Being involved in a collision that results in serious injury or a fatality is a deeply traumatic experience. Charges such as Causing Death by Dangerous Driving, Causing Death by Careless Driving, and Causing Serious Injury by Dangerous or Careless Driving are the most severe road traffic offences in Scots law. Due to their gravity, these cases are prosecuted aggressively and are typically heard at the Sheriff Court or High Court level.

Penalties and Consequences — The penalties for these offences are life-altering. Causing death by dangerous driving now carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, alongside mandatory driving disqualifications of at least five years and an extended re-test. Even the lesser charge of causing serious injury by careless driving can result in a custodial sentence and a significant driving ban. The consequences for your liberty, family life, and employment are profound.

Challenging the Evidence — Defending these highly complex cases requires a forensic, multidisciplinary approach. We collaborate with industry-leading collision investigators, medical experts, and vehicle examiners to rigorously scrutinize the Crown's evidence regarding speed, vehicle dynamics, and causation. A critical element of your defence often involves proving that the standard of driving was not legally dangerous or careless, or demonstrating that an unforeseeable external factor was the primary cause of the tragic outcome.

Act Quickly — Immediate Legal Intervention is Crucial — If you are under investigation or have been charged following a major collision, you must seek specialist legal representation immediately—ideally before any police interview. Charles Ferguson provides unwavering support, strategic advice, and robust representation throughout the entirety of the legal process. Contact us immediately for a confidential, urgent consultation to protect your rights and your future.