Based on reporting by STV News, 8 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to STV News, emergency services were called to the A814 Clydeside Expressway, near Partick in Glasgow, at around 8.25am on Tuesday 8 September 2026. A man is understood to have come off his motorbike during the morning rush hour.
As reported by STV News, the motorcyclist was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital following the incident. Police Scotland confirmed they received a report of the incident and attended the scene.
STV News also reported that Police Scotland temporarily closed the eastbound carriageway between the Hayburn Street off-ramp and the Finnieston Street off-ramp before the road was subsequently reopened.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, and incidents involving motorbikes can result in serious injuries. In Scotland, personal injury claims arising from road traffic accidents are governed by Scots law and handled through the civil courts or, for lower-value claims, through the Damages Claims Portal.
In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with another road user whose driving fell below the standard expected of a reasonable, careful driver. Where no other vehicle is involved, investigators and insurers will look closely at the road surface, signage, and any other contributing factors. A motorcyclist who is injured as a result of another party's negligence may be entitled to pursue a compensation claim against that party's motor insurer.
Even where fault is not immediately clear, it is worth seeking legal advice. Contributory negligence, where more than one party shares responsibility, is also a recognised concept under Scots law, and a partial claim may still result in meaningful compensation.
Time limits
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, injured persons generally have three years from the date of the accident to raise a court action for personal injury. Missing this deadline will almost always extinguish the right to claim, regardless of the strength of the case, so early legal advice is strongly recommended.
There are limited exceptions to the three-year rule. Where the injured person lacks legal capacity, for example due to a severe brain injury, the time limit may be paused. In cases involving a person who was under 16 at the time of the accident, the three-year period begins on their 16th birthday. These exceptions are narrow, however, and it is never wise to assume they apply without taking proper advice.
What compensation can cover
A successful personal injury claim in Scotland can cover a range of losses, both financial and non-financial. The main heads of claim include:
- Solatium - a sum awarded for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by the injuries themselves. This is assessed with reference to the Judicial College Guidelines and Scots court decisions.
- Loss of earnings - where the injured person is unable to work, either temporarily or permanently, past and future income losses can be recovered.
- Care and assistance - the cost of care provided by family members or professional carers, even where that care has been given informally and without charge, can be claimed.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation - physiotherapy, specialist consultations, surgery, and other treatment costs may be included where they are reasonably incurred.
- Travel costs - reasonable travel expenses to and from medical appointments form part of a well-presented claim.
- Damage to personal property - the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged motorcycle, helmet, and riding gear can also be pursued.
It is worth noting that motorcyclists who instruct a claims service charging a success fee of up to 20% can lose a significant portion of their award. Scotland Claims charges a 0% success fee, meaning clients keep 100% of their compensation rather than handing a share back to their legal representative.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation if I came off my motorbike and no other vehicle was involved?
Possibly. If the accident was caused by a hazardous road surface, inadequate signage, or a defect that a road authority should have addressed, a claim may lie against the relevant local authority or roads body. Each case turns on its own facts and a legal assessment is the best starting point.
How long does a motorbike accident claim in Scotland typically take?
Straightforward claims can sometimes be resolved within several months where liability is admitted early. More complex cases, particularly those involving serious injury or disputed fault, can take considerably longer. The priority should be ensuring the settlement properly reflects the full extent of the injuries and losses rather than achieving a quick but inadequate outcome.
What if I was partly to blame for the accident?
Under Scots law, a finding of contributory negligence reduces but does not eliminate your entitlement to damages. If you are found to be 25% responsible, for example, your award is reduced by that proportion. A partial claim can still result in meaningful compensation, so it is worth seeking advice even where fault may be shared.
Do I need to report the accident to my own insurer even if I want to claim against another party?
Yes. Most motor insurance policies require you to report any accident promptly, regardless of whether you intend to make a claim yourself. Failing to notify your insurer could put your own policy at risk. Reporting an incident does not automatically mean you are making a claim on your own policy.
Why does it matter that Scotland Claims charges a 0% success fee?
Many Scottish personal injury firms deduct up to 20% of a client's compensation as a success fee. Scotland Claims charges 0%, meaning clients keep 100% of their award. On a significant injury claim, this difference can amount to thousands of pounds remaining in the client's pocket rather than being paid to their legal representative.
Based on reporting by STV News, 8 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.