Compare Hit And Run Compensation
Being involved in a road traffic accident can be highly distressing. You may have suffered significant injuries which require specialist treatment, and your vehicle may have also become damaged in the process. Usually, you would be able to make a claim against the person at fault – but what happens if they flee the scene?Unfortunately, hit and run accidents do happen, making it harder for you to get the justice you deserve. With no information about the absconding driver, it becomes practically impossible to trace them in an attempt to hold them responsible. The good news is, Compare Compensation Claims can help. We can assist you with your claim by helping you find high quality legal representation to give you the best possible chance of receiving the financial compensation you’re entitled to.
What is a hit and run accident?
A hit and run accident is when a driver responsible for causing an accident flees the scene without stopping to provide their contact information to the other people involved in the accident or to report the incident to the police. The incident can involve a collision with a vehicle, a pedestrian or even fixed object, such as a building. According to UK law, failing to stop after an accident is a criminal offence, regardless of whether or not someone is injured or any property has been damaged. The majority of hit and run accidents are unintentional, and it’s unlikely that a motorist would plan in advance to leave the scene. In most cases, this reaction is spontaneous and a person may flee because they fear the consequences. Some drivers may leave the scene of an accident that was their fault because they are uninsured in a bid to avoid financial fallout and potential prosecution.
What should I do if I’m involved in a hit and run accident?
If you are involved in a hit and run accident, there are a number of things you can do to prove it was not your fault and claim the compensation you deserve, even if the driver to blame cannot be traced. First and foremost, the incident needs to be reported to the police as soon as possible and you should seek medical assistance if needed. Then, you should speak to any witnesses who saw the accident happen and ask them if they managed to get the vehicle’s registration number. It’s a good idea to get the names and contact details of these witnesses too. You should also check if there are any CCTV cameras installed nearby that may have caught the incident on tape. It’s important to note that legally you are entitled to request a copy of any CCTV recording, so make sure you exercise this right. Take photographs of the scene of the accident too, especially the spot where the incident took place and, most importantly, get photographs that clearly show your injuries and any damage that may have been caused to property, such as your vehicle, or other valuable items like your mobile phone.
Can I make a hit and run compensation claim?
If you have been involved in a hit and run accident, you could make a claim through your insurance. However, in doing so, you may lose some or even all of your no claims discount, and you may end up paying a large excess. There is also a chance that you could end up paying for the repairs yourself and losing your insurance benefits because there is no one for you to claim against. In most cases, you can only claim a hit and run accident through your insurance if you have comprehensive cover. Alternatively, you could choose to file your claim directly with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) who act like an insurer in that they investigate the accident to establish what happened and who was at fault. However, as the driver did not stop, it makes it near impossible to trace them, therefore the MIB will not be able to conduct interviews to prove they were responsible for the accident. In this instance, the MIB would then rely on you to assist them in their investigation. Dealing with the MIB can be long, complex and frustrating at times. When filing a claim with them directly, you may be required to obtain a lot of the information needed yourself, and you might find that you end up disappointed with the compensation amount you are awarded at the end of the investigation. To help make this process as easy and stress-free as possible, we are here for you. At Compare Compensation Claims, we can assist you in finding a suitably qualified specialist lawyer to take control of your case and progress it forward to ultimately get you the payout you deserve.
How much compensation will I receive?
It can be difficult to predict how much compensation you will receive. The exact amount you are entitled to will depend on a number of different factors, including the injuries caused and damage inflicted to any property. For an estimate on how much hit and run compensation you may receive, simply add a few details into our claim calculator tool.
How we can help
At Compare Compensation Claims, we are here to help you find a lawyer to assist you with your hit and run claim. With us, you can compare specialist personal injury solicitors quickly and easily to find the right one for you so you can take your claim forward and receive the compensation you deserve.