Based on reporting by STV News, 9 October 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to STV News, a man in his 20s suffered serious injuries after being struck by a tram on the tramline near Broomhouse Drive in the Saughton area of Edinburgh. The collision is reported to have taken place at around 10.55pm, with emergency services attending the scene and the injured man being taken to hospital for treatment.
As reported by STV News, Police Scotland has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. A police sergeant is quoted as saying that enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full facts, and officers have made a public appeal for witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward.
No cause has been established at this stage, and it would be wrong to draw any conclusions while the police investigation continues.
Tram and road traffic accident claims in Scotland
Incidents involving trams and pedestrians sit within a specialist area of Scottish personal injury law. Trams operate within a regulated public transport system, and in incidents of this kind, questions of liability often centre on a number of factors, including where the pedestrian was located relative to the tramway, whether signage and safety measures were in place, and the conduct of all parties involved.
In general terms, where a pedestrian is injured by a tram, a claim may potentially be brought against the operator of the tram service, the body responsible for maintaining the tramway infrastructure, or another party, depending on what an investigation reveals. Liability is never automatic and must be established on the facts of each individual case.
Scottish personal injury claims of this nature are typically pursued through the civil courts or, where appropriate, through the Motor Insurers Bureau or the relevant insurer of the transport operator. Gathering evidence early is important. Police reports, CCTV footage from tram vehicles and surrounding infrastructure, and witness statements can all play a significant role in supporting a claim.
Time limits for making a claim in Scotland
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, injured persons generally have three years from the date of the accident to raise a personal injury action in Scotland. Missing this deadline will almost always extinguish the right to claim, regardless of the severity of the injuries suffered.
There are some exceptions worth noting. Where the injured person lacks legal capacity, for example due to the severity of their injuries, the three-year period may not begin until capacity is regained. For claimants who were under 16 at the time of the incident, the three-year period typically runs from their 16th birthday. However, these exceptions are applied strictly, and it is advisable to seek legal advice as early as possible rather than rely on any extension.
Even where time appears to be on your side, early action is strongly recommended. Evidence can be lost, witnesses can become harder to trace, and memories fade. Acting promptly protects your position.
What compensation can cover
In a successful personal injury claim arising from a tram or road traffic collision in Scotland, compensation is typically made up of two broad categories: solatium and patrimonial loss.
- Solatium covers the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the injuries themselves. The more serious the injury and the longer-lasting its effects, the higher this element is likely to be.
- Loss of earnings compensates for income lost while recovering, and may also account for any future reduction in earning capacity if the injuries have a lasting impact on the ability to work.
- Care and assistance covers the cost of help provided by family members or professional carers, including assistance with daily tasks during recovery.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation includes the cost of physiotherapy, surgery, psychological support, and any other treatment required as a result of the injuries.
- Travel expenses can be recovered where a claimant has incurred costs travelling to medical appointments or other appointments connected to their recovery and claim.
It is important to keep records of all expenses and losses from the outset, as these will be needed to support any claim for patrimonial loss. Compensation awards in Scotland are assessed by reference to established legal guidelines and the specific circumstances of each case.
One practical point worth highlighting: most Scottish personal injury firms deduct up to 20% of your compensation as a success fee. At Scotland Claims, clients keep 100% of their compensation, because we charge a 0% success fee.
Frequently asked questions
Can a pedestrian claim compensation after being struck by a tram in Scotland?
Yes, a pedestrian injured in a tram collision may be entitled to claim compensation, provided liability can be established. Claims can potentially be made against a tram operator, an infrastructure body, or another responsible party. Each case depends on its own facts, and early legal advice is recommended to assess the prospects of a successful claim.
Who is typically liable in a tram and pedestrian accident?
In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with the party found to have been at fault through negligence, whether that is the tram operator, the body responsible for the tramway, or potentially a third party. Liability is not automatic and must be established through investigation. Police and other evidence gathered after the incident are often central to this process.
How long does a tram accident claim take in Scotland?
Straightforward claims can sometimes be resolved within months, but cases involving serious injury or disputed liability may take considerably longer, sometimes several years. The complexity of gathering evidence, obtaining medical reports, and negotiating with an opponent's insurer or legal team all affect the timescale. Acting quickly helps to avoid unnecessary delays.
What if the injured person was partly responsible for the accident?
Under Scots law, contributory negligence may apply where an injured person is found to have played some part in causing the accident. In such cases, any compensation awarded is typically reduced by a percentage reflecting the claimant's share of responsibility. This does not necessarily prevent a claim from succeeding, but it will affect the final award.
Do I need to report the incident to the police before making a claim?
Where police have already attended the scene, a report will typically already exist. However, if for any reason an incident has not been formally reported, doing so as soon as possible is advisable. A police report can be valuable evidence in a personal injury claim and helps establish the basic facts of the incident on record.
Based on reporting by STV News, 9 October 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.