If you were injured in an accident caused by a van, lorry, or HGV driver in Scotland, you can claim compensation. The driver's employer may also be liable if the driver was working at the time. Due to the size and weight of these vehicles, injuries are often serious and compensation can be significant.
Van & HGV Accident Claims in Scotland
Collisions involving vans, lorries, and HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) are among the most serious on Scotland's roads. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles means that impacts cause far greater damage and more severe injuries than collisions between cars.
Scotland's motorways — particularly the M8 and M74 — carry large volumes of commercial traffic, and accidents involving HGVs are a significant concern.
Who Is Liable for a Van or HGV Accident?
Liability may rest with multiple parties:
The driver — for negligent driving
The employer — vicariously liable if the driver was working
The vehicle owner — if poor maintenance contributed to the accident
The loading company — if an insecure load caused the accident
Having multiple liable parties can actually strengthen your claim, as commercial vehicles carry higher insurance limits.
Common Causes of Van & HGV Accidents
Blind spots — lorries have significant blind spots on all sides
Driver fatigue — long hours behind the wheel
Unsafe overtaking or lane changes
Brake failure or mechanical defects
Unsecured loads falling onto the road
Jackknifing on wet or icy roads
How Much Compensation for a Van/HGV Accident?
Due to the severity of injuries, compensation tends to be higher:
Moderate injuries: £5,000 – £15,000
Serious fractures: £10,000 – £50,000
Spinal injuries: £25,000 – £300,000+
Fatal accidents: Significant compensation for families
What to Do After a Van or HGV Accident
Call emergency services — HGV accidents often cause serious injuries
Note the vehicle's registration, company name, and livery
Get the driver's details and any fleet number
Photograph the scene, including tyre marks and road conditions
Get witness details
Seek medical attention
Contact a solicitor experienced in commercial vehicle claims
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.
