Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers — Scotland

A commercial vehicle accident involving your lorry can be stressful and traumatic, especially if it wasn't your fault. At Watermans, our commercial vehicle accident lawyers are here to help you recover the personal injury compensation you may be entitled to, manage any vehicle repairs and secure a replacement vehicle.

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Hassle Free

"I’d like to thank Jonny Richardson in particular. He is very polite and friendly, and explained things in a way that I understood. He made the whole process hassle and stress free for me."

L Duthie, Personal Injury Claim

The Short of It

  • Being involved in a commercial vehicle accident is frustrating,

    especially if it wasn't your fault.

  • At Watermans, we help thousands of road users every year pursue compensation claims for road accidents,

    including those involving large commercial vehicles such as box trucks and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

  • Our legal team will handle the whole claims process, from arranging a replacement vehicle to filing

    a commercial vehicle accident case against the negligent party.

  • Everything we do at Watermans is about getting you the resolution you need

    and providing straightforward legal advice. It should be that simple.

    • The Long of It

    Commercial Vehicle Accidents

    Commercial Vehicle Accident Claims

    According to Transport Scotland, 1,930 people were seriously injured in road collisions in Scotland in 2023, with accidents involving heavy goods vehicles among the most severe on our roads.

    Road traffic accidents can be traumatic and stressful for you and your loved ones. They can lead to catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord injuries, financial loss and vehicle damage with devastating long-term effects. If you’ve been involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation covering your injuries, financial losses and any damage to your vehicle.

    Our commercial vehicle accident lawyers are here to offer straightforward legal advice to help you understand what you may be entitled to. The circumstances of each accident vary, and so do the outcomes. Causes can include dangerous driving, driver fatigue or poor vehicle maintenance, all of which affect who is held responsible. Some cases involve minor injuries, while others result in life-changing injuries such as:

    If you’re dealing with serious injuries after an accident, we can help you build a strong personal injury claim.

    What Counts as a Commercial Vehicle?

    Commercial vehicle accidents often involve more complex legal and insurance issues compared to typical car accidents. Their increased size and weight, potential for greater injuries and the number of liable parties make these cases especially challenging.

    For example, a commercial vehicle accident claim may involve multiple parties. This includes the driver, the trucking company, vehicle manufacturers, and the cargo-loading crew. That’s why it’s essential to work with experienced commercial vehicle injury lawyers who can identify all liable parties on your behalf.

    Types of Commercial Vehicles

    Here are some of the common types of vehicles involved in these incidents: 

    • Large commercial vehicles: This includes commercial trucks, rigid lorries and other heavy goods vehicles used for long or short-distance transportation.
    • Delivery trucks: These are smaller vehicles that often make frequent stops in urban areas.
    • Buses: Commercial buses include public transportation buses, school buses, charter buses or other large passenger vehicles. Bus accidents often lead to serious or fatal injuries. A claim may be pursued by the injured party or, where relevant, by the deceased’s family.
    • Cars used for commercial purposes: While we often think of larger vehicles in commercial accidents, cars can also be classified as commercial vehicles when used for business, including taxis and company cars. In these cases, our car accident lawyers can help you work out who is liable and what you may be able to claim.

    It’s also worth noting that pedestrian accident claims can arise from commercial vehicle incidents, particularly in busy urban areas where delivery vehicles operate. If you were injured as a pedestrian, cyclist or other road user, the same principles of responsibility and compensation apply.

    What Counts as a Commercial Vehicle?

    Commercial vehicle accidents often involve more complex legal and insurance issues compared to typical car accidents. Their increased size and weight, potential for greater injuries and the number of liable parties make these cases especially challenging.

    For example, a commercial vehicle accident claim may involve multiple parties. This includes the driver, the trucking company, vehicle manufacturers, and the cargo-loading crew. That’s why it’s essential to work with experienced commercial vehicle injury lawyers who can identify all liable parties on your behalf.

    Types of Commercial Vehicles

    Here are some of the common types of vehicles involved in these incidents: 

    • Large commercial vehicles: This includes commercial trucks, rigid lorries and other heavy goods vehicles used for long or short-distance transportation.
    • Delivery trucks: These are smaller vehicles that often make frequent stops in urban areas.
    • Buses: Commercial buses include public transportation buses, school buses, charter buses or other large passenger vehicles. Bus accidents often lead to serious or fatal injuries. A claim may be pursued by the injured party or, where relevant, by the deceased’s family.
    • Cars used for commercial purposes: While we often think of larger vehicles in commercial accidents, cars can also be classified as commercial vehicles when used for business, including taxis and company cars. In these cases, our car accident lawyers can help you work out who is liable and what you may be able to claim.

    It’s also worth noting that pedestrian accident claims can arise from commercial vehicle incidents, particularly in busy urban areas where delivery vehicles operate. If you were injured as a pedestrian, cyclist or other road user, the same principles of responsibility and compensation apply.

    Making a Claim

    How Do I Make a Commercial Vehicle Accident Claim?

    If you have been involved in a truck accident, you may be unsure where to begin. Navigating the claims process can feel complex, especially when you’re also dealing with injury, stress or time off work. That’s why our commercial truck accident lawyers are here to help you through every step clearly, efficiently and with your best outcome in mind.

    Here are the key steps to follow when filing a truck accident claim: 

    • Contact a personal injury lawyer: Reach out to our experienced legal team. We’ll guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
    • Gather evidence: Our commercial vehicle accident lawyers will collect all relevant information, including photos of the accident scene, medical records of any injuries sustained and police reports.
    • Identify at-fault parties: We’ll help determine who may be liable for the accident. This may be the driver, the trucking company, or even the vehicle manufacturers.
    • Submit the claim: Our experienced lawyers will submit the necessary paperwork to initiate your accident claim within the required timeframe.
    • Arrange vehicle repairs: We’ll arrange quality accident repairs on your behalf, so you don’t need to worry about this step.
    • Seek compensation for injuries and losses: You may be eligible for financial compensation for medical costs and loss of earnings.

