London Hit-and-Run Accident Claims
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If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident in London, you might be left feeling a bit disorientated about what to do. After the shock and anger have passed, you might wonder if it’s possible to claim compensation. Well, hit-and-run accident claims are possible, and our specialist solicitors are here to help. Therefore, this article covers the types of incidents that can lead to a claim and what steps you should take if you’re affected.
Our solicitors specialise in all sorts of complex road traffic accident claims. Importantly, they can help secure compensation for any injuries and damage even if the other driver is never located.
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, read on to learn more about your options. You can also contact our team online or call 020 7362 2085 for advice and support.
When Are Hit-and-Run Accident Claims Possible?
You might consider a hit-and-run accident claim if you sustained injury or property damage in London, and the responsible motorist left the scene without providing details. Claims commonly arise from incidents such as:
Pedestrians struck on crossings in locations like Westminster or Hackney
Cyclists injured in built-up areas and the motorist decides not to stop.
Drivers leaving the scene of the accident as they know they are uninsured.
Motorists injured in accidents caused by road rage where the other party speeds off after the collision.
Where large vehicles like trucks sideswipe motorcyclist without realising.
Accidents caused by drivers affected by drink or drugs.
Claiming Through The Motor Insurers’ Bureau
A claim can be made through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) following a hit-and-run accident when the driver responsible cannot be traced or identified. The MIB exists to compensate victims of uninsured or untraced drivers. This ensures that those injured or who have suffered property damage are not left without recourse.
It operates as a safety net, funded by a levy paid by all UK motor insurers. Ultimately the cost is passed on to motorists through their insurance premiums. This collective approach allows the MIB to provide compensation where standard insurance claims are not possible.
Working with a solicitor to make a hit-and-run claim through the MIB can help to ensure a fair settlement is awarded.
Is Hit-and-Run Illegal?
Yes, hit-and-run is illegal in the UK under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Any driver involved in a road traffic accident that causes injury to another person, or damage to property, is legally required to stop. They must also provide their name, address, insurance, and vehicle details.
Failing to do so constitutes the offence of “failing to stop“ and “failing to report an accident,“ both of which can result in serious penalties including fines, driving disqualification, and even imprisonment depending on the severity of the incident.
Can I Make A Hit-and-Run Claim If The Other Driver Hasn’t Been Prosecuted?
Yes, you can make a hit-and-run claim through the MIB even if the other driver hasn’t been prosecuted. The key requirement is proving that the accident happened and that you sustained losses or injuries, not whether the responsible driver has faced legal action. Promptly reporting the incident to the police and providing all necessary evidence to the MIB will support your claim.
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Meet Our Road Traffic Accident Solicitors
Patrick Mallon
Patrick is the head of our personal injury claims department. He has been qualified as a solicitor for over 20 years and strives to get the very best result for his clients.
Emma Pomfret
Emma is a Chartered Legal Executive with over 10 years of experience. She is passionate about helping people claim compensation after suffering harm in car crashes
What Does Compensation Cover In Hit-and-Run Accident Claims
Compensation in hit-and-run accident claims addresses a range of losses you may experience. This includes not only immediate costs such as medical expenses and repairs to your vehicle, but also ongoing financial losses like lost earnings if you are unable to work.
Additionally, you can seek compensation for non-financial impacts, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any long-term effects on your quality of life. By thoroughly assessing all of these factors, you can ensure that your claim reflects the full extent of your losses.
What Time Limits Apply
In most cases, including claims through the MIB, you have 3 years to claim compensation from the date of the hit-and-run accident. One exception to this rule is if a child has been injured. In this scenario, you could claim on behalf of your child at any point before they turn 18 as that is when their 3-year limitation begins.
Are No Win No Fee Hit-and-Run Accident Claims Possible?
No Win No Fee agreements, also known as Conditional Fee Agreements (CFAs), are commonly available for hit-and-run accident claims, making legal support more accessible to victims. With this arrangement, you do not need to pay any upfront legal fees to your solicitor.
Instead, your solicitor will only deduct their legal fees if your claim is successful, usually as a pre-agreed percentage of your compensation. This approach removes much of the financial risk for claimants and ensures that your solicitor is motivated to achieve the best possible outcome on your behalf. Importantly, our solicitors can provide a No Win No Fee service for hit-and-run claims through the MIB.
Using Evidence To Build A Stronger Hit-and-Run Accident Claim
Although claiming through the MIB is a slightly different process from normal road traffic accident claims, evidence is still needed to prove what happened. Therefore, if your case is accepted by one of our solicitors, they’ll try to gather much of the following:
Police Report – Official records of the incident, including reference numbers.
Photographs – Pictures of vehicle damage, accident scene, and any injuries.
Witness Statements – Contact details and statements from people who saw the incident.
CCTV/Dashcam Footage – Video evidence from nearby cameras or dashcams.
Medical Records – Documentation of injuries and treatments received.
Accident Details – Notes on time, date, location, weather, and events before/after the accident.
You can rest assured that while the MIB might compensate you, it will still pursue the other party involved in your accident. This could be in conjunction with the police who might also decide to prosecute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below, you can find answers to some frequently asked questions about hit-and-run accident claims:
What should I do after a hit-and-run accident in London?
After a hit-and-run accident, ensure your safety and seek medical attention if needed. Report the incident to the police immediately and gather as much evidence as possible, such as photos, witness details, and CCTV footage. Notify your insurance company and consider consulting a personal injury solicitor for guidance on the claims process.
Who can make a hit-and-run accident claim?
Anyone injured or affected by a hit-and-run incident can potentially make a claim, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, passengers, and owners of damaged parked vehicles. It’s crucial to provide supporting evidence and consult a solicitor to clarify your eligibility.
How long do MIB hit-and-run claims take?
MIB hit-and-run claims typically take between 6 to 12 months to resolve, depending on the complexity of the case and the availability of evidence. Simple claims with clear evidence may be processed faster, while more complicated cases involving serious injuries or disputed facts could take longer. It’s important to provide all required documentation promptly to avoid unnecessary delays.
Do I need a solicitor to make a hit-and-run compensation claim?
While you can file a claim independently, having an experienced solicitor is highly recommended. They can help collect evidence, calculate damages, and deal with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, improving your chances of a successful outcome.