Road Traffic Accident Solicitors — Scotland

Road Traffic Accidents

Road Traffic Accident Claims

Road traffic accidents (RTA) can lead to very serious injuries, including catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain damage, limb loss, and lifelong spinal conditions. Vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists are disproportionately at risk of severe injuries in collisions with larger vehicles. According to Transport Scotland, there were 1,931 people seriously injured on Scotland’s roads in 2024.

Common Injuries Sustained in Road Traffic Accidents

Here are some common injuries sustained in road traffic accidents:

•  Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents caused by the sudden jerking of the head and neck upon impact. Your symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
• Cuts and bruises caused by glass, metal, and other debris. While these may be minor injuries, they can still be grounds for road traffic accident claims.
• Broken bones from the force of a collision can cause fractures, which may require extensive medical treatment and time off work. If you’ve suffered a broken bone in a road traffic accident in Scotland, you could be entitled to road accident compensation.
• Sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, tendons, and ligaments are common in road accidents. These injuries can be painful and can severely impact your daily movements.
• Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering your life. If you’ve suffered injury to the spine in a crash, you may be able to make a substantial RTA claim.
• Head and brain injuries can have long-lasting effects on your cognitive health, mental capacity and physical appearance. If you’ve sustained a head injury in a road traffic accident caused by another person, you could be eligible for compensation.
• Psychological trauma from a road accident can be just as severe as physical injuries. If you’ve developed anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a crash, this can be factored into your road accident claim.
• Fatal injuries, such as those sustained in a motor accident, can be devastating for the family left behind. If a family member has died due to someone else’s negligence on the roads, you may be able to make a road traffic injury claim on behalf of their estate.

These injuries can result from various types of road traffic accidents, not just those involving cars. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are also vulnerable to serious injuries when caught in collisions with vehicles.

At Watermans, our car crash solicitors are here to offer straightforward legal advice and to help you seek the road traffic injury compensation that you deserve.

Making a Claim

Who Qualifies For Road Traffic Injury Claims?

Being involved in a road accident that wasn’t your fault entitles you to pursue a compensation claim against the responsible party. Under Scots law, you generally have three years to settle your claim or raise and serve a court action. This is from the date of the accident or when you became aware of the injury.

Every road traffic accident claim is different, and the compensation depends on your specific circumstances, the nature of your injuries, how they have affected your life, and who was at fault.

You may be eligible to make a car accident claim if you were:

•  A driver or passenger in a vehicle caught in an accident caused by another party’s negligence.
• A motorcyclist injured due to another person’s actions on the road.
• A pedestrian caught in an accident, such as being struck by a vehicle or motorbike, while walking, running or standing near a road.
• A cyclist who has suffered an injury due to another party’s negligence, and wishes to pursue cycling accident compensation.
• A passenger on a bus that crashed and suffered injuries, which could lead to a claim against the bus company.
• A driver or passenger injured in a collision with a truck, which can cause serious harm due to the size and weight of the vehicle involved.
• A passenger in a taxi where the taxi driver’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries.

In addition to the above, you may also be able to make road traffic accident claims if you were injured on the road in an accident involving a horse.

It is also worth noting that injured drivers can claim even when they were partly responsible for an accident, provided the other party carried some degree of fault. An injured person in this situation may still be entitled to a proportion of the compensation available.

Essentially, anyone involved in a road traffic accident through no fault of their own has a right to be compensated for medical costs, loss of earnings and any other expenses incurred due to the accident. Your solicitor will assess the specific circumstances of your case and advise on the best course of action.

How Do I Make a Road Traffic Accident Claim?

At Watermans, we understand that making a financial compensation claim can seem like a daunting task, but we can help ensure your claim progresses smoothly.

Our road traffic accident solicitors are here to help you and offer straightforward legal representation to guide you through the claims process, without any upfront fees.

Here is a straightforward overview of how the claims process typically works:

• Initial discussion: You will speak with one of our solicitors, who will listen to your circumstances, outline your options and explain any fee agreement before work begins.
• Gathering evidence: Watermans will handle the collection of all relevant medical evidence, medical records and police reports on your behalf. You are not expected to chase witnesses or take statements; our team organises this for you.
• Medical examination: You may be asked to attend a medical examination with an independent expert, whose report will form part of your claim and help quantify the impact of your injuries.
• Negotiating with the other side: Your solicitor will engage directly with the insurance company and the parties involved on your behalf to obtain the best possible outcome.
• Interim payments: In cases involving longer-term recovery, it may be possible to arrange interim payments. This helps cover immediate costs such as medical treatment, travel or lost income while your claim is ongoing.
• Settlement or court: Most road traffic accident claims are settled without court proceedings. If an agreement cannot be reached, Watermans will guide you through the next steps. For low-value claims, there is a separate legal process under Scots law that may apply, which your solicitor will explain.

Remember, we are here to take the hassle out of the legal side of things for you and seek the compensation you deserve for your suffering. Speak to one of our expert personal injury solicitors to start your claim today.

Ready to take the next step? Our road traffic accident solicitors in Scotland offer straightforward legal advice from the very first conversation. Request a callback, and we’ll be in touch.

How Much Compensation?

How Much Compensation Can I Claim For a Road Traffic Accident?

Compensation claims for road traffic accidents in Scotland are awarded on a case-by-case basis. The amount you could receive depends on the severity of your injuries and other factors, like lost wages.

If your case involved you or a loved one in a road traffic accident through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to financial compensation from the negligent party. It’s possible to claim the following:

• Compensation for pain and suffering stemming from an accident. The amount you could receive will depend on the type of injury and how severe it is.
• Compensation for loss of earnings as a result of going on sick leave after an accident. If you can’t return to work at all, you might be able to claim for future lost earnings, too.
• Expenses resulting from an accident, including damage to property or clothing and the cost of attending medical appointments.
• Costs of repairing your vehicle or pursuing a claim with the insurance company for the value of your vehicle if it’s written off.
• Compensation for post-accident treatments that you might need, including physiotherapy and counselling.
• Compensation for services provided by family members after an accident, such as helping you get washed and dressed, with housework, and with grocery shopping.

The road traffic accident compensation you could receive will vary significantly depending on factors such as the nature of your injuries, how they affect your daily life, and whether you can return to work.

Our expert car accident lawyers fully investigate each case, whether it’s a challenging case or a straightforward one. We work to ensure we get the maximum settlement amount possible for you.

Use our road traffic accident injury compensation calculator to estimate the value of your potential accident claims.

Why Watermans?

Why Should I Choose Watermans To Pursue My Personal Injury Claim?

Watermans simplifies legal services so people can move forward in life.

Our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers is committed to doing everything to make the claims process straightforward and secure the compensation you deserve.

We also provide access to a range of additional services, such as physiotherapy and psychological treatment, to support your rehabilitation.

Trusted Road Accident Solicitors In Scotland

We hold a 4.9/5* rating from over 1,290 reviews on Review Solicitors, reflecting the quality of service our clients experience throughout their claims.

Our expertise in personal injury covers a wide range of areas, including:

• Accidents at work
• Public liability claims
• Accidents on the road
• Fatal and serious personal injury claims
• Cases relating to abuse

With law firms in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dunfermline and Dundee, our team of expert solicitors represent thousands of clients throughout Scotland each year, securing millions of pounds in personal injury compensation claims for our clients.

Getting the right support after a road traffic accident makes a real difference. Our road traffic accident lawyers Scotland-wide can advise on your individual circumstances, gather the evidence needed, and negotiate a settlement that reflects what you have actually been through.