Involved in a hit and run accident?

If you’ve been injured in a hit and run, we can help you make a hit and run accident compensation claim through the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB).

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Hit and Run Accident Claims

Any road traffic accident can be terrifying and result in severe injuries such as brain trauma, bone fractures, spinal injuries and emotional damage. If another driver leaves the accident scene without offering assistance or exchanging details, this can make the situation even more confusing and distressing.

Nonetheless, if you have been injured in a hit and run accident, you might still be able to claim compensation for your pain, suffering and related financial losses. Even if the other driver cannot be traced, you could claim damages through the compensation scheme operated by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

To find out if you have a valid hit and run accident claim, call 0800 470 0474 or enter your details here to receive a free case assessment with a friendly legal adviser. If your case has merit, you will be offered a No Win No Fee* service, so there will be no upfront costs and absolutely nothing to pay if your claim is unsuccessful.

Find out if you can claim

Call 0800 470 0474 now or request a call back below:

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    By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

    What is a hit and run accident?

    Under section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, all parties must stop and exchange details if a road traffic accident results in damage or personal injury. A hit and run accident refers to a situation when a person involved in a road incident leaves the scene without stopping to provide assistance or exchange information with the other parties involved.

    Failing to stop after a road accident is a criminal offence, and the punishments can vary. They may include penalty points, the issuing of a fine, or a prison sentence lasting up to 26 weeks. According to the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB), just over 12% of road traffic accidents reported to the police in the UK involve an untraced driver. A hit and run accident may involve:

    A driver may fail to stop and exchange details following a road accident for various reasons, such as:

    • They were under the influence of drugs or alcohol
    • They were driving without a licence or a valid insurance policy
    • They were driving a stolen car or had committed another crime
    • They panicked because they worried about the damage they caused
    • They were not aware they hit you or your vehicle

    If you suffered damages due to a hit and run, you might be eligible to start a hit and run accident claim through the MIB with the help of a no win no fee personal injury solicitor.

    Can I make a hit and run accident claim?

    If you were involved in a road traffic accident and the other driver left the scene without stopping, this can make a bad situation even more distressing. Nonetheless, an experienced solicitor can help you seek compensation for the damages you have incurred even if the other party cannot be traced or does not have a valid insurance policy.

    As a general rule, it may be possible to make a hit and run claim if:

    • You were the victim of a hit and run accident
    • The accident was at least partially the fault of the other driver
    • You sustained injuries in the accident
    • The accident happened within the last three years

    As detailed in the Road Traffic Act 1988, all road users owe each other a duty of care. They must adhere to the rules set out in the Highway Code and navigate the roads in a way that ensures their safety and that of others.

    Drivers must also have a valid insurance policy to drive on UK roads. If another driver breached their duty of care and caused you to suffer an injury in a hit and run accident, you might be entitled to compensation.

    Evidence to support a hit and run claim

    If you want to pursue compensation for a hit and run accident, collecting and collating as much proof as possible to support your case is essential. You must be able to show how the accident occurred, the damages you suffered as a result and how these have affected your life. Some steps you should take include:

    • Get immediate medical assistance, even if you do not think your injuries are serious. The medical records documenting your injuries and the treatment you received will serve as essential evidence in your claim;
    • File a police report immediately after the hit and run accident. The report will document the incident, and the police may also gather evidence, such as photographs, measurements, and witness statements;
    • Note down the exact date, time and location of the accident;
    • Take photographs of any damage to your vehicle and any visible injuries;
    • Write down as much information about the other vehicle as possible, including its colour, model and registration number;
    • Check for any surveillance cameras in the area where the accident occurred. CCTV footage capturing the incident or the fleeing vehicle can provide strong evidence;
    • Get the names and contact details of any witnesses present at the accident scene;
    • If you or any other individuals have dashcam or mobile phone recordings, these can also serve as vital evidence;
    • Keep evidence of all your expenses, such as receipts and invoices.

    A personal injury solicitor will assist you in gathering the necessary evidence, advise you on the legal process, and help build a strong case to pursue the injury compensation you deserve. To start a hit and run accident compensation claim straight away, call 0800 470 0474 today or use our online claim form to request a call back.

    Common injuries from hit and run car accidents

    Road traffic accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. These may heal within a few days, a couple of months, or even be permanent and life-changing. Here are some common injuries that may occur in a hit and run accident:

    Head injuries

    Head injuries can range from bruises and concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that may lead to cognitive impairment, behavioural changes, memory loss, and physical disabilities.

    Back injuries

    Back injuries may range from sprains and strains to spinal damage that may cause loss of sensation, paralysis, and impaired bodily functions.

    Fractures

    An accident with an untraced driver may cause broken bones in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries can take months to heal fully and can have a significant impact on your day-to-day life.

    Internal organ injuries

    The impact of a hit and run accident could cause damage to internal organs, leading to internal bleeding, organ perforation, or organ failure. These types of injuries can be life-threatening without urgent medical care.

    Soft tissue injuries

    Soft tissue damage includes sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Whiplash is the most common soft tissue injury in car accidents, including those involving uninsured or untraced drivers.

    Lacerations and abrasions

    Victims may sustain cuts, deep lacerations, or abrasions from contact with the vehicle or other objects during the accident.

