Based on reporting by Glasgow Times, 26 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to the Glasgow Times, a collision at the junction of Craigton Road and Stockiemuir Road in Bearsden resulted in serious injuries to two people. A woman in her late 60s, who had pleaded guilty at Dumbarton Sheriff Court to driving without due care and attention, was sentenced in late September 2026. She had reportedly proceeded onto the main carriageway without giving way to oncoming traffic, causing a chain of collisions involving at least two other vehicles.
As reported by the Glasgow Times, a passenger in one of the other vehicles and the driver who pleaded guilty were both seriously injured. All vehicles involved were said to have sustained extensive damage. At sentencing, the court was told the driver had no previous convictions and no prior accidents. Sheriff Lorna Anderson imposed a fine of £800 and an 18-month driving ban.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
When someone is seriously injured in a road traffic accident in Scotland, they may be entitled to pursue a personal injury compensation claim. Such claims are typically brought against the at-fault driver's motor insurance policy. In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with the driver whose manner of driving is found to have caused or materially contributed to the collision. A guilty plea or criminal conviction for a driving offence can be relevant evidence in related civil proceedings, although civil and criminal cases are assessed independently.
Passengers injured in road accidents are generally well placed to bring a claim, as they are rarely considered to have contributed to the circumstances of the collision. Where more than one vehicle is involved, insurers may dispute the proportion of responsibility among the drivers, but this does not prevent an injured passenger from seeking full compensation. Claims are pursued under Scots law and handled by the Scottish civil courts, with most cases settling without the need for a hearing.
It is worth noting that some Scottish claims services 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 the full award goes to the person who was injured.
Time limits
In Scotland, the time limit for bringing a personal injury claim is governed by the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973. In most cases, a claim must be raised within three years of the date of the accident, or within three years of the date on which the injured person became aware that their injuries were significant and attributable to the incident.
There are some important exceptions. If the injured person was under 16 at the time of the accident, the three-year period does not begin until they turn 16. Where a person lacks legal capacity, the clock may not run at all until capacity is regained. Courts also retain a discretion to allow a claim outside the standard limit in exceptional circumstances, though this is never guaranteed. Anyone affected by a serious road accident should take legal advice as early as possible to avoid missing the deadline.
What compensation can cover
A successful personal injury claim in Scotland can include several different heads of loss, depending on the nature and extent of the injuries suffered. These typically include:
- Solatium: This is compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity. For serious injuries, solatium awards can be substantial, reflecting both the immediate impact and any long-term consequences.
- Loss of earnings: Where an injured person is unable to work, either temporarily or permanently, past and future loss of income can be included in a claim.
- Cost of care and assistance: If the injured person requires help with daily tasks, whether from a professional carer or a family member, the reasonable cost of that care can be recovered.
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses: Costs for physiotherapy, specialist treatment, medication, and aids or adaptations to the home may all be claimable.
- Travel expenses: Reasonable costs incurred travelling to medical appointments or for other purposes directly connected to the injury are recoverable.
Every case is different, and the value of a claim depends on medical evidence, prognosis, and the individual circumstances of the person injured. Compensation is intended to restore the injured person to the position they would have been in had the accident not occurred, in so far as money can achieve that.
Frequently asked questions
Can a passenger injured in a road accident make a compensation claim in Scotland?
Yes. Passengers who are injured through no fault of their own are generally in a strong position to claim compensation. A claim is typically made against the insurer of the driver responsible for the collision. Being a passenger does not affect your right to seek full compensation for your injuries and losses.
Does a criminal conviction affect a civil compensation claim?
A guilty plea or conviction for a driving offence can be presented as evidence in related civil proceedings and may support a claim. However, civil and criminal cases use different legal tests, so a civil claim is assessed on its own merits. Legal advice should be sought on how any criminal outcome may affect a specific claim.
What if more than one driver was involved in the collision?
Where multiple vehicles are involved, insurers may dispute how responsibility is shared among the drivers. An injured passenger can still pursue a claim and is not required to resolve that dispute personally. In practice, claims can be directed at any or all of the drivers involved, and the courts or insurers determine apportionment separately.
How long does a road accident compensation claim take in Scotland?
The timescale varies depending on the complexity of the injuries and whether liability is disputed. Straightforward claims can settle within several months, while cases involving serious injuries or contested liability may take longer. Medical evidence and any need for ongoing treatment often affect how quickly a final settlement can be reached.
Will I lose part of my compensation in fees?
That depends on which claims service you use. Many Scottish firms deduct up to 20% of the compensation award as a success fee. Scotland Claims charges a 0% success fee, so clients receive every penny of their compensation with no deductions taken from the award itself.
Based on reporting by Glasgow Times, 26 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.