Based on reporting by BBC News, 9 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
Seven people were taken to hospital following a serious multi-vehicle collision on the A96 near Huntly, Aberdeenshire, according to BBC News. The incident occurred close to the Portsoy junction shortly before 07:00 on a Wednesday morning in September 2026.
As reported by BBC News, the emergency response was substantial, with five ambulances, an air ambulance and two special operations response teams attending the scene alongside fire and police crews. Five of those injured were taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, two of them by air ambulance, while a further two were treated at Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin.
Police closed the A96 in both directions as a result of the collision and advised motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes, BBC News reported. No further details about the circumstances of the crash were confirmed at the time of the report.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
When several people are injured in a single road traffic collision, each injured person may have an independent right to pursue a personal injury claim. In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with the driver or drivers whose conduct caused or contributed to the collision. Claims are typically brought against the at-fault driver's motor insurer rather than the driver personally.
Where a vehicle has no insurance, or where the responsible driver cannot be traced, the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) operates schemes that allow injured people in Scotland to claim compensation even in those more difficult circumstances. This means that a lack of insurance information at the scene should not automatically prevent a valid claim.
Multi-vehicle collisions can involve complex questions of shared or divided liability between more than one driver. In Scots law, the principle of contributory negligence can also reduce an award where an injured person is found to have contributed to their own injuries, for example by not wearing a seatbelt. Each case turns on its own facts, and an assessment of the particular circumstances is always required.
Time limits
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, injured people in Scotland generally have three years from the date of the accident to raise a court action for personal injury. This time limit applies to most adult claimants injured in road traffic collisions.
There are some exceptions worth noting. Where the injured person was under 16 at the time of the accident, the three-year period does not begin until their 16th birthday. Where an adult lacks legal capacity, the period may be suspended for as long as that incapacity continues. In cases involving psychological trauma, where a person may not immediately connect their symptoms to the accident, the "date of knowledge" provisions in the Act can sometimes extend the starting point of the three-year period.
Even so, it is sensible not to delay. Evidence, witness recollections and medical records are all easier to obtain closer to the time of the incident. Anyone who was injured in this collision or a similar one is well advised to seek legal advice promptly.
What compensation can cover
A personal injury award in Scotland is made up of several distinct heads of loss, and the amounts will vary considerably depending on the severity of the injuries sustained.
- Solatium - this is the element that compensates for pain, suffering and loss of amenity. It reflects both the physical injuries and any psychological impact, such as anxiety about driving or post-traumatic stress following a serious crash.
- Loss of earnings - where an injury prevents someone from working, either temporarily or permanently, past and future lost income can be claimed. This includes self-employed income and, in serious cases, a reduction in long-term earning capacity.
- Care and assistance - if an injured person requires help with daily tasks, household duties or personal care, the cost of that assistance, whether provided by a professional or by a family member, can form part of the claim.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation - the costs of physiotherapy, specialist consultations, prescription charges and any other treatment made necessary by the injuries are recoverable.
- Travel expenses - reasonable travel costs to and from medical appointments, and any additional transport costs arising from being unable to drive, can be included.
- Vehicle damage and out-of-pocket expenses - damage to a vehicle or other property, and any other reasonable expenses directly caused by the accident, may also be recoverable.
It is worth being aware that the way a claim is funded can affect how much of any award a claimant actually receives. Many Scottish firms deduct a success fee of up to 20% from the compensation a client recovers. Scotland Claims charges a 0% success fee, which means clients keep 100% of the compensation awarded to them.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim if I was a passenger in one of the vehicles involved?
Yes. Passengers injured in a road traffic collision are generally in a strong position to claim, as they are unlikely to bear any responsibility for the crash. A claim would normally be made against the insurer of the driver at fault, or potentially against more than one insurer if liability is shared between drivers.
What if I do not know who was responsible for the collision?
In multi-vehicle crashes, establishing exactly who caused the incident can take time. Police investigations and, where necessary, independent accident reconstruction reports can help clarify the position. A solicitor can gather this evidence on your behalf. Where the at-fault driver is uninsured or untraced, the Motor Insurers' Bureau may be able to meet the claim.
How long will a road accident claim take to resolve?
Straightforward claims involving clear liability and injuries that have fully resolved can sometimes settle within months. More serious injuries, or cases where liability is disputed between multiple drivers, can take considerably longer. It is generally advisable not to settle any claim until the full extent of injuries and their long-term effects are understood.
Does it matter that I was treated at hospital some distance from home?
No. The hospital you were treated at does not affect your right to claim. Reasonable travel costs to attend that hospital, and any follow-up appointments, can be included in your claim regardless of where the treating hospital was located.
What is solatium and how is it calculated?
Solatium is the Scottish legal term for the element of compensation that covers pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. It is assessed by reference to the nature and severity of the injuries, how long they lasted, and any permanent effects. Scottish courts and practitioners use published guidelines to help establish appropriate figures, though each case is assessed individually.
Based on reporting by BBC News, 9 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.