Based on reporting by STV News, 30 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to STV News, a collision occurred just after 10.30am on a Wednesday near Anderston Cross in Glasgow, close to the junction of the M8 motorway and the Clydeside Expressway. The incident took place on Argyle Street, and STV News understands the vehicle involved came to rest on its roof.
An ambulance spokesperson confirmed that two patients were transported to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital following the incident, with both a standard ambulance and a paramedic response unit dispatched to the scene, as reported by STV News.
Police Scotland confirmed that a woman has been charged in connection with a road traffic offence and will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in due course. No further details about the nature of the charges have been made public at this stage.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
When someone is injured in a road traffic collision in Scotland, they may be entitled to make a personal injury claim for compensation. Scots law requires that a claim be brought against the party whose negligence or wrongdoing caused the injury. In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with the driver of a vehicle involved, and claims are typically pursued against that driver's motor insurance policy rather than against the individual personally.
Where a criminal charge has been brought in connection with a road traffic offence, this does not automatically resolve any civil claim for compensation. The two processes are separate. A criminal prosecution is brought by the Crown, whereas a civil claim is pursued by the injured person to seek financial redress for their losses. A criminal conviction can, however, be used as evidence in civil proceedings.
In cases where a vehicle has overturned, injuries can range from soft tissue damage and fractures to more serious spinal or head injuries. The severity of the injuries will have a direct bearing on the value of any compensation award. If the other party's insurer disputes liability or the extent of the injuries, independent medical evidence and witness accounts will be central to the claim.
Time limits
In Scotland, the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973 sets a general three-year time limit within which a personal injury claim must be raised in court. The three-year period typically runs from the date of the accident or from the date on which the injured person first became aware that they had suffered a significant injury as a result of the incident.
There are limited exceptions to this rule. Where an injured person was under 16 at the time of the accident, the three-year period does not begin until they turn 16. Where a person lacks legal capacity due to a serious injury, the court retains discretion to allow a claim to proceed beyond the standard period. Despite these exceptions, it is always advisable to seek legal advice as early as possible, as gathering evidence and obtaining medical records becomes more difficult as time passes.
What compensation can cover
A successful road traffic accident claim in Scotland can include several distinct heads of loss, which together make up the total award. These typically include:
- Solatium - this is compensation for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the injuries themselves. The amount depends on the nature and severity of the injury and how long recovery takes.
- Loss of earnings - if an injured person has been unable to work, or has had their earning capacity reduced, they may claim for income lost both before and after the date of settlement or judgment.
- Care and assistance - where a family member or friend has provided unpaid care during recovery, a reasonable sum can be claimed to reflect the value of that care.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation - costs of physiotherapy, specialist consultations, prescriptions and any other treatment required as a result of the injuries can be included.
- Travel expenses - the cost of attending medical appointments, court hearings or other appointments directly related to the claim and the injuries is recoverable.
- Future losses - where injuries are long-lasting or permanent, claims can also address ongoing losses such as future loss of earnings or the ongoing cost of care.
It is worth noting that clients who pursue a claim through certain services keep 100% of any compensation awarded, with a 0% success fee applied. This contrasts with many Scottish personal injury firms, which deduct up to 20% of the compensation as a success fee, significantly reducing the amount the injured person actually receives.
Frequently asked questions
Can a passenger in a vehicle that overturns make a compensation claim in Scotland?
Yes. A passenger injured in a road traffic collision generally has a strong basis for a personal injury claim, as they are rarely considered to be at fault for the accident. A claim would typically be made against the insurer of the driver whose conduct caused the crash. Passengers should seek legal advice promptly and record all details of their injuries and treatment.
Does a criminal charge against a driver affect my civil compensation claim?
The civil and criminal processes are separate in Scots law. A criminal charge or conviction does not automatically result in compensation for injured parties, but a conviction can be relied upon as evidence in civil proceedings. An injured person must still pursue a separate civil claim to recover compensation for their losses.
What if I was taken to hospital but was discharged the same day? Can I still claim?
Yes. Even injuries that initially appear minor can cause ongoing pain or complications. Attending hospital after an accident creates a medical record that supports a claim. The value of any award will reflect the actual impact on your health and daily life, so it is worth seeking advice regardless of how quickly you were discharged.
How long does a road traffic accident claim typically take to resolve in Scotland?
The timescale varies considerably depending on the complexity of the case, whether liability is disputed, and how long recovery takes. Straightforward claims where liability is accepted can sometimes be resolved within several months. More complex cases, particularly those involving serious or long-term injuries, may take considerably longer, sometimes two years or more.
What evidence should I try to gather after a road traffic accident?
Useful evidence includes photographs of the scene and any vehicles involved, contact details for any witnesses, a copy of the police incident reference number, all medical records and correspondence relating to your injuries, and records of any expenses incurred. The sooner evidence is gathered, the better, as dashcam footage and CCTV recordings may be overwritten within days.
Based on reporting by STV News, 30 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.