care can be claimed.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation - the cost of physiotherapy, specialist appointments, medication or other treatment not available free of charge through the NHS may be recoverable.
- Travel expenses - reasonable costs incurred travelling to and from medical appointments are typically included in a claim.
- Future losses - where an injury has a lasting impact on a person's ability to work or carry out daily activities, a claim can also account for anticipated future financial losses.
It is worth noting that, at Scotland Claims, clients keep 100% of their compensation. Unlike many Scottish personal injury firms that deduct up to 20% of a claimant's award as a success fee, we operate on a 0% success fee basis, meaning every penny of an award goes to the person who deserves it.
Frequently asked questions
Can a bus passenger injured in this type of accident make a compensation claim?
Yes. Passengers who sustain injuries in a bus accident are generally entitled to pursue a personal injury claim. As an innocent party, a passenger is not considered responsible for how the vehicle was driven. Any claim would typically be directed at the driver, the operator, or their insurer, depending on the findings of any investigation.
Does the driver being reported to the Procurator Fiscal affect a civil claim?
A referral to the Procurator Fiscal relates to potential criminal proceedings and is separate from a civil compensation claim. However, any conviction arising from criminal proceedings may be used as evidence in a subsequent civil case. The two processes run independently, and it is not necessary to wait for criminal proceedings to conclude before pursuing a compensation claim.
What if injuries were not immediately obvious at the scene?
It is common for the full extent of injuries, particularly soft tissue injuries and psychological effects such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress, to become apparent only in the days or weeks after an accident. Seeking medical attention promptly and keeping a record of symptoms is advisable. The three-year limitation period may run from the date a person first became aware they had suffered a significant injury, rather than from the accident date itself.
What evidence should an injured passenger try to gather?
Useful evidence includes photographs of the scene and any visible injuries, records of the date and location of the incident, details of any witnesses, medical records from any treatment received, and a note of any expenses incurred as a result of the injury. Police reference numbers and any correspondence with the operator or insurer should also be kept safely.
How much compensation could an injured bus passenger receive?
The value of a claim depends entirely on individual circumstances, including the type and severity of the injury, recovery time, and any financial losses suffered. Minor soft tissue injuries may attract a few thousand pounds in solatium, while more serious or lasting injuries can result in significantly higher awards. A proper assessment requires a review of medical evidence and the specific facts of each case.
Based on reporting by STV News, 19 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.