    How Much Compensation?

    How Much Compensation Can I Claim For a Commercial Vehicle Accident?

    Compensation is awarded on a case-by-case basis. The financial support you could receive depends on various factors, such as the severity of your injuries and loss of wages.

    You may be able to claim substantial compensation for:

    • Medical bills: This includes the cost of your immediate treatment and any ongoing care needed. Where physical injuries require longer-term support, we ensure those future medical expenses are factored into your claim.
    • Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim for lost income. This includes both current and potential future earnings if your ability to work is permanently affected.
    • Physical pain and suffering: Compensation can be awarded for the pain you’ve endured due to the accident. This amount typically depends on the severity and duration of your pain.
    • Emotional trauma: Road traffic accidents can have a substantial psychological impact. You may be compensated for anxiety, depression or PTSD resulting from the incident.
    • Property damage: This covers the repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.

    Our commercial vehicle injury lawyers investigate each case in detail to understand the impact on your life. We’ll also handle negotiations with insurance companies and work to reach a fair final settlement on your behalf.

    To get a rough idea of what your claim could be worth as a guide, use our personal injury claims calculator before speaking to our team.

    Why Watermans?

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

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

    With solicitors in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dunfermline and Dundee, we are your trusted personal injury law firm and helpful advisors in Scotland. Our expert team is dedicated to making the claims process as straightforward as possible for our clients following a road traffic accident.

    We also provide additional services, such as physiotherapy and rehabilitation support, to ensure you recover from your injuries as soon as possible and get your life back on track.

    Trusted Personal Injury Solicitors in Scotland

    When you’re dealing with something as serious as a commercial vehicle accident claim, knowing your solicitors are properly regulated matters. Watermans is listed on the Law Society of Scotland directory and holds a 4.9/5* rating from over 1,300 reviews on Review Solicitors.

    Our expert personal injury solicitors handle a wide range of issues, including:

    We represent thousands of clients throughout Scotland each year, securing millions of pounds in compensation. Our commercial vehicle accident lawyers work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so if your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t pay a thing.

    FAQs About Commercial Accident Claims

    Under Scots Law, you generally have three years to claim compensation after any personal injury. However, this doesn’t mean you have three years following the date of your accident to start the claims process.

    You’re required to have raised a court action or settled your commercial vehicle accident claim within this three-year timeframe. There are some exceptions to this rule. A Watermans solicitor will advise you on the best course of action for your specific circumstances.

    It’s important to note that commercial vehicle accident cases often involve multiple parties and extensive investigations. So, starting the process early gives our commercial vehicle accident lawyer the best chance to build a strong case on your behalf.

    If you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, taking the right steps immediately after is important for your safety and any potential legal claim. Here’s what you should do:

    • Ensure safety first: Check yourself and others for minor or severe injuries. If possible, move to a safe area away from traffic.
    • Call emergency services: Report the road traffic accident to the police and request medical assistance if needed.
    • Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions and any visible injuries. This evidence is vital for your claim.
    • Gather information: Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver(s) involved. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses.
    • Avoid admitting fault: Even if you think you might be partially responsible, don’t admit fault at the scene. We’ll assist in determining liability when you start the claims process.
    • Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, you may not be immediately aware of some injuries. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible following your accident gives you the best chance at a faster recovery and can be used, if needed, as evidence for your claim.
    • Report the incident to your insurance company: Inform your insurer about the accident, but avoid giving detailed statements until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.

    Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance on your next steps after a commercial vehicle accident.

    We understand that you may be worried about the cost of legal representation. We aim to make our services accessible to all who need them, especially those dealing with lorry accident claims or other serious incidents.

    We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your options.

    A commercial vehicle accident lawyer will clearly explain our fee structure during your consultation, so you have a full understanding before deciding to proceed with your claim.

    When a commercial vehicle is operated as part of a business, the employer may share responsibility for the actions of their driver under the legal principle of vicarious liability.

    This means you may claim against the company rather than the individual driver alone. This is particularly relevant in cases involving delivery companies, haulage firms and bus operators. Our team will identify all responsible parties and pursue your claim accordingly.

    If the vehicle involved was uninsured or the driver fled the scene, you may still be able to claim compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

    The MIB exists to compensate victims of uninsured and untraced drivers in Scotland. This is a more complex process, and having experienced solicitors on your side makes a significant difference. Watermans can advise you on whether an MIB claim is the right route for your circumstances.

    Get the compensation you deserve with a trusted team on your side.
    Contact our commercial vehicle accident lawyers for expert, straightforward legal representation.

    How much could you claim?

    The figures quoted are a rough guide to show you the amount you could receive as compensation for your injury. Our solicitors will advise you in more detail about your specific claim.

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    Your claim could be worth...

    Claim Worth

    The figures quoted are a rough guide to show you the amount you could receive as compensation for your injury. Our solicitors will advise you in more detail about your specific claim.

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    Get in touch with us

    Everything we do at Watermans is about getting you the resolution you need and making that process straightforward. Start the process by sending us your details below or calling us on 0131 555 7055

    Our personal injury claims expert

    “I enjoy the challenge of putting my clients back in a position they would have been in, had they not been unfortunate to suffer an accident through no fault of their own.”

    John Dillon, Head of Dispute Resolution

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