Edinburgh is made up of a variety of transportation systems and people; and when combined, accidents can occur. There are no particular statistics which would suggest that Edinburgh is more of an accident hotspot than any other city, but some points are worth mentioning:
- Edinburgh's tram system is now up and running, and this will inevitably result in a few tram-related accidents
- The tram works had a big impact on Edinburgh's cyclists, who suffered an increase in injuries because of the road conditions
- A few cyclists have already been injured after catching their tyres in the grooves of the tram trackway
- Edinburgh is a top tourist destination, particularly during the Festival and at Hogmanay. People who don't know the city, its traffic routes and the direction that traffic travels are at a slightly greater risk of being injured.
If you or a family member has been injured in Edinburgh then you may be entitled to claim compensation for your pain and suffering. You may also have the opportunity to prevent this from happening to others. All personal injury claims in Edinburgh are handled by us on a no win no fee basis, so there is no financial risk to you.
David Adams
David Adams
"We ensure that all the losses are included and properly valued."
Types of personal injury claims we handle in Edinburgh
As well as road traffic accidents, personal injury claims in Edinburgh cover a variety of situations, including:
- Workplace accidents: Injuries caused by unsafe conditions, faulty equipment or employer negligence. Read more about accidents at work claims.
- Medical negligence: When substandard medical treatment has caused harm or made an existing condition worse. Find out about medical negligence claims.
- Serious injuries: Including head injuries, spinal injuries and amputations that require long-term care and rehabilitation.
- Industrial disease: Conditions like asbestos-related illness, noise-induced hearing loss and vibration white finger caused by years of workplace exposure. Learn about industrial disease claims.
- Criminal injuries: Compensation for injuries suffered as a result of a violent crime.
- Slips, trips and falls: In public places, shops, workplaces or on poorly maintained pavements and roads.
Our solicitors in Edinburgh can advise you on whether you have grounds for a compensation claim.
Road traffic accidents in Edinburgh
Statistics of road casualties issued by Transport Scotland covering the City of Edinburgh Highway Authority area show that, of the most recent statistics in 2018, there were 774 road traffic accident casualties in Edinburgh, 116 being serious and 5 fatal.*
In the previous year (2017) statistics from the Department for Transport showed that there were 150 road traffic accidents in Edinburgh involving a serious injury or death. Of these, 59 (39%) involved pedestrians, 39 (26%) involved cyclists, 24 (16%) involved motorcyclists, 18 (12%) involved car occupants and 10 (7%) involved other road users.**
Of the 150 people killed or seriously injured, 54 were children (6 child fatalities).**
Edinburgh's roads still have a long way to go.
The most dangerous crossing in Scotland
In 2019 Edinburgh Live reported that the South Bridge Crossing, close to Hunter Square, Edinburgh, was the most dangerous crossing in Scotland. Police reports state that between 2013 and 2017 there were two fatal pedestrian injuries and additional minor personal injuries at this location.
The West Port crossing, at the junction with Lauriston Street, was the scene of two serious pedestrian accidents during the same period. Police reporting notes serious injuries as broken bones, chest injuries, loss of limbs or deep wounds.
There are a further four Edinburgh crossings where pedestrians sustained slight injuries between 2013 and 2017.
Trams: An ongoing risk
Edinburgh's tram network has been identified as a factor in numerous accidents, injuries and compensation claims. In 2019, an urgent notice was issued requiring Edinburgh Trams Limited to raise the sound pressure level of the warning horn fitted to their trams. It also stated that until this had been carried out, measures should be implemented to reduce risk at potential collision locations. Special consideration should be given to whether the tram warning horn or bell currently fitted is a sufficient warning method to pedestrians crossing off-street track sections via the footpath, where line speed is high.
Failure by Edinburgh Trams Limited in this respect could result in injuries to pedestrians and cyclists and liability for tram accident compensation claims.
How to make a personal injury claim in Edinburgh
If you have been injured and want to make a compensation claim in Edinburgh, the process is is straightforward:
- Get medical attention: Your health comes first. Seeing a doctor also creates a medical record of your injuries, which will matter later.
- Gather what evidence you can: Photographs of the accident scene, names and contact details of witnesses, and any correspondence related to what happened.
- Contact Thompsons: Call us or fill in our online form for a free, no-obligation conversation about your case.
- We handle the claim from there: Our solicitors will investigate the circumstances, gather the evidence needed and pursue your compensation.
In Scotland you normally have three years from the date of your injury to raise a claim. Act quickly. The sooner you instruct a solicitor, the easier it will be to collect evidence and assess the matter.
Why choose Thompsons for your Edinburgh personal injury claim?
Thompsons is Scotland's leading personal injury law firm, rated number one by the legal directory Legal 500. We have a great deal of expertise in this area of law, but we also appreciate that people only ever come to compensation solicitors because they have been through something painful or frightening.
We act for injured people only and never for employers or insurance companies. Our solicitors in Edinburgh work in your interests at all times to ensure you receive the compensation that is rightfully yours.
Our friendly solicitors will be pleased to discuss all of your options with you, free of charge and without obligation. All personal injury claims can be funded on a no win no fee basis. You will not pay any fees unless your claim is successful.
Frequently asked questions
Concerned about claiming? Call us on 0800 0891 331 and have a chat.
Source: Transport Scotland
*Source: travelindependent.org.uk
