Based on reporting by STV News, 17 October 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to STV News, three people required hospital treatment after a collision between a blue Ford Fiesta and a tipper truck on the A72, east of Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders. The incident is reported to have taken place at around 11.55am on Friday 17 October 2026. The driver of the tipper truck was uninjured.
As reported by STV News, emergency services attended and the A72 was closed for several hours while investigations took place, reopening at around 3.25pm. Police Scotland confirmed that enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the collision.
STV News reports that a police sergeant has appealed for witnesses and urged anyone who was driving in the area with a dash-cam to review their footage. Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting the relevant incident number.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
Collisions involving private cars and large commercial vehicles such as tipper trucks can give rise to personal injury claims under Scots law. Where occupants of a vehicle sustain injuries as a result of a road traffic accident, they may be entitled to seek compensation, provided liability can be established.
In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with the driver whose actions contributed to the collision, or in some cases with an employer if a commercial vehicle was being operated in the course of employment. Because investigations by Police Scotland are ongoing in this case, the question of fault has not been established. Any claim would depend on the facts as they emerge from those enquiries and any available evidence, including witness accounts and dash-cam footage.
Commercial vehicle operators are typically required to hold motor insurance, as are private motorists. Where a driver is uninsured or untraced, claims can be made through the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB), which operates across the United Kingdom and covers Scottish incidents.
It is worth noting that in Scotland, injured parties pursue claims through the civil courts system, which operates separately from any criminal or police process. A finding of guilt in a criminal court can assist a civil claim, but a civil claim can often proceed regardless of whether criminal proceedings are brought.
Time limits
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, injured people generally have three years from the date of an accident to raise a personal injury action in the Scottish courts. Missing this deadline can mean losing the right to claim entirely, so it is important not to delay in seeking legal advice.
There are some exceptions to the three-year rule. Where a person was under the age of 16 at the time of the accident, the three-year period does not begin to run until their 16th birthday. Where a person lacked legal capacity due to a mental condition, the time limit may be paused for as long as that incapacity continues. Courts also retain a discretion in limited circumstances to allow a late claim, but this is never guaranteed and should not be relied upon.
Even within the three-year window, beginning the process as soon as possible is advisable. Evidence can deteriorate, witnesses' recollections fade, and medical records are easier to obtain when sought promptly after an incident.
What compensation can cover
A successful personal injury claim in Scotland can include a number of different heads of loss. These are not intended to be sensational but reflect the genuine financial and personal impact a serious road accident can have on those involved.
- Solatium: This is the Scottish legal term for compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity. It reflects the injury itself and its effect on the person's quality of life.
- Loss of earnings: Where an injured person has been unable to work, or has had their earning capacity reduced, they may claim for past and future lost income.
- Care and assistance: If the injured person has required help with daily tasks, whether from a professional carer or from family members, this can be reflected in a claim.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation: Costs of physiotherapy, specialist appointments, medication and other treatment can be included.
- Travel expenses: Reasonable travel costs to and from medical appointments are also recoverable.
The value of any claim depends heavily on the nature and severity of the injuries, their likely duration, and the individual circumstances of the person affected. It is not possible to estimate compensation at this early stage.
One important point for anyone considering a claim in Scotland: some claims services 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 they are awarded.
Frequently asked questions
Can passengers injured in the car make a compensation claim?
In general terms, passengers injured in a road traffic accident are well placed to pursue a claim because they are not considered responsible for the collision. A claim would typically be made against the insurer of the driver or vehicle found to be at fault. Each case depends on the specific facts and the outcome of any investigation.
Do I need to wait for police enquiries to finish before starting a claim?
No. A civil claim in Scotland runs separately from any police investigation or criminal proceedings. Legal advice can be sought at any time, and gathering evidence early, such as medical records and witness details, can strengthen a future claim even while enquiries are ongoing.
What if the responsible driver's insurer disputes liability?
Where an insurer disputes fault, the matter may need to be resolved through negotiation or, if necessary, through the Scottish civil courts. Having strong evidence, including police reports, witness statements and dash-cam footage, can be significant in supporting a claim.
How long will a road accident claim take to settle in Scotland?
Straightforward claims with clear liability and injuries that resolve within a few months can sometimes settle within a year. More complex cases, particularly those involving serious or long-term injuries and disputed liability, may take considerably longer. Your legal representative should be able to give an indication once the facts are clearer.
Will I have to go to court?
The majority of personal injury claims in Scotland are settled without the need for a court hearing. However, if liability or the level of compensation cannot be agreed, a court action may be necessary. Your representative would guide you through that process if it arose.
Based on reporting by STV News, 17 October 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.