Based on reporting by BBC News, 6 October 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
Three people were hospitalised following a two-car collision on the A947 south of Oldmeldrum in Aberdeenshire, according to BBC News. Emergency services were alerted to the incident at around 9pm on a Monday evening, with three ambulances and two special operations teams attending the scene.
All three people involved were taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment, BBC News reports. The A947 was closed overnight to allow police to carry out an investigation into the circumstances of the crash before reopening the following day.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
When a person is injured in a road traffic collision in Scotland, they may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim for compensation. In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with the driver or drivers whose actions contributed to the collision, and claims are typically made against the at-fault driver's motor insurance policy. Every driver in the UK is legally required to hold third-party insurance, which exists precisely to compensate those who are injured through another party's driving.
Where fault is disputed between two drivers, or where the evidence is not immediately clear-cut, an investigation by police and insurers will generally help establish what happened. In some cases, liability may be shared between parties, which can affect the level of compensation awarded. A claim can still proceed even where contributory negligence is a factor, though any award may be reduced proportionally.
If a driver responsible for a collision is untraced or uninsured, the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) exists to compensate injured parties in Scotland and across the UK. This means that even in complex cases, there is often a route to recovering compensation.
Time limits
In Scotland, the right to bring a personal injury claim is governed by the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973. As a general rule, a claim must be raised within three years of the date of the accident, or three years from the date on which the injured person became aware that they had suffered a significant injury as a result of the incident.
There are limited exceptions to this rule. Where the injured person was a child at the time of the accident, the three-year period does not begin to run until they reach the age of 16. For those who lack legal capacity due to a mental condition, the time limit may also be paused. Courts retain a discretion to allow a late claim in exceptional circumstances, but this is not guaranteed and should never be relied upon. Anyone injured in an incident of this kind is strongly advised to take legal advice as early as possible to protect their position.
What compensation can cover
A personal injury claim arising from a road traffic accident in Scotland can include several distinct heads of loss, depending on the nature and severity of the injuries involved.
- Solatium - this is compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity. It reflects the physical and psychological impact of the injuries and any ongoing symptoms.
- Loss of earnings - where an injury prevents someone from working, either temporarily or in the longer term, past and future lost income can be claimed.
- Care and assistance - if the injured person required help with daily tasks, whether from family members or paid carers, the value of that assistance can form part of the claim.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation - the cost of physiotherapy, specialist consultations, medication and any other treatment made necessary by the injury can be recovered.
- Travel expenses - reasonable costs incurred travelling to and from medical appointments are also recoverable.
The level of compensation will always depend on the specific facts of each case, the severity of the injuries and the evidence available. It is worth noting that at Scotland Claims, clients keep 100% of any compensation awarded, with a 0% success fee. This stands in contrast to many Scottish firms, which deduct up to 20% of a client's compensation as their fee.
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 compensation, as they are rarely considered to bear any responsibility for the crash. A claim would typically be made against the insurer of the driver, or drivers, whose actions caused or contributed to the accident.
What if both drivers blame each other for the collision?
This is a common situation and does not prevent a claim from proceeding. Evidence such as police reports, witness accounts, road conditions and vehicle damage will help establish what happened. In some cases, liability is split between both drivers, and compensation is adjusted to reflect each party's share of responsibility.
How long does a road accident claim take in Scotland?
Straightforward claims where liability is admitted can sometimes be resolved within several months. More complex cases, particularly those involving serious injuries, disputed liability or ongoing medical treatment, may take longer. It is generally advisable not to settle a claim until the full extent of injuries and their long-term effects are properly understood.
Do I need to have been seriously injured to make a claim?
No. Compensation can be claimed for a wide range of injuries, from soft tissue injuries such as whiplash through to more serious conditions. The value of any award will reflect the severity and duration of the injury, but there is no minimum threshold that must be met before a claim can be pursued.
What is the three-year time limit and when does it start?
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, most personal injury claims in Scotland must be brought within three years of the date of the accident. Missing this deadline will normally extinguish the right to claim entirely. It is always advisable to seek legal advice promptly following any injury, rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.
Based on reporting by BBC News, 6 October 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.