Based on reporting by STV News, 14 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to STV News, a man in his mid-forties died after being struck by a car on the M8 motorway close to Glasgow Airport late on a Sunday night in September 2026. Emergency services were called to the area near Junction 29 at around 11.45pm, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed, as reported by STV News.
Police Scotland closed the road overnight to allow investigations to take place, with the carriageway reopening before 9am the following morning. Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward and have asked drivers who were in the area at the time to check their dash-cam footage for anything that might assist enquiries, according to STV News.
A Police Scotland sergeant was quoted as saying that enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident, and that the thoughts of officers are with the man's family and friends at this difficult time.
Fatal road accident claims in Scotland
When a pedestrian is killed on a road in Scotland, the law allows certain close relatives to pursue a compensation claim. These claims are civil matters, entirely separate from any criminal or police investigation. The civil process can proceed at whatever pace is appropriate for the family, and there is no requirement to take any action while the police inquiry is still active.
In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with the driver of the vehicle involved, and claims are typically made against that driver's motor insurance policy. Where a vehicle is uninsured or cannot be traced, the Motor Insurers' Bureau may be responsible for meeting a claim. The specific circumstances of each case determine where liability falls, and that assessment is made individually.
A claim does not mean accusing anyone of a crime. In Scots law, the civil test for liability is different from the criminal standard of proof, and the two processes are independent of one another.
Time limits
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, relatives who wish to pursue a compensation claim generally have three years from the date of death in which to raise court proceedings. Missing this deadline can extinguish the right to claim, so it is sensible to seek legal advice before that period expires.
There is no obligation to act immediately, and many families choose to wait until they feel ready. However, the three-year limit does apply, and gathering evidence such as witness accounts, dash-cam footage, and official records becomes more straightforward when it is done sooner rather than later.
In limited circumstances a court may exercise discretion to allow a late claim, but this cannot be relied upon. The safest course is to begin the process within the three-year window.
What compensation can cover
Under the Damages (Scotland) Act 2011, a defined group of close relatives, including a spouse or partner, children, parents, and siblings, may be entitled to claim compensation following a fatal accident. What that compensation can include is as follows.
- Loss of support: where the deceased contributed financially to the household, surviving dependants may claim for the income or practical support they have lost.
- Loss of society: this reflects the grief, distress, and loss of the relationship itself. It is sometimes referred to as a solatium award in the context of relatives' claims.
- Funeral expenses: reasonable costs associated with the funeral can be recovered as part of a claim.
- Personal expenses of relatives: costs incurred by family members, such as travel to the scene or to hospital, may also be recoverable.
Each element of a claim is assessed on its own facts. The amounts awarded vary considerably depending on the closeness of the relationship, the financial circumstances of the family, and other individual factors. Compensation in fatal cases is not intended to be a commercial matter; it is a legal recognition of a profound loss.
Where a claim is pursued on a no-win, no-fee basis, legal fees are not deducted from the compensation received.
Frequently asked questions
Can relatives claim compensation even before the police investigation is complete?
Yes. Civil and criminal proceedings are separate in Scotland. A compensation claim can be considered and prepared at any point, and does not need to wait for a police investigation or any criminal proceedings to conclude. Many families choose to wait, and that is entirely their decision.
Who counts as a close relative under Scots law for the purposes of a fatal accident claim?
The Damages (Scotland) Act 2011 sets out the categories. They include a spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant, children of the deceased, parents, siblings, and certain other close family members. Each category may be entitled to different heads of compensation depending on the nature of the relationship.
What happens if the driver involved was uninsured?
In Scotland, claims arising from accidents involving uninsured or untraceable drivers can be made to the Motor Insurers' Bureau. This body exists specifically to ensure that victims and their families are not left without a route to compensation simply because the driver was uninsured or has not been identified.
Does pursuing a claim affect any police or criminal proceedings?
No. A civil compensation claim is entirely separate from the criminal justice process. Pursuing a claim has no bearing on whether a criminal investigation proceeds, and the outcome of one process does not automatically determine the outcome of the other.
How long does a fatal accident compensation claim typically take to resolve?
There is no fixed timescale. Some claims are settled within months once liability and losses are established. Others, particularly where liability is disputed, can take considerably longer. The complexity of the circumstances, the availability of evidence, and whether the matter proceeds to court all affect how long the process takes.
Based on reporting by STV News, 14 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.