Based on reporting by Edinburgh Live, 5 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to Edinburgh Live, a 12-year-old girl was struck by a car on West Main Street in Armadale, West Lothian, on the afternoon of Thursday 3 September 2026, at around 3.40pm. The incident occurred close to Armadale Academy, and emergency services including police and paramedics attended the scene. The road was closed for a number of hours and a cordon was put in place.
As reported by Edinburgh Live, the girl was taken to hospital for treatment and was subsequently discharged. Police Scotland has launched a witness appeal, with the attending constable stating: "I'm continuing to appeal to anyone else who saw what happened, or has dash-cam footage which could assist our enquiries, to get in touch." Anyone with relevant information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 1980 of 3 September.
Enquiries are ongoing and no further details about the circumstances of the collision have been confirmed by police at this stage.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
When a pedestrian, including a child, is injured in a road traffic collision in Scotland, a personal injury claim may be pursued through Scots law. In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with the driver or drivers involved, whose motor insurance would typically meet any award of compensation. Where a vehicle is uninsured or cannot be traced, the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) exists specifically to compensate victims who would otherwise have no recourse.
Claims involving children follow a slightly different process. Because a child under the age of 16 cannot legally instruct a solicitor in their own right, a parent or guardian acts as their legal representative throughout the claim. Any settlement reached on behalf of a child must be approved by the court to ensure it is in the child's best interests, which provides an additional layer of protection.
Establishing liability requires an investigation of the facts, including witness accounts, police reports, CCTV footage, and any available dash-cam recordings. The witness appeal currently underway by Police Scotland may produce evidence relevant to any future civil proceedings, though a civil claim is entirely separate from any criminal investigation.
Time limits
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, the standard time limit for bringing a personal injury claim in Scotland is three years from the date of the accident. However, where the injured party is a child, this three-year period does not begin to run until the child turns 16. This means that in a case involving a 12-year-old, a claim could potentially be brought up until the young person's 19th birthday.
While this extended window provides more time, it is generally advisable not to delay. Witness memories fade, physical evidence can be lost, and medical records are easier to compile while treatment is still recent. Beginning the process early means the best possible evidence can be gathered and preserved.
What compensation can cover
Compensation in a road traffic accident claim in Scotland is divided into two broad categories. The first is solatium, which is the award for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity, reflecting the physical and emotional impact of the injuries on the person's daily life. The amount depends on the nature and severity of the injuries and how long recovery is expected to take.
The second category covers financial losses, which may include:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs, including physiotherapy or specialist consultations
- Travel expenses to and from medical appointments
- Care and assistance provided by family members during recovery
- In cases involving older injured parties, loss of earnings during recovery
- Any future losses if the injury has a long-term impact on earnings capacity or care needs
For a child, loss of earnings is not usually a current consideration, but future loss of earning capacity may be relevant if the injuries are serious enough to affect long-term prospects. Care provided by parents or other family members, even informally, can also be included in a claim.
It is worth noting that clients who bring a claim through Scotland Claims keep 100% of their compensation. There is a 0% success fee, which contrasts with many Scottish firms that deduct up to 20% from the final award before the client receives a penny.
Frequently asked questions
Can a parent claim on behalf of a child injured in a road accident in Scotland?
Yes. In Scots law, a parent or guardian acts as the child's legal representative and can instruct a solicitor and pursue a claim on the child's behalf. Any settlement must be approved by the court to confirm it is in the child's best interests.
What is the time limit for a child's personal injury claim in Scotland?
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, the three-year limitation period does not begin until the child turns 16. This means a claim can generally be brought up until the child's 19th birthday, though starting early helps preserve evidence and witness recollections.
Does a police investigation affect a civil compensation claim?
A police investigation and a civil compensation claim are entirely separate processes. The outcome of any criminal proceedings does not prevent a civil claim from being made, and a civil claim can proceed even if no criminal charges are brought. Evidence gathered during the police inquiry, such as witness statements, may however be relevant to a civil case.
What if the driver involved was uninsured?
If the responsible driver was uninsured or cannot be identified, a claim may still be possible through the Motor Insurers' Bureau. The MIB is a body funded by the insurance industry specifically to compensate victims of uninsured or untraced drivers, so an injury does not necessarily go uncompensated in these circumstances.
What types of losses can be included in a road accident claim for a child?
A claim can include solatium for pain and suffering, the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation, travel expenses to appointments, and the value of care provided by family members. In serious cases, future loss of earning capacity may also be claimed if the injuries are likely to affect the child's long-term prospects.
Based on reporting by Edinburgh Live, 5 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.