Based on reporting by STV News, 30 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to STV News, emergency services were called to Ballochmill Road in Rutherglen on the morning of Tuesday 30 September 2026, following a collision involving a truck and a pedestrian near a local business park. The incident is reported to have occurred at around 11.25am.
A man in his 90s was taken to hospital with serious injuries, according to STV News. No other individuals are reported to have been injured in the collision. The road was closed by police for several hours while an investigation was carried out, before reopening at around 5pm.
As reported by STV News, Police Scotland's Road Policing Unit confirmed that enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the crash. Officers have appealed for witnesses and for anyone with dash-cam footage from the area at the relevant time to come forward, quoting reference 1194 of 29 September 2026.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
When a pedestrian is seriously injured in a collision with a vehicle, a personal injury claim may be possible under Scots law. In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with the driver of the vehicle involved, if it can be shown that their driving fell below the standard expected of a careful and competent driver. However, each case turns on its own facts, and liability is never assumed without proper investigation.
In Scotland, claims involving vehicles are typically pursued against the driver's motor insurer. Where the responsible vehicle was uninsured or the driver cannot be traced, the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) operates schemes that allow injured pedestrians to still seek compensation. A solicitor experienced in road traffic accident claims will investigate police reports, witness accounts, and any available footage as part of building a case.
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users, and serious collisions can result in life-changing injuries. The claims process in Scotland is civil and entirely separate from any criminal investigation or prosecution that Police Scotland may pursue. A civil claim can proceed alongside, or following, a police enquiry without affecting either process.
Time limits
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, most personal injury claims in Scotland must be raised within three years of the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can result in the right to claim being lost entirely, so it is important to seek legal advice as early as practically possible.
There are limited exceptions to the three-year rule. Where an injured person lacks legal capacity, for example due to serious cognitive or physical impairment resulting from the accident, the three-year period may be paused. The court also has a general discretionary power to allow a claim to proceed outside the time limit in certain circumstances, although this is not guaranteed and should never be relied upon. Given the age and serious condition of the man involved in this incident, specialist advice about capacity and time limits would be particularly relevant.
What compensation can cover
If a claim is successful, compensation in Scotland is designed to address the actual impact the injury has had on the person's life. The main heads of damage typically include:
- Solatium - a payment for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by the injury itself. For serious injuries, this can be a significant sum.
- Loss of earnings and pension - where the injured person was still working, or where retirement income is affected.
- Care and assistance - the cost of care provided by family members or paid carers, both now and in the future, is recoverable where injuries are serious enough to require ongoing support.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation - the cost of physiotherapy, specialist consultations, aids and adaptations to the home, and other treatment not covered by the NHS.
- Travel expenses - reasonable costs of travelling to and from medical appointments connected to the injury.
Where injuries are severe, future losses and care costs can form a very substantial part of the overall award. A proper medical assessment and, where necessary, expert reports from care specialists and occupational therapists are typically obtained to support these heads of claim.
It is also worth noting that some Scottish firms 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 every penny of any award goes directly to the person who needs it most.
Frequently asked questions
Can a family member make a claim on behalf of a seriously injured elderly person?
Yes. Where an injured person does not have the capacity to instruct a solicitor themselves, a close relative or other appropriate person may act on their behalf. In Scotland, this can be arranged through a power of attorney or, where necessary, through an application for guardianship. A solicitor can advise on the most appropriate route given the circumstances.
Does a criminal investigation affect a civil compensation claim?
No. A civil claim for compensation and any criminal proceedings brought by Police Scotland are entirely separate processes. A civil claim can be pursued at the same time as a police enquiry, and a criminal conviction, if one follows, can actually strengthen a civil case. However, a criminal prosecution is not required before a compensation claim can succeed.
What if the truck driver was not at fault?
In any personal injury claim, fault must be established before compensation is awarded. If it cannot be shown that the driver was in some way negligent, a claim may not succeed. In incidents of this kind, a full investigation of the evidence, including witness statements, police findings, and any available camera footage, is essential before conclusions about liability are drawn.
How long does a pedestrian accident claim take in Scotland?
Timescales vary considerably depending on the complexity of the case and the severity of the injuries. Where injuries are serious and ongoing, it is often advisable to wait until the medical position has stabilised before settling a claim. Some cases resolve within months, while others involving complex injuries or disputed liability may take several years.
Is there a time limit for making a compensation claim?
Yes. Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, a claim must generally be raised within three years of the date of the accident. There are limited exceptions, including where the injured person lacks capacity, but these cannot be relied upon. Taking legal advice promptly after an accident is strongly recommended to protect the right to claim.
Based on reporting by STV News, 30 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.