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What should I do after a car accident in Edinburgh?
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, other party leaves without sharing details, or suspected offences. Police Scotland can be contacted on 101 for non-emergencies.
4. Gather evidence
Photograph damage, road layout, traffic signs, weather conditions. Collect witness details. Check for nearby CCTV.
5. Seek medical advice
Visit Edinburgh 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 a safe distance. Common in stop-start traffic on the City Bypass.
Junction accidents
Often disputed. Liability depends on right of way, traffic signals, and witness evidence. Edinburgh's complex junctions can make these claims challenging.
Roundabout incidents
Driver already on the roundabout usually has priority. Evidence of signalling and lane discipline is key.
Parked car collisions
Common in Edinburgh's narrow streets and limited parking areas. The moving vehicle is usually at fault.
Tram line incidents
Edinburgh's tram lines create unique hazards. Cyclists and motorcyclists particularly at risk from tracks.
What evidence helps my claim?
- Dashcam footage: The strongest evidence showing exactly what happened.
- Police reference: Incident number and any police reports from Police Scotland.
- Witness statements: Independent witnesses carry significant weight.
- Medical reports: GP notes, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary records, specialist reports.
- Photographs: Vehicle damage, road markings, weather, skid marks.
- CCTV: Edinburgh has extensive city centre CCTV - request footage quickly as it's often deleted after 30 days.
- Financial records: Receipts for repairs, medical costs, travel expenses, lost earnings.
Time limits for car accident claims
In Scotland, you have 3 years from the date of accident to start court proceedings.
Important exceptions:
- Children: 3 years from their 16th birthday (claims can be made up to age 19)
- Delayed injury discovery: Time may run from when injury was reasonably discovered
- Court discretion: In exceptional cases, courts may allow late claims
Don't delay: Evidence becomes harder to gather over time, witnesses forget details, and CCTV is often overwritten.
Edinburgh accident hotspots
- City Bypass (A720): High-speed dual carriageway with frequent congestion and merging traffic.
- A1 (east approach): Busy route with multiple junctions approaching the city.
- Leith Walk: Heavy traffic, bus lanes, and pedestrian activity.
- Princes Street / George Street: Trams, buses, taxis, and tourists create complex traffic.
- Queensferry Road: Busy arterial route with multiple junctions.
- Haymarket: Complex junction with trams, multiple lanes, and heavy traffic.
- Cameron Toll roundabout: Multi-lane roundabout with frequent lane-change collisions.
Regardless of location, quality of evidence matters more than where the accident happened.
What compensation can I claim?
General damages
Compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (the injury itself). Unlike England, Scotland has no fixed whiplash tariffs.
Special damages
Financial losses: medical costs, travel expenses, vehicle damage, lost earnings.
Future losses
Ongoing care costs, future earnings loss if injury affects work capacity.
Learn more about whiplash claims in Scotland and no win no fee funding options.
Related guides
Explore more resources:
- Road traffic accident claims Scotland - comprehensive RTA guide
- Car accident claims Glasgow - claims in Glasgow
- Personal injury claims Scotland - all claim types
- Pre-Action Protocol - what happens before court
- Uninsured driver claims - if the driver fled or was uninsured