Contents
What should I do after a car accident in Glasgow?
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.
4. Gather evidence (photos, dashcam)
Photograph damage, road layout, traffic signs, weather conditions. Collect witness details.
5. Seek medical advice
Visit A&E or GP even if injuries seem minor. Keep all medical records and prescriptions.
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.
Junction/right-turn accidents
Often disputed. Liability depends on right of way, traffic signals, and witness evidence.
Multi-vehicle
Shared liability possible. Each driver's contribution to the accident is assessed.
Roundabout incidents
Driver already on the roundabout usually has priority. Evidence of signalling and lane discipline is key.
Lane-change collisions
Driver changing lanes is typically responsible for ensuring it's safe to do so.
What evidence helps my claim?
- Dashcam footage: The strongest evidence showing exactly what happened.
- Police reference: Incident number and any police reports or witness statements taken at scene.
- Witness statements: Independent witnesses carry significant weight.
- Medical reports: GP notes, A&E discharge summaries, specialist reports linking injury to accident.
- Photographs: Vehicle damage from multiple angles, road markings, weather, skid marks.
- Vehicle data: Telematics/black box data if available.
- CCTV: From nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or council CCTV.
- Financial records: Receipts for repairs, medical costs, travel expenses, proof of lost earnings.
What are the time limits for car accident claims?
In Scotland, generally 3 years from the date of accident (or 3 years from age 16 for child passengers).
Important exceptions:
- Children: 3 years from their 16th birthday (so 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.
Common Glasgow accident hotspots
- M8 junctions: Charing Cross, Kingston Bridge - high-speed merging and congestion.
- City Centre: One-way system, pedestrian crossings, bus lanes.
- Great Western Road: Busy arterial route with multiple junctions.
- Clyde Tunnel approaches: Heavy traffic and lane changes.
- Byres Road (West End): Pedestrian activity, parking manoeuvres.
Regardless of location, quality of evidence matters more than the postcode.
What compensation can I claim?
General damages
Compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (injury itself).
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.