Based on reporting by STV News, 9 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to STV News, seven people were taken to hospital following a three-vehicle collision on the A96 north of Huntly, Aberdeenshire, in the early hours of Wednesday 9 September 2026. The incident is reported to have occurred at around 6.54am, with emergency services including five ambulances, an air ambulance, and three fire appliances attending the scene. Fire crews are understood to have used cutting equipment at the site.
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed to STV News that two patients were airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, with a further three transported to the same hospital by road ambulance. The remaining two patients were taken to Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin. Two specialist operations response teams were also dispatched, indicating the serious nature of the injuries involved.
As reported by STV News, Police Scotland confirmed the A96 was closed in both directions as a result of the crash, with drivers advised to find alternative routes. The cause of the collision had not been stated at the time of the report.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
Multi-vehicle collisions of this kind can give rise to personal injury claims under Scots law. Where a person has been injured as a result of another party's driving, they may be entitled to seek compensation through that driver's motor insurance. In incidents involving three or more vehicles, establishing the sequence of events and the respective responsibilities of each driver is a central part of any claim.
In general terms, liability in road traffic accident claims often rests with the driver or drivers whose actions caused or contributed to the collision. Insurers will typically investigate the circumstances, taking into account police reports, witness accounts, and any physical evidence gathered at the scene. Where fault is disputed between multiple drivers, liability may ultimately be apportioned between parties.
If a driver responsible for the accident was uninsured or cannot be identified, the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) exists to compensate victims in those circumstances. Passengers injured in any of the vehicles involved will generally have a strong basis for making a claim regardless of which driver was at fault.
Time limits
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, injured persons ordinarily have three years from the date of the accident to raise a court action for personal injury. In the case of an incident such as this one, that three-year period would typically begin from 9 September 2026.
There are limited exceptions to this rule. Where a person was unconscious or otherwise lacked legal capacity at the time of the accident, the three-year period may begin from the date they regained capacity or became aware of their injuries. For injured persons who were children at the time, the limitation period runs from their 16th birthday rather than the date of the accident.
It is important not to leave matters until close to the deadline. Evidence can deteriorate, witnesses' memories fade, and insurers' investigations take time. Seeking legal advice promptly after an incident of this kind is always advisable.
What compensation can cover
A successful personal injury claim following a road traffic accident in Scotland can include several distinct heads of loss. These may include:
- Solatium - compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by the injury itself.
- Loss of earnings - income lost during any period of recovery, as well as future earning capacity if the injury has a lasting effect on a person's ability to work.
- Care and assistance - the reasonable cost of care provided by family members or professional carers during recovery.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation - costs of physiotherapy, surgery, counselling, or other treatment not available promptly through the NHS.
- Travel expenses - costs incurred attending hospital appointments, medical consultations, or other treatment related to the injury.
- Vehicle damage - the cost of repairing or replacing a vehicle written off in the collision, which may be pursued separately through property damage channels.
The level of compensation awarded will depend on the nature and severity of the injuries sustained, their long-term impact on the individual's life, and the financial losses actually incurred. In serious cases such as those requiring air ambulance transport, awards can be substantial.
It is worth noting that 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 whatever compensation they are awarded.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim if I was a passenger in one of the vehicles involved?
Yes. Passengers injured in a road traffic accident generally have a strong basis for making a personal injury claim. You are not required to prove which driver was at fault. A claim can be made against the driver of the vehicle you were travelling in, against another driver involved, or against more than one party if liability is shared.
What if the driver responsible was uninsured?
If the at-fault driver was uninsured, you may still be able to claim compensation through the Motor Insurers' Bureau. The MIB is a UK-wide body that compensates victims of uninsured or untraceable drivers. Specific rules and time limits apply to MIB claims, so it is important to seek advice as soon as possible.
How is fault established in a multi-vehicle crash?
In incidents involving three or more vehicles, insurers and courts consider police reports, witness statements, dashcam footage, and physical evidence from the scene. Fault may rest with one driver entirely or may be apportioned between several parties. Each case turns on its own facts, and an independent legal assessment of the circumstances is the best starting point.
How long does a road traffic accident claim take to settle?
The timescale varies considerably depending on the severity of injuries, whether liability is disputed, and how quickly a medical prognosis can be obtained. Straightforward claims may settle within several months. More complex cases, particularly those involving serious or long-term injuries, can take considerably longer to resolve fully.
Will I have to go to court?
The majority of personal injury claims in Scotland are settled without the need for a court hearing. Insurers frequently agree compensation once liability and the extent of injuries have been established. Court proceedings may become necessary if liability is denied or if an insurer's offer is considered unreasonably low, but this remains the exception rather than the rule.
Based on reporting by STV News, 9 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.