Based on reporting by Glasgow Times, 13 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to the Glasgow Times, a woman in her early 20s was seriously injured in a road traffic collision on the A736 Lochlibo Road in East Ayrshire, at its junction with the B778 Bloak Road. The incident is reported to have occurred in the early morning of Friday 11 September 2026, at around 7.10am.
The Glasgow Times reports that the woman, who was driving a blue saloon car, was taken by emergency services to a major Glasgow hospital, where her condition is described as critical. Police Scotland closed the road to allow collision investigators to examine the scene.
As reported by the Glasgow Times, a Police Scotland sergeant appealed for witnesses and urged any motorists who were travelling on the A736 at the relevant time to come forward, particularly those with dash-cam footage that might assist officers in establishing the full circumstances of the collision. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting the relevant incident number.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
When a person is seriously injured in a road traffic collision in Scotland, they may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim for compensation. Such claims are governed by Scots law and follow a distinct legal framework from the rest of the United Kingdom.
In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with a driver whose standard of care fell below that reasonably expected on the road. Every driver in Scotland is required to hold valid motor insurance, and in many cases a claim is pursued against the at-fault driver's insurer. Where a driver is uninsured or cannot be traced, the Motor Insurers' Bureau may provide a route to compensation for injured parties.
It is important to note that a claim cannot be brought while a police investigation is ongoing, and any findings from the collision investigation will often be relevant to establishing what happened. However, gathering information early, including witness details and any available footage, can be valuable to a future claim.
Time limits
In Scotland, the right to pursue a personal injury claim is subject to a three-year time limit under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973. In most cases, this period begins on the date of the accident itself, or the date on which the injured person first became aware that they had suffered a significant injury.
Where the injured person lacks legal capacity, for example because they remain in a critical or unconscious condition for a prolonged period, the three-year clock may not begin to run until capacity is regained. This is an important exception that can provide additional time in the most serious cases.
While there is no obligation to act immediately, and it is entirely understandable that those affected by a serious collision may not feel ready to consider legal matters, it is advisable to be aware of the time limit so that no future options are lost.
What compensation can cover
If a claim is successfully pursued, compensation in Scotland can cover a range of losses and impacts. These typically include:
- Solatium - a sum to reflect the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the injuries sustained.
- Loss of earnings - where the injured person has been unable to work as a result of their injuries, both past and future income losses may be claimed.
- Care and assistance - where a person has required care from family members or professional carers during recovery, the cost of that care may form part of a claim.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation - costs associated with treatment, physiotherapy, psychological support or specialist care can be included.
- Travel and accommodation - reasonable travel costs incurred attending medical appointments or receiving treatment may also be recoverable.
In very serious cases where a person sustains life-changing injuries, claims may also take into account future care needs, adaptations to the home, and the long-term effect on quality of life. Each case is assessed on its own circumstances, and the level of compensation will depend on the nature and extent of the injuries involved.
Frequently asked questions
Can a claim be made while the police investigation is still ongoing?
It is generally not possible to bring a formal compensation claim until the circumstances of a collision have been sufficiently established. However, it is sensible to take early steps such as preserving evidence and noting witness details. A solicitor can advise on the appropriate time to begin proceedings once the investigation has concluded.
What if the injured person cannot act for themselves due to their condition?
Scots law makes provision for situations where an injured person lacks legal capacity, for example because of a serious or critical condition. In such cases, a family member or appointed representative may be able to act on their behalf, and the time limit under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973 may be suspended until capacity is regained.
Who pays compensation if the other driver is insured?
In most road traffic accident claims, compensation is paid by the at-fault driver's motor insurer rather than by the driver personally. All drivers in Scotland are legally required to hold third-party motor insurance. Where an uninsured or untraced driver is involved, the Motor Insurers' Bureau operates a scheme that may allow an injured person to still recover compensation.
How long does a road accident claim typically take to resolve in Scotland?
The duration of a claim varies considerably depending on its complexity, the severity of the injuries, and whether liability is disputed. Straightforward claims may resolve within several months, while serious or contested cases can take considerably longer. It is usually advisable to wait until medical recovery has stabilised before accepting any settlement, to ensure the full extent of losses is properly accounted for.
Will legal fees be deducted from any compensation received?
In Scotland, it is possible to pursue a personal injury claim on a fee arrangement where no fees are deducted from the compensation you receive. The precise terms will depend on the arrangement agreed with the solicitor handling the claim, and these should be explained clearly at the outset.
Based on reporting by Glasgow Times, 13 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.