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, three people were taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary following a four-vehicle collision on the A96 near Huntly in Aberdeenshire. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 6.55am on Wednesday 9 September 2026, during the morning rush hour.
As reported by STV News, the severity of the injuries sustained by those taken to hospital was not confirmed. The road was closed for the remainder of the morning and did not reopen until more than twelve hours after the initial collision.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
When a collision of this kind occurs on a Scottish road, anyone who has suffered an injury as a result may be entitled to make a personal injury claim. In incidents involving multiple vehicles, establishing liability can be complex. In general terms, liability in a multi-vehicle collision often rests with the driver or drivers whose conduct is found to have contributed to the crash, though this is determined by investigation of the specific facts and circumstances of each case.
Claims of this type in Scotland are governed by Scots law and typically proceed against the at-fault driver's motor insurance policy. Every driver in the United Kingdom is legally required to hold third-party motor insurance, meaning there is usually an insurer to meet any valid compensation award. Where an uninsured or untraced driver is involved, the Motor Insurers' Bureau may provide a route to compensation.
Because rush-hour collisions on major A roads often involve multiple parties, it is common for insurers to investigate the sequence of events carefully before accepting or apportioning liability. Gathering evidence early, including any dashcam footage, witness accounts, and police reports, can be important in supporting a claim.
Time limits
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, anyone wishing to bring a personal injury claim in Scotland generally has three years from the date of the accident to raise court proceedings. For the individuals injured in this collision, that three-year period would ordinarily begin on 9 September 2026.
There are limited exceptions to this rule. Where a person was too seriously injured at the time to be aware of their right to claim, the three-year period may run from the date on which they became aware. For children, the period does not begin until they turn 16. Despite these exceptions, it is always advisable to seek advice as soon as possible rather than allowing time to pass, since evidence and witness recollections can deteriorate over time.
What compensation can cover
A successful road traffic accident claim in Scotland can include a number of different heads of loss. These are not limited to the physical injury itself, but can extend to a range of financial and practical impacts. Compensation in incidents of this kind may cover:
- Solatium - a payment for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the injury itself.
- Loss of earnings - income lost during any period when the injured person was unable to work, and any future earnings affected if the injury has longer-term consequences.
- Care and assistance - the cost of help required at home during recovery, whether provided by a professional carer or an unpaid family member.
- Medical and rehabilitation costs - expenses for treatment, physiotherapy, prescription costs, or any specialist care not provided by the NHS.
- Travel expenses - costs of attending hospital appointments, medical consultations, or rehabilitation sessions arising from the injury.
- Vehicle damage and hire costs - repair or replacement costs for any damaged vehicle, and the cost of a hire vehicle during that period.
It is worth noting that not every claim will include all of these heads of loss. The amounts awarded depend on the nature and severity of the injury, the individual's personal circumstances, and the evidence available to support the claim. Importantly, clients who pursue a claim through Scotland Claims retain 100% of their compensation, with a 0% success fee, compared with the deduction of up to 20% that many Scottish firms take from a client's award.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a claim if I was a passenger in one of the vehicles?
Yes. Passengers injured in a road traffic collision are generally well placed to make a claim, as they are rarely considered to have contributed to the accident. A claim would typically be made against the insurer of the at-fault driver, or in some cases against more than one insurer where liability is shared between drivers.
What if the police investigation has not concluded yet?
You do not need to wait for any police or procurator fiscal investigation to complete before beginning the claims process. Evidence gathered during an investigation may ultimately assist a claim, but it is possible to start gathering evidence and taking legal advice at any stage after the accident.
The road was closed for over twelve hours. Does that affect my claim?
The duration of a road closure is not in itself a factor in assessing compensation. However, it can indicate the seriousness of the collision, which may be relevant context. What matters most is the nature of any injuries sustained, the circumstances of the accident, and the evidence available to support a claim.
What is the Motor Insurers' Bureau and when does it apply?
The Motor Insurers' Bureau is a body that can compensate victims of road traffic accidents where the responsible driver was uninsured or cannot be identified. If investigations into the Huntly collision revealed such a situation, an injured person might have a route to compensation through this body rather than through a standard insurer.
How long will a road traffic accident claim take to resolve?
Timescales vary considerably depending on the complexity of the case, the number of vehicles and parties involved, and whether liability is disputed. Straightforward claims can sometimes resolve within several months. More complex multi-vehicle cases, particularly where injuries are serious and liability is contested, can take considerably longer to conclude.
Based on reporting by STV News, 9 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.