Based on reporting by STV News, 27 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to STV News, emergency services were called to the A9 near Moy in the Highlands at around 2pm on Saturday 27 September 2026. The collision involved two vehicles, both of which caught fire as a result of the impact.
As reported by STV News, a man was taken to hospital for treatment following the incident. The fire was brought under control at the scene, and the A9 was subsequently reopened to traffic. Police Scotland attended and the public were thanked for their patience during the road closure.
No further details about the circumstances of the collision have been reported at this stage.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
When a person is injured in a road traffic accident in Scotland, they may be entitled to bring a personal injury claim for compensation. Such claims are governed by Scots law and are typically pursued against the at-fault driver's motor insurer.
In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with whichever party is found to have been driving carelessly, recklessly, or in breach of their duty of care to other road users. Where fault is disputed, evidence such as police reports, witness accounts, dashcam footage, and road condition data can all play an important role in establishing what happened. It is important to note that a determination of liability is a matter for insurers and, if necessary, the courts, based on the full facts of each case.
Where a vehicle catches fire following a collision, injuries can be more serious in nature, and the value of a claim may reflect the complexity and duration of any medical treatment required. Claims of this type are handled through the civil courts in Scotland, or through settlement negotiated with insurers before proceedings are raised.
Time limits
In Scotland, the right to bring a personal injury claim is subject to a strict time limit under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973. In most cases, a claimant has three years from the date of the accident to raise court proceedings. If that deadline passes without action, the right to claim is generally lost.
There are limited exceptions to this rule. Where a person was not immediately aware that their injuries were connected to the accident, the three-year period may run from the date they became aware, known as the date of knowledge. For claimants who were under 16 at the time of the accident, the three-year period typically begins on their 16th birthday. Where a person lacks legal capacity, the limitation period may be paused.
Even where time appears to be on your side, it is advisable to begin gathering evidence and seeking advice as early as possible. Memories fade, witnesses become harder to trace, and documentation can be lost over time.
What compensation can cover
A successful personal injury claim in Scotland can cover a range of losses, both personal and financial. These typically include:
- Solatium - this is the Scottish legal term for compensation for pain, suffering, and the loss of enjoyment of life caused by the injuries sustained.
- Loss of earnings - if an injured person is unable to work during their recovery, they may be entitled to claim for income lost as a result. Where injuries affect long-term earning capacity, future loss may also be claimed.
- Care and assistance - if the injured person requires help with daily tasks during their recovery, whether from a professional carer or a family member, the cost of that care can form part of a claim.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation - the cost of private treatment, physiotherapy, psychological support, or other therapies required as a result of the injuries may be recoverable.
- Travel expenses - reasonable costs incurred travelling to and from medical appointments connected to the accident can also be included in a claim.
Compensation amounts vary depending on the nature and severity of the injuries, the length of recovery, and the financial impact on the individual. No reputable adviser will give a meaningful estimate without a proper assessment of the facts.
It is worth knowing that not all claims services operate on the same terms. Many Scottish personal injury firms deduct up to 20% from a client's compensation as a success fee. Scotland Claims charges a 0% success fee, meaning clients keep 100% of the compensation they are awarded.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation if I was a passenger in one of the vehicles involved?
Yes. Passengers injured in road traffic accidents in Scotland are generally entitled to make a personal injury claim, typically against the insurer of the driver found to have been at fault. As a passenger, you are rarely considered to share responsibility for the collision, making such claims more straightforward in many cases.
What if the at-fault driver was uninsured or fled the scene?
Where the driver responsible cannot be identified or is uninsured, it may still be possible to pursue a claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau. The MIB operates schemes in the UK specifically to compensate victims of uninsured or untraced drivers, subject to certain conditions being met.
How long does a road accident claim in Scotland typically take to resolve?
Timescales vary considerably. Straightforward claims where liability is admitted and injuries resolve quickly can settle within several months. More complex cases involving serious or long-term injuries, disputed liability, or ongoing medical treatment may take considerably longer, sometimes running to a number of years.
Do I need to report the accident to the police before I can make a claim?
You are not required to have reported the accident to police in order to make a civil compensation claim. However, a police report can provide useful evidence. Where an accident results in injury, road users are legally required to report it to police in any event if details were not exchanged at the scene.
What is solatium and how is it calculated?
Solatium is the element of compensation in Scots law that covers pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by your injuries. It is assessed by reference to the nature and severity of the injury, the duration of symptoms, and the impact on your daily life and wellbeing. Scottish courts and insurers use established guidelines and precedent cases to arrive at appropriate figures.
Based on reporting by STV News, 27 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.