M8 and M74 motorway accidents: what to do

Why motorway accidents are different

On a town road, you can usually pull in, step out and swap details on the pavement. On a motorway, traffic is fast and heavy, and standing beside your car can be dangerous. The usual roadside advice still applies, but staying safe has to come before everything else.

Staying safe on the motorway

If you can, and it is safe:

• move onto the hard shoulder, or as far left as possible, and put your hazard lights on
• turn your wheels to the left if you are on the hard shoulder
• get everyone out through the left-hand doors, away from traffic
• get behind the safety barrier, or up the verge, and keep well back from the carriageway
• leave animals in the vehicle unless it is unsafe to do so
• don't try to put out a warning triangle on a motorway
• don't try to move debris or check the damage while traffic is passing

If your vehicle is stuck in a live lane and you can't get out safely, stay in with your seatbelt on and hazards on, and call 999 straight away.

This also applies if you have broken down and then been hit. A motorway breakdown accident can happen when a stationary vehicle is struck, so getting away from the vehicle matters.

Who to call

• 999 if anyone is hurt, a vehicle is blocking a lane or you feel in danger.
• 101 for Police Scotland non-emergencies.
• Your breakdown or recovery provider, if you need your vehicle moved and it is safe to wait.

If your vehicle isn't drivable and the accident wasn't your fault, we can help arrange recovery as part of a non-fault claim.

Details and evidence, once you are safe

Only when you are in a safe place, try to collect:

• the other driver's name, address, phone number, registration and insurer
• the make, model and colour of each vehicle
• the direction you were travelling and roughly where, such as a nearby junction or marker post
• witness names and numbers
• dashcam footage, which is often the best evidence on a motorway

Don't walk along the motorway to take photos. If you can't get details safely, or the other driver doesn't stop, report it to Police Scotland as soon as possible and within 24 hours.

Our full checklist is in what to do after a car accident in Scotland, and the just had an accident page lets you tick things off on your phone.

Common motorway crashes

Many motorway collisions are rear-end shunts in slowing or queuing traffic, or crashes caused by a vehicle changing lanes into another. If you were hit from behind, see our guide on rear-end shunts and who is at fault.

Local help for Airdrie, Coatbridge and Hamilton drivers

A lot of the people we help drive the M8 and M74 every day: commuting into Glasgow, heading to Edinburgh, or working across Lanarkshire.

• Airdrie sits just north of the M8. See accident management in Airdrie.
• Coatbridge drivers use the M8 and the routes around it. See accident management in Coatbridge.
• Hamilton is close to the M74. See help for Hamilton drivers.

We are based at Claims HQ in Wishaw, and walk-ins are welcome. It is a good idea to call ahead so someone is available to see you.

How G4 Claims can help after a motorway accident

If another driver caused your accident on the M8 or M74, we can:

• deal with the at-fault driver's insurer for you
• help arrange recovery if your vehicle can't be driven
• arrange repairs, or work with your own garage where we can
• help check whether a comparable replacement vehicle can be arranged, where eligible

In a non-fault claim we aim to recover the cost of our service from the at-fault insurer rather than charging you. It depends on your claim and policy, and we'll explain before you go ahead.

Had a motorway accident that wasn't your fault?

When you are safe and ready, start your claim online. Message us on WhatsApp any time on 07788 266261, or call 01698 767 172 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm). Claims email: firstresponse@g4claims.net.

Frequently asked questions