Accidents with hit and run drivers in the UK

This legal advice website is managed by compensation specialists Winston Solicitors LLP who are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

 

How you can make a claim:

Most people believe that when you are in this position - there is nowhere to turn to and no one to help you pursue a justified case for compensation. Fortunately, there is still a way that you can secure rightful compensation. The Motor Insurers Bureau (or MIB) is a non-profit organisation that was set up and is funded by UK insurers specifically for the purpose of helping accident victims in this position.

What you should do after a hit and run driver crash

1. You may or may not have been able to record the registration number of the responsible party's vehicle - check any number against this datase http://www.askmid.com/. Try to record details of any witnesses who could be crucial to your claim.
   
    
2. Report the case to the police as soon as possible if they are not already aware of the accident. This is of great importance to the MIB and your claim could be refused if you do not follow this advice.
   
    
3. Ensure that you receive medical attention if you have suffered injuries in the accident. A hospital or GP record is useful in the MIB process. However the primary objective is to make sure you get adequate medical advice when it is needed.
   
    
4. If possible - take photos of the accident scene (or ask a friend to do so) to assist with any liability dispute.
   
    
5. Obtain a repair estimate on your vehicle. An engineer will probably inspect the damage at some point during the claim but an estimate provides a useful guide for repair costs. Please note: The MIB will only deal with repair costs if the other vehicle is identified or traced.
   
    
6. Consider instructing a road accident claims lawyer specialising in MIB claims.

The MIB also deal with uninsured driver claims. It is now possible to claim both personal injury compensation and property damage under the MIB hit and run accident scheme (known as the Untraced Drivers Agreement) subject to some restrictions.

MIB update:

MIB explained - more information about handling hit and run or uninsured claims

Child victims of hit and run drivers now have until their 21st birthday to bring a claim. This brings them in line with the standard civil procedure set out in the Limitation Act 1980. The case of Byrne v (1) MIB  & (2) Secretary of State for Transport [2008] refers.

We are specialists in MIB claims and can help you claim damages that you perhaps thought would otherwise be impossible to claim. It is important that you involve the police and properly report the accident to them. In the majority of cases, the police will be unable to do very much because of a lack of evidence but nevertheless the MIB insist on a police record of the event. Please be aware that the one drawback in dealing with the MIB under the Untraced Agreement is that they do not pay your legal fees - they merely make a contribution towards them. For this reason we charge a fee equal to 25% of any compensation awarded in order to deal with a hit & run case.

Don't be the victim twice over - if you have been involved in an accident where the responsible driver failed to stop - claim what is rightfully yours. Call our free legal careline now on 0800 0322210 open 8am-8pm - No win No fee solicitor advice

The Claims Connection hit & run road accident page - UK Accident claim and personal injury compensation specialists site map