Based on reporting by STV News, 20 October 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to STV News, a cyclist was involved in a collision with a red car on Marionville Road at its junction with Marionville Avenue in Edinburgh at around 6.50pm on Monday, 19 October 2026. The red car reportedly failed to stop at the scene following the impact.
As reported by STV News, Police Scotland are appealing for witnesses and are asking anyone with private CCTV or dash-cam footage from the area to come forward. A police constable was quoted as saying enquiries are ongoing, and members of the public with information are asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident reference 3208 of 19 October 2026.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
When a cyclist is struck by a vehicle on a public road, the driver of that vehicle is ordinarily the starting point for any civil compensation claim. In Scotland, drivers are required by law to carry third-party motor insurance, and in most road traffic accident claims the insurer of the responsible vehicle meets any award of damages.
In incidents of this kind, where the vehicle fails to stop, the situation is more complicated but far from hopeless for an injured cyclist. In Scotland, the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) operates an Untraced Drivers Agreement, which allows injured people to claim compensation even where the vehicle that caused the collision has not been identified. If police enquiries result in the red car being traced and the driver identified, a standard claim against that driver's insurer would normally follow. Either route is available depending on the outcome of the police investigation.
It is important to note that liability in any individual case is determined on the specific facts. No finding of fault has been made in this case, and the investigation by Police Scotland remains ongoing.
Time limits
In Scotland, personal injury claims are governed by the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973. The general rule is that a claim must be raised in court within three years of the date of the accident. For a collision such as this one, the clock would typically start running from the date of the incident itself.
Where an MIB Untraced Drivers Agreement claim is pursued, there are additional procedural deadlines that sit alongside the standard three-year rule, and it is important not to leave matters until close to any deadline. For injured people who were under 16 at the time of the accident, the three-year period does not begin until their 16th birthday, which can extend the window for bringing a claim.
Seeking advice promptly is always sensible. Evidence such as CCTV footage, witness accounts and medical records is far easier to gather closer to the time of the incident.
What compensation can cover
A successful personal injury claim in Scotland can include several heads of loss, depending on the nature and severity of the injuries sustained. These typically include:
- Solatium - a sum to reflect the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the injuries themselves.
- Loss of earnings - where an injured person has been unable to work as a result of their injuries, whether in the short term or over a longer period.
- Cost of care and assistance - this covers professional care or informal help provided by family members during recovery.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation - physiotherapy, specialist appointments, prescription costs and any aids or adaptations required.
- Travel expenses - the reasonable cost of attending medical appointments or treatment sessions.
- Damage to property - in cycling accidents, this can include the cost of repairing or replacing the bicycle and any equipment damaged in the collision.
Compensation awards are calculated on the facts of each case. It is worth being aware that some Scottish personal injury firms deduct up to 20% from a client's settlement as a success fee. At Scotland Claims, clients keep 100% of their compensation with a 0% success fee, meaning every penny of an award goes to the person who was injured.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation if the driver who hit me has not been found?
Yes. In Scotland, claims against untraced drivers can be made through the Motor Insurers Bureau under its Untraced Drivers Agreement. You do not need to know who the driver was in order to pursue a claim, provided the collision has been reported to the police and certain conditions are met.
Do I need to report the incident to the police before making a claim?
For standard road traffic accident claims, a police report is not always a legal requirement. However, for a claim under the MIB Untraced Drivers Agreement, reporting the incident to the police as soon as reasonably practicable is a condition of eligibility, so doing so promptly is important.
How long do I have to make a claim after a cycling accident in Scotland?
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to raise proceedings in court. Leaving it too long risks losing evidence and may result in the claim being time-barred, so seeking early advice is strongly recommended.
What if my bicycle and equipment were damaged in the collision?
Damage to property, including your bicycle, helmet and any other equipment, can be included as part of a compensation claim. You should keep receipts, take photographs of the damage where possible, and obtain repair or replacement quotes to support this element of your claim.
Will I have to go to court to get compensation?
The majority of personal injury claims in Scotland are settled without ever reaching a courtroom. Negotiations typically take place between legal representatives and the relevant insurer or the MIB. Court proceedings are raised to protect time limits or where a fair settlement cannot be agreed, but a full hearing is relatively uncommon.
Based on reporting by STV News, 20 October 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.