The information you need after a car crash in Scotland
Being involved in a car crash is a stressful and disorienting experience. Whether the collision was minor or serious, what you do in the immediate aftermath, and what information you gather, can make a significant difference to any personal injury claim you make later. This guide explains exactly what details you should collect, record, and keep safe if you have been in a road traffic accident in Scotland.
The more information you gather at the scene and in the days that follow, the stronger your position will be if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim. You keep 100% of any compensation you are awarded when you claim through Scotland Claims, with no success fee deducted.
Information to collect at the scene
If it is safe to do so, try to gather the following details before you leave the scene of the accident.
Details of the other driver or drivers
- Full name
- Home address
- Phone number
- Email address (if they are willing to provide it)
Vehicle information
- Vehicle registration number (this is the most important detail)
- Make, model, and colour of the other vehicle
- Name of the other driver's insurer and their policy number, if they have it to hand
Witnesses
If anyone saw the crash, ask for their name and contact details. An independent witness statement can carry significant weight when a claim is disputed. Note down where they were standing and what they say they saw, even if it is just a brief note on your phone.
Police details
If the police attended the scene, ask for the attending officer's name and collar number, and note the police reference number assigned to the incident. This will allow your solicitor to request a copy of any police report later.
Photographic evidence
Use your phone to photograph the following if it is safe to do so:
- Damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle
- The position of vehicles on the road
- Skid marks, road debris, or any hazards that contributed to the crash
- Road signs, junctions, traffic lights, or road markings in the area
- Any visible injuries you have sustained
- Weather and road conditions
Your own details and circumstances
When you make a claim, your solicitor will also need information about you and your involvement in the accident. Be prepared to provide the following:
Personal details
- Your full name, address, date of birth, and contact information
- Your own vehicle registration and your insurer's details
- Your National Insurance number (this may be needed for certain aspects of your claim)
A description of the accident
Write down your account of what happened as soon as possible, while the details are fresh in your memory. Include:
- The date, time, and location of the crash
- The direction you were travelling and what you were doing immediately before the impact
- What you believe caused the accident
- The sequence of events leading up to and after the collision
Details of your injuries
Even if you feel fine at the scene, some injuries, such as whiplash, soft tissue damage, or concussion, may not become apparent until hours or days later. Keep a written record of:
- Every symptom you experience, and when it started
- How your injuries affect your daily life, sleep, work, and leisure activities
- Every medical appointment, GP visit, A and E attendance, or physiotherapy session
- Any medication you are prescribed or purchase over the counter as a result of your injuries
Financial losses and expenses
A personal injury claim in Scotland can include compensation for financial losses as well as pain and suffering. Keep a careful record of:
- Earnings lost if you have had to take time off work
- Travel costs to medical appointments
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Care or assistance you have needed from family or friends
- Any other out-of-pocket expenses directly caused by the accident
Gather receipts, wage slips, and bank statements to support these claims. Your solicitor will advise you on which losses are recoverable under Scots law.
What happens when you submit this information to make a claim
Once you have gathered this information and decide to make a claim, your solicitor will use it to build your case. In Scotland, personal injury claims are subject to a three-year time limit under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973. This means you generally have three years from the date of the accident to raise a court action, so it is sensible not to delay seeking advice.
Depending on the value of your claim, it may be dealt with in the sheriff court or the Court of Session. Your solicitor will assess the appropriate route and guide you through the process.
Quick reference: information checklist
| Category |
What to collect |
When to gather it |
| Other driver |
Name, address, phone number, insurer |
At the scene |
| Other vehicle |
Registration, make, model, colour |
At the scene |
| Witnesses |
Names and contact details |
At the scene |
| Police |
Officer name, collar number, incident reference |
At the scene |
| Photographs |
Damage, positions, road, injuries |
At the scene (if safe) |
| Your account |
Written description of events |
As soon as possible after |
| Medical records |
GP visits, hospital, prescriptions |
Ongoing |
| Financial losses |
Receipts, wage slips, travel costs |
Ongoing |
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important piece of information to get after a car crash?
The other driver's vehicle registration number is the single most important detail. With this, your solicitor can trace the owner, confirm insurance details, and identify the responsible party even if the other driver refuses to cooperate or leaves the scene before you can collect their personal details.
What if the other driver refuses to give me their details?
You are entitled to report the matter to the police. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, a driver involved in an accident that causes injury or damage must stop and provide their details. If they fail to do so, that is a criminal offence. Photograph their vehicle and registration plate if you can, and report the incident to Police Scotland as soon as possible.
Do I need to tell my own insurer about the accident?
Yes. Most motor insurance policies require you to report any accident, even if you do not intend to make a claim through your own policy. Failing to report it could affect your cover. Reporting an accident does not necessarily mean your premium will increase, and it does not commit you to making a claim.
How long do I have to make a personal injury claim in Scotland?
In Scotland, the general time limit for raising a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident, under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973. There are limited exceptions, for example where the injured person is a child or lacked legal capacity. It is always best to seek legal advice as soon as possible rather than waiting.
What if I did not collect much information at the scene because I was injured or shocked?
Do not worry. Many people are unable to gather information at the scene due to shock, pain, or the seriousness of their injuries. A solicitor can still investigate your claim using DVLA records, police reports, CCTV footage, dashcam recordings, and insurer records. Contact a solicitor as soon as you are able and explain what happened.
Will making a claim reduce how much compensation I receive?
Not when you claim through Scotland Claims. Many Scottish solicitors charge a success fee of up to 20% of your compensation. Scotland Claims charges a 0% success fee, which means you keep 100% of whatever compensation you are awarded. There are no hidden deductions from your settlement.