Based on reporting by STV News, 12 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to STV News, a serious road traffic collision occurred in Dundee on the morning of Friday 11 September 2026, at around 8.10am, in the area between Strathmore Street and Clepington Road. The crash involved a silver Hyundai IX35.
Emergency services attended the scene. A man in his late sixties who was driving the vehicle was taken to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. A woman in her early sixties, who was travelling as a passenger, was also taken to hospital to be assessed, as reported by STV News. The road was closed while police carried out crash investigation work before reopening at around 12.15pm.
Police Scotland issued an appeal for witnesses, with a sergeant quoted as extending condolences to the family of the man who died and confirming that enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances. Officers have asked anyone with relevant dashcam footage or who witnessed the collision to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0627 of 11 September 2026.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
When a person dies as a result of a road traffic accident in Scotland, their close relatives may have a right to seek compensation under the Damages (Scotland) Act 2011. This legislation sets out who qualifies as a relative for the purposes of a claim and what categories of loss can be recognised by the courts.
In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with a driver whose conduct fell below the standard expected of a reasonable, careful driver, or with another party whose actions or omissions contributed to the collision. Where a vehicle is involved, any valid motor insurance policy held by a responsible party will typically respond to a legitimate claim. If a vehicle is uninsured or the responsible driver cannot be traced, the Motor Insurers Bureau may be able to assist.
A formal investigation by Police Scotland will seek to establish the circumstances of the collision. The outcome of that investigation, including any fatal accident inquiry that may follow, can be relevant to a subsequent civil compensation claim, though civil and criminal proceedings are entirely separate processes.
Time limits
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, there is generally a three-year time limit within which a personal injury or death claim must be raised in court. In cases involving a death, that period ordinarily runs from the date of the death itself.
While three years may feel like a long time, gathering evidence, obtaining expert reports and corresponding with insurers all take time. It is sensible not to leave matters until close to the deadline. There is no obligation to act immediately, and families dealing with bereavement should take the time they need, while remaining aware that the legal deadline exists.
In limited circumstances, a court has discretion to allow a claim to proceed outside the three-year period, but this is not guaranteed and should not be relied upon.
What compensation can cover
Under the Damages (Scotland) Act 2011, close relatives of a person who has died as a result of an accident may be entitled to claim for a number of different heads of loss.
- Loss of society: This reflects the grief, sorrow and loss of the deceased's companionship and guidance suffered by close relatives. It is sometimes described as a solatium award for family members.
- Loss of financial support: Where the deceased provided financial support to dependants, those dependants may claim for the income or other material support they have lost.
- Funeral costs: Reasonable funeral expenses incurred by the family can form part of a claim.
- Services: If the deceased performed practical tasks in the home or for the family, the cost of replacing those services may also be recoverable.
Where, as in this case, another person was injured in the same incident, that individual may also have a separate personal injury claim in their own right. This could cover pain and suffering, loss of earnings, the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation, and travel expenses related to attending appointments.
Any fees in a successful claim are not deducted from the compensation received by the claimant.
Frequently asked questions
Who can make a claim following a fatal road accident in Scotland?
Under the Damages (Scotland) Act 2011, close relatives of the deceased are entitled to claim. This includes a spouse or civil partner, a cohabiting partner, children, parents and siblings, among others. Each qualifying relative may have an individual claim for loss of society, and dependants may also claim for loss of financial support.
Does a police investigation need to conclude before a family can pursue a claim?
No. A civil compensation claim is separate from any police investigation or criminal proceedings. Families do not need to wait for a police inquiry or a fatal accident inquiry to conclude before taking legal advice. However, information arising from those processes can sometimes support a civil claim.
What if the responsible driver was uninsured or cannot be identified?
In Scotland, claims involving uninsured drivers or untraced drivers can be submitted to the Motor Insurers Bureau under specific schemes. This means that a lack of insurance on the part of a responsible driver does not necessarily prevent a claim from being pursued.
Can a passenger injured in the same crash also make a claim?
Yes. A passenger who suffers injury in a road traffic accident is generally entitled to pursue a personal injury claim independently of any claim arising from a death. The two claims would typically run alongside one another but are assessed separately on their own facts.
How long does a fatal accident claim typically take in Scotland?
The timescale varies considerably depending on the complexity of the case, whether liability is disputed, and how quickly evidence can be gathered. Many claims are resolved without going to court. Families should be aware that the process can take months or, in more complex cases, longer, and that early legal advice helps ensure nothing is missed.
Based on reporting by STV News, 12 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.