Road Traffic Accidents

Every year there are thousands of accidents on Scotland's roads. Sadly, many of these result in an injury being sustained, whether it is to a driver, passenger or pedestrian. In any event, if you have suffered because of a road traffic accident that was not your fault, you should seek legal advice without delay, as you may be entitled to compensation.

Road Traffic Accidents - What Must A Driver Do?

Whether it was your fault or not, if you have been involved in a road traffic accident you must always stop and exchange details with the other people involved. Details you should obtain include:-

* Names, addresses and telephone numbers (from the other drivers, passengers, pedestrians etc);

* The registration number of the other vehicle;

* The other party's insurance details;

* The name, address and telephone number of any witnesses to the accident;

* Time and date of the accident;

* Pictures of the accident (if possible) or a rough sketch.

You should then contact your own insurance company and report the incident. They will ask about the details of the accident before contacting the other party's insurance company to establish liability. Quite often it is obvious who was responsible. If there is a dispute, however, then it will be up to the insurance companies to determine who was at fault.

Should You Contact The Police?

If the accident is moderately serious, it can be a good idea to contact the police at the scene, as they will help you attain all the information you need. In such an event, it is also worth noting the names and the number of the police you have dealt with.

There are also other circumstances in which you may need police involvement. For example:-

* If a driver has not given their name and address at the scene of the accident, these details should be give to their nearest police station within 24 hours;

* If a driver has been asked to provide an insurance certificate at the accident but fails to do so, this should be presented at a police station within seven days of the incident.

What If The Other Driver Has No Insurance?

If the other driver is not covered by insurance, then the Motor Insurer's Bureau will cover the costs.

Additionally, if you are involved in a 'hit and run' accident, or if the other driver gives false information and cannot be subsequently tracked, you can still pursue a claim under the Untraced Drivers Agreement.

Have You Suffered A Personal Injury?

If you have suffered a personal injury as a result of a road traffic accident that was not your fault, you may want to take further legal action. If so, the first thing you should do is to seek medical assistance. Not only is this for your own personal safety, but it will also help to substantiate your claim.

The next step is to contact a personal injury lawyer. A solicitor specialising in this area of the law will be able to assess your case, advising you whether or not you are able to pursue a claim. Should you be successful, you will be awarded compensation for your injuries (both physical and psychological) and for any expenses incurred due to the accident (such as medical fees or a loss of earnings).


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