Quick Answer

If you were injured in a car accident in Aberdeen that was not your fault, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Aberdeen claims are governed by Scottish law with a three-year limitation period. Most claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis.

Accident Statistics in Aberdeen

980+

Road casualties in Aberdeen area

28%

On rural Aberdeenshire roads

£7,800

Average claim value

3 years

Time limit to claim

Can I Claim After a Car Accident in Aberdeen?

Yes. If you were injured in a car accident in Aberdeen that was caused by another person's negligence, you are likely entitled to claim compensation under Scottish law. This applies whether you were the driver, a passenger, a cyclist, or a pedestrian.

Common causes of accidents in Aberdeen include distracted driving, speeding, failing to give way at junctions, tailgating, and poor road conditions. Our team regularly handles claims from accidents on Aberdeen's busiest roads and junctions.

Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be able to claim under the principle of contributory negligence. Your compensation would be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility, but you could still receive a significant award.

Common Accident Locations in Aberdeen

Our team regularly handles claims from accidents on these Aberdeen roads and junctions:

Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR)

The bypass has reduced city centre traffic but high speeds lead to serious collisions, particularly at the Stonehaven and Kingswells junctions.

King Street / A956

Major north-south route with high volumes of commercial traffic and frequent rear-end collisions.

Anderson Drive

Busy ring road with roundabout accidents common at Haudagain and Bridge of Dee.

Union Street

City centre thoroughfare with pedestrian and cyclist collisions, particularly near bus stops.

A90 Dundee to Aberdeen

Fast dual carriageway with fatal and serious accidents, especially in poor weather conditions.

A96 Aberdeen to Inverurie

Heavily used commuter route with head-on and overtaking collisions on single-carriageway sections.

How Much Compensation for a Car Accident in Aberdeen?

The amount of compensation you can receive depends on the severity of your injuries and any financial losses. Here are typical ranges for car accident claims in Aberdeen:

Injury TypeTypical Compensation
Minor whiplash£1,000 – £4,000
Moderate soft tissue injuries£4,000 – £12,000
Simple fractures£5,000 – £15,000
Complex fractures£15,000 – £50,000
Serious head / brain injuries£40,000 – £300,000+
Spinal cord injuries£50,000 – £350,000+

You can also claim for lost earnings, medical costs, travel expenses, and care costs. Use our free compensation calculator for an instant estimate.

The Claims Process in Aberdeen

Making a car accident claim in Aberdeen follows a well-established process:

  1. Free consultation: Contact us for a no-obligation assessment. We'll ask about your accident on Aberdeen's roads and give you honest advice.
  2. Evidence gathering: We collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any CCTV or dashcam footage from the accident scene in Aberdeen.
  3. Medical examination: We arrange an independent medical assessment with a Aberdeen-based specialist to document your injuries.
  4. Claim submission: We submit your claim to the at-fault driver's insurer and begin negotiations.
  5. Settlement or court: Most Aberdeen claims settle through negotiation. If needed, your case would be heard at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

Throughout this process, your solicitor handles all paperwork, correspondence, and legal work. You focus on your recovery.

Your Local Court: Aberdeen Sheriff Court

Aberdeen Sheriff Court

Castle Street, Aberdeen AB10 1WP

Personal injury claims in the Aberdeen area are heard at Aberdeen Sheriff Court. The court handles claims from across Aberdeenshire and the North East.

Time Limits — The 3-Year Rule in Scotland

In Scotland, you generally have three years from the date of your accident in Aberdeen to start a personal injury claim. This is set out in the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973.

This is an important difference from England and Wales. Scotland's three-year limit gives you more time to seek advice, but we always recommend starting as early as possible. Evidence is easier to gather, witnesses' memories are clearer, and CCTV footage from Aberdeen locations may be overwritten after a few weeks.

Exceptions apply for children (the three-year period starts from their 16th birthday) and people who lack mental capacity. Read our full guide to time limits.

No Win No Fee in Aberdeen

All our Aberdeen car accident claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis. This means:

  • No upfront costs — you pay nothing to start your claim
  • No risk — if your claim is unsuccessful, you owe nothing
  • Success fee capped at 20% — you keep at least 80% of your compensation

This arrangement makes professional legal representation accessible to everyone in Aberdeen, regardless of their financial situation. There is no financial barrier to finding out if you have a valid claim.

