Road Traffic Accident Law Scotland – Legal Requirements For Road Traffic Accidents
Road Traffic Accident Law Scotland – Road traffic accidents can be very devastating for everyone; causing a great deal of emotional, physical, and financial trauma for the people involved. Nobody wants to be in one of these accidents, whether on two wheels, four wheels, or public transportation.
People who get into car accidents and then complain that the other party didn’t provide all of their contact and insurance information.
Most people believe that refusing to provide insurance information at the scene of an accident is a crime, but most drivers are unaware of the law.
Here’s some important information regarding the law on road traffic accidents.
Road traffic accident Law Scotland
Road traffic accidents can lead to fatal accident claims, which is why it is highly important to have adequate laws in place. Section 170 of the Road Traffic Accident Act 1988 outlines that if the driver of a vehicle causes injury or damage to a third party or animal, then the driver must do certain things. They must stop, exchange their contact details, details of registration marks. Also, if there is an injury, the drivers must provide their valid insurance or insurance certificate to the other party.
Drivers who break the law must report it to the police.
People think it’s obvious to stop and talk it out, and they do. However, there are times when the motorist is unaware of the accident. For instance, truck drivers are frequently oblivious of when their wagon contacts a parked car when they are taking a turn. At times, motorcyclists brush against the body of the car or knock the side-mirror off while cruising past them. This is also why people don’t stop leading to issues afterward.
In such cases, even if no one is present, you should wait for a reasonable amount of time. The reasonable period of time is a subjective matter and it depends on factors like time of day and location.
Identifying The Vehicle
If you decide to make a claim, you will need to know the vehicle’s registration number. Due to the ease of cloning registration numbers, it is recommended to capture the plate alongside the vehicle.
Providing Insurance Details
The law is very clear regarding insurance details. The law is fairly clear on insurance. In the event of an injury, the parties should produce a current and valid insurance certificate. Insurance data should be disclosed to anybody who has legitimate grounds to ask for them.
The question is, who has “reasonable grounds”? Simply put, if someone is seriously injured and unable to communicate, they will be taken to hospital by ambulance. This individual can get the other driver’s insurance details and give it to the injured person. This called reasonable grounds to so require the information. To ensure that you followed the law, you must include the person’s name and address.
Road Traffic Offences
The potential penalties for failing to stop after the accident and reporting it can be very harsh. Careless driving carries a 6 month jail sentence, an infinite fine, and a disqualification. If you are ever in such a position, make sure you are aware of your legal rights. Alternatively, you can get in touch with an expert fatal accident solicitor to help you out with all the matters.
What to do after a car accident in Scotland?
Car accidents might leave you terrified and unclear of your options. An injury may allow you to return to work, see friends, or even get out of bed, but most people are too stressed to fully recover.
After a car accident, the decisions you make might have a big impact on the outcome of your claim. To help victims recover, our car accident experts recommend reading the following guide.
CONTACT HAMILTON DOUGLAS LEGAL TO START YOUR CLAIM
If you have been injured in a car accident within the last three years, you may be entitled to compensation. Our network of solicitors work on a No Win No Fee basis, which means you won’t have to pay anything up front if you decide to make a claim with us. You can reach out to us at any time using the phone or WhatsApp number provided below. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
