If you’ve been in an accident that wasn't your fault, the last thing you need to worry about is how you'll get around or pay for vehicle repairs. At Watermans, our expert team is here to help you make a vehicle repair claim and recover any related out-of-pocket expenses. These can include lost income, property damage and the cost of any medical treatment you need.
“Car was fixed in a timely manner to a high standard, all without the hassle of dealing with an insurance company. Another plus was the speedy referral to a local private physio for treatment and rehabilitation of whiplash injuries.”
K Whyte, Personal Injury Claim
Being involved in a road traffic accident can be stressful and frustrating,
especially when it wasn't your fault.
You may be worried about how you'll get to work,
take the kids to school or manage daily routines while your car is being repaired.
Our vehicle repair team can arrange a replacement vehicle for you
while yours is being repaired and make a case against the at-fault party's insurers.
Everything we do at Watermans is about getting you the resolution you need
and providing straightforward legal advice. It should be that simple.
Car Accident Repairs
As a car owner, being involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault can be stressful and frustrating. Your vehicle may need to be repaired, and the last thing you need to worry about is how you’re going to get around while your car is being fixed.
At Watermans, we provide our clients with a like-for-like replacement vehicle as soon as possible. Our car hire service gives you access to thousands of makes and models across the country.
Whether you usually drive a seven-seater, a stylish coupé, something more rugged, or anything in between, we’ll get a suitable replacement while your car undergoes repairs. It’s part of our non-fault car hire guarantee.
Using Watermans to pursue your vehicle repair claim means your car is repaired using genuine, manufacturer-approved parts, not the cheapest alternative.
Often, when dealing with insurance companies, you’ll find that their priority is performing repairs at the lowest possible cost. These could result in using unsuitable parts on your vehicle, leading to faulty repairs, further damage, or even a nullified warranty.
Making a Claim
Following a vehicle accident that wasn’t your fault, you may think that the first thing you should do is make a car insurance claim.
Although it is important to act quickly after an accident, there are a few potential issues with calling your insurance company first, including:
It’s also worth knowing that Watermans gathers the evidence needed to support your claim on your behalf. You are not expected to contact witnesses or take statements—we’ll handle that for you.
What to Expect During Repair
Once we take on your case, an approved garage will assess the full extent of the damage before any repair work begins. Every repair is signed off to confirm your car has been returned to its pre-accident condition, placing the obligation on the at-fault party to restore you to the position you were in before the loss occurred. If additional damage is identified during the repair work, we liaise directly with the insurer. There is no extra cost to you at any stage.
According to the Association of British Insurers, insurers paid out a record £6.1 billion in vehicle repair costs in 2023 alone, a rise of 31% on the previous year, reflecting how significantly repair costs have increased across the UK.
If your car has not been repaired properly following an accident, our solicitors are here to help you understand your options. In Scotland, time limits apply to pursuing a claim, so taking advice early ensures you have the best opportunity to gather evidence and take the right steps before those deadlines pass.
How Much Compensation?
The compensation amount varies depending on multiple aspects, including:
Because each case is unique, no fixed figure applies. Our claims calculator can give you a rough estimate.
Watermans is here to help you understand what you may be able to recover. Beyond the cost of repairs, a claim can also include loss of earnings if the accident has affected your ability to work, and property damage for any personal items damaged in the accident.
Contact us before contacting your insurer, and we will promptly arrange a replacement vehicle for you while your car undergoes the necessary repairs.
Why Watermans?
At Watermans, our automotive repair lawyers simplify legal services, allowing our clients to move forward in life with confidence.
We take the hassle off your shoulders, working to pursue each case on your behalf. Additionally, we provide access to a range of additional services, such as physiotherapy and psychological treatment, to help you recover from your minor or serious injuries quickly and get your life back on track.
We hold a 4.9/5* rating on Review Solicitors, from over 1,300 client reviews, so you can feel confident about the service you’ll receive. We serve clients across Scotland from our offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and Dunfermline.
Our personal injury solicitors cover a broad spectrum of legal issues, including:
Each year, we represent thousands of clients across Scotland, securing millions of pounds in compensation. We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning that if your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t be left out of pocket.
The time it takes to resolve a vehicle repair claim varies depending on:
Some claims are resolved within a few weeks; others involving disputed fault or more complex injuries can take longer.
It is important to be aware that in Scotland, you generally have three years from the date of a personal injury accident to raise a court action. This time limit applies to the raising and serving of the court action, not simply the initial contact with a solicitor. If you are unsure how this applies to your situation, speak to Watermans as soon as possible to avoid missing any important deadlines.
Vehicle diminution refers to the reduction in a car’s market value following an accident, even after all visible repairs have been completed. A car with a recorded accident history is often worth less on resale than a comparable vehicle with a clean history. In some circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for that difference.
Whether this forms part of your claim will depend on the specific details of your case, including the age and value of the vehicle and the nature of the damage. Our team can advise on whether vehicle diminution is worth pursuing alongside your main vehicle repair claim.
The stronger your evidence, the clearer your case. Useful proof includes photographs taken at the scene, a police reference number if one was issued, details of any witnesses, and records of any out-of-pocket expenses. In Scotland, you may also be required to demonstrate that the party owed you a duty of care and that their negligence directly caused the damage – evidence that supports this will strengthen your position.
We will gather everything needed, including an independent engineer’s report where the extent of damage is disputed.
Get the compensation you deserve with Watermans car repair solicitors.
Contact our law firm today to get straightforward legal advice on your motor vehicle repairs.
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.
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.
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
“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