    Emotional and psychological injuries

    Hit and run accidents can have a profound emotional and psychological impact, resulting in conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

    It is essential to seek immediate medical attention following a hit and run accident, even if injuries are not immediately apparent. Additionally, consulting with a personal injury lawyer can help you to understand your legal rights, navigate the legal process, and win compensation for your injuries and damages.

    Who will pay the compensation in a hit and run injury claim?

    With hit and run claims, the situation can be more complicated than typical car accident claims where the responsible party is identified. Since the driver who caused the accident fled the scene and their identity is unknown, it may initially seem challenging to determine who will pay for the damages suffered.

    You can potentially recover compensation for a hit and run accident from the following parties:

    • The responsible driver’s insurer, if the police manage to track them down and they have a valid insurance policy. In this case, you can proceed with a standard road traffic accident claim.
    • If you have fully comprehensive insurance, your insurer could compensate you for your losses. This way, you could receive compensation faster, but you may lose your no-claim bonuses.
    • The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), if the other driver cannot be traced and you do not have an insurance policy that could cover your losses.

    The MIB is a non-profit organisation in the UK established to compensate victims of road traffic accidents caused by uninsured or untraced drivers. Its primary purpose is to provide a safety net for individuals injured as a result of accidents involving drivers who do not have valid insurance or cannot be identified. It is funded by the premiums paid for compulsory vehicle insurance.

    How much compensation can I claim for my injuries?

    The amount of compensation for a hit and run accident can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the extent of the injuries and losses suffered. Like in every other personal injury claim, you can recover two types of damages:

    Special damages are awarded for all the financial losses that are caused by the injury and can include:

    • Medical costs like hospital bills, surgeries and medication
    • Cost of physical therapy, ongoing treatment and rehabilitation
    • Loss of income during recovery and loss of earning capacity
    • The cost of repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident
    • Transportation costs to get to the hospital, GP or other medical appointments
    • The cost of hiring help with daily activities
    • Any modifications that need to be made to your car or home to help accommodate a disability

    General damages are awarded for the physical injury and the subjective ways it has affected your life, such as:

    • Physical pain and suffering
    • Emotional and psychological distress
    • Loss of ability to pursue a hobby
    • Loss of consortium and companionship
    • Reduced quality of life

    Special damages are calculated based on available evidence, such as receipts, wage slips and invoices. To calculate a suitable award for general damages, courts and solicitors typically refer to the guidelines offered by the Judicial College.

    If you were involved in an accident with a hit and run driver, you might be wondering how much compensation can I claim? You can refer to our compensation calculator to get an idea about how much you could receive based on the type and extent of your injuries. Or for a more accurate assessment of how much compensation you could receive, request a call back to speak to a trained legal adviser today.

    Time limits to make a hit and run compensation claim

    According to the Limitation Act 1980, there is a three-year time limit to begin a hit and run claim from the date of the accident. Alternatively, the time may start to run on the date of knowledge of your injury. This applies to traumas such as whiplash, where the damage may not become immediately apparent after an accident.

    Other time limits may apply in certain circumstances:

    • If the victim is a child, the three-year time limit begins on their 18th birthday. Before that, a parent or legal guardian can make a hit and run injury claim on their behalf at any time.
    • There is no time limit for a litigation friend to seek compensation for someone who lacks the mental capacity to handle their case.
    • If a loved one passed away after being involved in a hit and run accident, you could start a claim within three years after the date of their death.
    • Claims for accidents abroad can have different time limits depending on each country’s laws, so you should consult with a solicitor as quickly as possible.

    While three years may seem like a long time, a hit and run accident claim can be complex and may require a lot of evidence. Therefore, you should speak to a solicitor and start the process as early as possible to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to make a claim.

    Can I make a claim for a hit and run using a No Win No Fee service?

    If you have a valid claim for a hit and run accident, the solicitors we work with will be able to offer you a no win no fee service. No win no fee is a type of legal arrangement, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), that works in the following way:

    • You begin by consulting with a personal injury lawyer specialising in hit and run claims. During the initial consultation, they will assess the details of your case to determine if you have a valid claim.
    • If the solicitor believes you have a strong case, they will offer to represent you on a no win no fee basis. That means you will not have to pay any legal fees unless your claim is successful. If your claim is successful, the solicitor’s success fee will be deducted from the compensation award. It cannot be more than 25% of your settlement, which will be thoroughly discussed and agreed to from the beginning.
    • Once the CFA is in place, your solicitor will investigate the hit and run accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. That may involve obtaining witness statements, reviewing CCTV footage, working with the police, and other necessary steps. They will also take out an After the Event (ATE) insurance policy on your behalf so you will not have to pay any legal expenses such as court fees if your case fails.
    • Your solicitor will negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company or the Motor Insurer’s Bureau to reach a fair settlement that compensates you for your injuries and losses. If they cannot settle, the case may proceed to court, where your solicitor will represent you and present your case.
    • If your claim is successful, you will then receive your compensation award. The amount will depend on various factors, including the extent of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the financial losses you have incurred. Your solicitor’s success fee and the cost of the ATE premium will be the only deductions from your settlement.
    • If your claim is unsuccessful, you do not have to pay a single penny to anyone. This makes the no win no fee service completely risk-free, giving you peace of mind from the outset.

    To find out if you can begin a No Win No Fee hit and run accident claim, call free on 0800 470 0474 today to speak to a legal adviser. Alternatively, you can enter your details into the contact form below, and a legal adviser will call you back to discuss your claim.