If you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault in Scotland, you may be entitled to claim compensation. You generally have three years to make a claim, and most claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal process that allows you to seek compensation if you have been hurt because of someone else's negligence or wrongdoing. In Scotland, personal injury law is governed by Scottish legislation, which differs from the rest of the UK in some important ways.
Compensation can cover your physical injuries, emotional distress, loss of earnings, medical expenses, and the impact the accident has had on your daily life.
Who Can Make a Personal Injury Claim in Scotland?
You may be able to make a claim if:
You were injured in an accident that was not your fault
The accident happened in Scotland or you live in Scotland
Someone else's negligence caused or contributed to your injury
The accident happened within the last three years (in most cases)
This includes road accidents, workplace injuries, slips and falls in public places, medical negligence, and many other situations.
Types of Personal Injury Claims in Scotland
The most common types of personal injury claims in Scotland include:
Accident at work claims — injuries caused by unsafe working conditions
Slips, trips and falls — in shops, pavements, restaurants, or other public places
Medical negligence — harm caused by incorrect treatment or misdiagnosis
Public liability claims — injuries in places open to the public
Serious injury claims — life-changing injuries including spinal cord and brain injuries
Time Limits for Claims in Scotland
In Scotland, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to start a personal injury claim. This is set out in the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973. Read our full guide to time limits.
There are some exceptions:
For children, the three-year period starts from their 16th birthday
If you were not immediately aware of your injury, the time limit may start from when you became aware
People who lack mental capacity may have the time limit suspended
What Compensation Could I Receive?
Compensation in a Scottish personal injury claim typically covers two areas:
General damages — compensation for your pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
Special damages — financial losses such as lost earnings, medical costs, travel expenses, and care costs
The amount depends on the severity of your injuries and how they have affected your life. Our compensation guide provides more detail on typical award ranges, or use our free compensation calculator for an instant estimate.
How Do I Start a Personal Injury Claim?
Starting a claim is straightforward:
Contact us for a free, no-obligation assessment of your case
We review the details and tell you honestly whether you have a valid claim
If you do, we handle everything on a No Win No Fee basis
You receive your compensation — we only get paid if you win
Last reviewed: 15 March 2026 by Personal Injury Claims Scotland
Car Accident Claim Scotland | No Win No Fee | Free Consultation
Injured in a car accident in Scotland? Our specialist personal injury solicitors will fight for your compensation — no win, no fee, 100% of your award.
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.