Making a Claim in Aberdeen

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire present unique road safety challenges. The mix of fast rural roads, oil industry traffic, and harsh North Sea weather conditions creates a high rate of serious accidents across the region.

The Haudagain roundabout has historically been one of Scotland's most dangerous junctions, and while improvements are underway, the area remains a frequent accident location. The A90 and A96 corridors also see regular collisions, particularly during winter months when ice and fog are common.

If you've been in an accident in Aberdeen, gather evidence quickly — North East weather can change rapidly, and scene conditions may not last. Note any oil industry vehicles involved, as these claims can involve corporate insurers with specific procedures.

Our team understands Aberdeen's unique traffic patterns and the challenges of claiming in the North East. We work with local medical experts and know the procedures at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

Common Questions About Claims in Aberdeen

We Also Cover Nearby Areas

StonehavenInverurieWesthillEllonPeterheadFraserburghBanchoryPortlethenDyceBridge of Don

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Personal Injury Claims in Scotland

Our experienced personal injury lawyer team handles all types of car accident claims, whiplash injuries, motorcycle accidents, cyclist accidents, pedestrian accidents, hit and run claims, and uninsured driver claims across Scotland on a no win no fee basis.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Scotland

Been in a car accident in Scotland? Follow these steps to protect your health, your rights, and your compensation claim.

Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 999

Your safety comes first. Check yourself and passengers for injuries. Call 999 immediately if anyone is hurt. Whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and concussion may not appear for 24–72 hours.

Step 2: Exchange Details

You are legally required to stop and exchange details: full name, address, phone number, vehicle registration, and insurance details.

Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene

Photograph vehicle damage, road layout, traffic signs, weather conditions, and skid marks. Save dashcam footage immediately. Collect witness names and phone numbers.

Step 4: Report the Accident

Report to Police Scotland if anyone is injured, the other driver fails to stop, or you suspect drink-driving. Report within 24 hours.

Step 5: See a Doctor

See your GP or A&E even if you feel fine. Whiplash, back pain, and psychological injuries like anxiety and PTSD often have delayed onset. A medical record strengthens your claim.

Step 6: Notify Your Insurer

Most policies require you to report any accident promptly. Stick to the facts, do not admit fault, and do not accept a quick settlement without legal advice.

Step 7: Contact a Solicitor

Get free, no-obligation advice from a Scottish personal injury solicitor. A good solicitor works on a no win no fee basis.

Scotland-Specific Considerations

Scotland has a 3-year time limit for personal injury claims (vs 2 years in England). There is no whiplash tariff cap in Scotland. Cases are heard in Scottish courts under Scots law. Under contributory negligence, your compensation is reduced proportionally rather than eliminated.

How Does a Personal Injury Claim Work?

Step 1: Free consultation — tell us about your accident. Step 2: We handle everything — evidence, medical reports, negotiations. Step 3: You receive your personal injury compensation.

Types of Accident Claims We Handle

We handle car accident claims, whiplash claims, motorcycle accidents, cyclist accidents, pedestrian accidents, hit and run claims, bus and taxi accidents, rear-end collisions, roundabout accidents, motorway accidents, and van/HGV accidents across Scotland.

Accident Claims Across Scotland

Our personal injury solicitors help people make accident claims in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, Stirling, Perth, Paisley, Livingston, Falkirk, Hamilton, and the Scottish Highlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to make a personal injury claim in Scotland?

You generally have three years from the date of the accident to start a personal injury claim in Scotland.

What does No Win No Fee mean?

No Win No Fee means you don't pay any legal fees unless your claim is successful. If we don't win, you owe nothing.

How much compensation could I receive?

Compensation depends on the type and severity of your injury, plus financial losses like lost wages or medical expenses.

Do I have to report a car accident to the police in Scotland?

You must report to Police Scotland if anyone is injured, if the other driver fails to stop, or if you cannot exchange details at the scene.

Can I still claim if the accident was partly my fault?

Yes. Under contributory negligence rules in Scotland, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage you were at fault, but you can still claim.

Should I see a doctor even if I feel fine after an accident?

Absolutely. Whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and concussion may not produce symptoms for hours or days. A prompt medical record strengthens your claim.