Road Traffic Accident Claims in Scotland

Last reviewed August 2026

What a road traffic accident claim covers

If you were hurt on Scotland’s roads because another driver, rider or road user wasn’t paying attention or drove carelessly, you could be owed compensation. Whether you were driving, cycling, on a motorbike, or injured as a pedestrian, you have the same right to claim. We can help you get started.

What you could be owed

A claim could cover:

• Your injury — the pain and how it has affected your life (known in Scots law as solatium)
• Lost earnings — past and future, if you’ve had time off or can’t work as before
• Treatment and care — rehabilitation, and help from family
• Out-of-pocket costs — from vehicle damage to travel for medical appointments

What you could receive depends on your circumstances.

When you can claim

If someone else caused or contributed to the accident, whether that was another driver running a red light, a cyclist riding dangerously, or a council failing to maintain the road, you may be able to claim.

A claim generally needs to be raised within three years of the accident under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973. If you’re not sure where that leaves you, see our guide to personal injury time limits in Scotland.

How it works

1. Tell us what happened — answer a few quick questions about your accident and injury
2. We connect you with Scottish specialists — we pass your details to regulated Scottish solicitors
3. They take it forward — if you have a case, they pursue your claim under Scots law

Road traffic claims are typically handled on a no win, no fee basis, or a speculative fee agreement to use the Scots law term, so you’re not taking on the financial risk.

Not in Scotland, or on a bike? Our network can still help

Make an Injury Claim handles road traffic accident claims in Scotland. If your accident happened elsewhere in the UK, or on a different set of wheels, our partner organisations specialise in exactly that:

• On a motorbike, scooter or bicycle? Bike Crash Claims are the specialists for rider and cyclist accident claims, UK-wide.
• In a car, van or taxi — or outside Scotland? Auto Crash Claims handle non-fault vehicle accident claims across England, Wales and Scotland.

Whatever happened, there’s a specialist in our network who can help — so you don’t miss out on the compensation you may be owed.