Based on reporting by STV News, 6 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to STV News, two drivers were taken to hospital following a two-car collision on Lasswade Road in Edinburgh on Sunday, 6 September 2026. Police said the crash took place at around 12.45pm.
As reported by STV News, the road was closed between Gracemount Avenue and Captain's Road in the aftermath of the incident. No further details about the condition of those involved were available at the time of reporting.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
When two or more vehicles are involved in a collision, anyone who suffers injury as a result may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim under Scots law. This includes drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians who were affected by the incident.
In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with the driver whose actions caused or contributed to the collision. This is assessed by reference to the Highway Code, witness accounts, police reports, dashcam footage, and any other available evidence. Where fault is shared between two parties, Scots law allows for contributory negligence to be taken into account, meaning that compensation can still be awarded even if the injured person was partly responsible, though any award may be reduced proportionately.
Claims are typically brought against the at-fault driver's motor insurer. In cases where a driver is uninsured or the vehicle involved cannot be traced, the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) operates a scheme that allows injured parties in Scotland to seek compensation regardless.
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 in which to do so. In the case of a road traffic collision such as this one, the three-year period would ordinarily run from the date of the crash itself.
There are limited exceptions to this rule. Where the injured person is a child, the three-year period does not begin until they turn 16. Where a person lacks legal capacity, the period is suspended for as long as that incapacity continues. In cases involving injuries whose full effects were not immediately apparent, the three-year period may run from the date on which the person first became aware, or ought reasonably to have become aware, that they had suffered a significant injury.
Although three years may seem a long time, gathering medical evidence, negotiating with insurers, and preparing a detailed claim all take time. It is generally advisable not to delay in seeking advice after an accident.
What compensation can cover
A successful personal injury claim following a road traffic accident in Scotland can cover a range of losses, both financial and non-financial. These typically include:
- Solatium - a sum awarded for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by the injury itself. This reflects how the injury has affected the claimant's quality of life, both at the time of the accident and into the future.
- Loss of earnings - where injuries have prevented the claimant from working, either temporarily or on a longer-term basis, lost income can be recovered. This includes both past losses and projected future earnings where appropriate.
- Care and assistance - if a claimant has needed help with everyday tasks such as personal care, housework, or childcare as a result of their injuries, the reasonable cost of that assistance can be claimed, whether it was provided by a paid carer or informally by a family member.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation - the cost of physiotherapy, specialist appointments, medication, or any other treatment required as a direct result of the accident.
- Travel expenses - reasonable travel costs incurred in attending medical appointments or treatment sessions connected to the injury.
It is worth noting that not every claim will include all of these heads of loss. The amount awarded in each case depends on the nature and severity of the injuries and the individual circumstances of the claimant.
One point worth being aware of when instructing a claims service is how fees are structured. Many Scottish personal injury firms deduct up to 20% of 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 I claim if I was a driver involved in a two-car crash?
Yes. A driver who was injured in a road traffic accident can bring a claim against the other driver's insurer if that driver was at fault. Even where there is some dispute about responsibility, a claim can still proceed, and any award may be adjusted to reflect shared fault under the contributory negligence rules that apply in Scotland.
What if the other driver was uninsured?
If the at-fault driver did not have valid motor insurance, a claim can be made to the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) under the Uninsured Drivers Agreement. The MIB exists specifically to compensate victims of uninsured and, in some cases, untraced drivers. The same general time limits apply to MIB claims as to standard personal injury claims in Scotland.
How long does a road traffic accident claim in Scotland take to settle?
Timescales vary considerably depending on the complexity of the injuries, whether liability is disputed, and how quickly the insurers respond. Straightforward claims involving clear liability and fully healed injuries can sometimes be resolved within several months. Claims involving ongoing or serious injuries, or disputed fault, may take longer, sometimes running to a year or more.
Do I need a police report to make a claim?
A police report can be very useful supporting evidence, but it is not a legal requirement for bringing a personal injury claim. Other evidence, such as photographs from the scene, witness statements, dashcam footage, and medical records, can all be used to support a claim where a formal police report is limited or unavailable.
What is solatium and how is it calculated?
Solatium is the Scottish legal term for compensation awarded for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by an injury. It is calculated by reference to the nature, severity, and duration of the injury, using judicial guidelines and previous court awards as a benchmark. It is distinct from financial losses such as lost earnings, which are claimed separately.
Based on reporting by STV News, 6 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.