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What should I do after a car accident in Aberdeen?
1. Check safety and call emergency services if needed
Prioritise safety - move to a safe location if possible and call 999 if anyone is injured.
2. Exchange details with other drivers
Name, address, insurance details, vehicle registration. Take photos of insurance certificates.
3. Report to police if required
Legally required if injury occurred or other party leaves without sharing details. Police Scotland: 101 for non-emergencies.
4. Gather evidence
Photograph damage, road layout, traffic signs, weather. Aberdeen's weather can be a factor - document ice, rain, or fog.
5. Seek medical advice
Visit Aberdeen Royal Infirmary A&E or your GP even if injuries seem minor. Keep all medical records.
Who is usually at fault in car accidents?
Rear-end collisions
Usually the following driver is at fault for failing to maintain safe distance. Common in AWPR merging traffic.
Junction accidents
Liability depends on right of way, traffic signals, and witness evidence.
Roundabout incidents
Aberdeen has many roundabouts. Driver already on roundabout usually has priority.
Weather-related accidents
Aberdeen's coastal weather means ice, fog, and rain are common factors. Drivers must adjust speed for conditions.
Oil industry traffic
Heavy goods vehicles and work traffic around the harbour and industrial areas create additional risks.
What evidence helps my claim?
- Dashcam footage: Essential evidence showing exactly what happened.
- Police reference: Incident number and any reports from Police Scotland.
- Witness statements: Independent witnesses carry significant weight.
- Medical reports: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary records, GP notes, specialist reports.
- Photographs: Vehicle damage, road conditions, weather at the time.
- CCTV: City centre and business premises - request footage quickly.
- Financial records: Receipts for repairs, medical costs, lost earnings.
Time limits for car accident claims
In Scotland, you have 3 years from the date of accident to start court proceedings.
Exceptions:
- Children: 3 years from their 16th birthday
- Delayed injury discovery: Time may run from when injury was discovered
Don't delay: Evidence deteriorates quickly. Start your claim as soon as possible.
Aberdeen accident hotspots
- AWPR (Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route): High-speed bypass with merging traffic and junctions.
- A90 (north and south approaches): Major trunk road with heavy traffic.
- Beach Boulevard: Busy coastal route with multiple junctions.
- Union Street: City centre traffic, buses, and pedestrians.
- King Street: Busy arterial route through the city.
- Anderson Drive: Ring road with multiple roundabouts.
- Bridge of Don: Heavy commuter traffic crossing the River Don.
- Harbour area: Heavy goods vehicles, oil industry traffic.
What compensation can I claim?
General damages
Compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity. No fixed whiplash tariffs in Scotland.
Special damages
Financial losses: medical costs, travel, vehicle damage, lost earnings.
Future losses
Ongoing care, future earnings loss if injury affects work capacity.