If you are reading this, you are likely seeking advice on how to claim compensation for a hit and run accident. In such cases, the legal process is different as you cannot take the usual route of claiming compensation from an insurance provider. However, as we will explain, there is another way to make a car accident claim. The compensation awarded in hit and run claims can help claimants reduce their financial stress and prioritise the recovery of their health.
Key Takeaways
- Hit and run claims can be made through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB)
- The MIB pays compensation in cases where it is not possible to claim through an insurer
- You will need to prove that you were the victim of a hit and run and that you sustained injuries
- The amount of compensation awarded depends on the physical and psychological harm that you have suffered. It may also include the financial repercussions that you have experienced as part of your recovery.
- Our solicitors represent hit and run claims on a No Win No Fee basis
One of our advisors can provide further details and potentially connect you with one of our experienced No Win No Fee solicitors. However, you don’t need to worry if you’re unsure about making a claim. All advice is offered with no strings attached, as we understand that you may seek answers before you make any decisions. Contact Legal Expert today:
- Call us on 0800 073 8804
- Complete an online contact form
- Chat with us live using the pop-up in the corner
Jump To A Section
- Can I Claim Compensation After A Hit And Run?
- The Average Compensation For Hit And Run Claims
- How Is Hit And Run Compensation Paid For?
- What Should I Do After Being Involved In A Hit And Run
- Research On Hit And Run Incidents
- How Can A Solicitor Help Me Claim Through The MIB?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Learn More
Can I Claim Compensation After A Hit And Run?
You could make a claim for compensation after a hit and run if you can demonstrate your case meets the following criteria:
- Another road user owed a duty of care to you
- They failed to act in accordance with their duty
- This caused you to suffer an injury
All road users owe each other a duty of care. This requires them to use the roads in a safe manner to avoid causing harm. Additionally, they must adhere to the Highway Code and the Road Traffic Act 1980.
When you are the victim of a hit and run, it may be unclear how you can claim compensation. In most road traffic accident claims, you make a claim against the negligent driver, and the insurer will pay any potential compensation.
Since this may not be possible in a hit and run case, you will be able to make your claim through the MIB. This is an organisation that helps compensate victims of uninsured and untraceable drivers.
You can read a later section for more details on this. You can also speak to our team of advisors at any time if you would like a straightforward answer as to whether you can proceed with a case.
The Average Compensation For Hit And Run Claims
The average compensation awarded for hit and run claims will usually involve two heads of loss: general damages and special damages.
General damages compensate you for the injuries you have suffered, both psychological and physical.
When assessing compensation for your case, legal professionals may read the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This legal document outlines guideline compensation brackets for different types and severities of injury. We have included some of these figures below for you to take a look at.
It is vital that you do not consider the JCG figures as a guarantee of the compensation that you could be owed; these are only provided as guidelines.
Please note that the first figure was not taken from the JCG.
| Types of Injury | Severity | Compensation Guideline Bracket |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple severe injuries with special damages | Severe | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Brain and head | Very severe | £344,150 to £493,00 |
| Arm Amputation | Loss of both arms | £293,850 to £366,100 |
| Pelvis and hips | Severe (i) | £95,680 to £159,770 |
| Neck | Severe (ii) | £80,240 to £159,770 |
| Chest | Damage to chest and lungs | £38,210 to £66,920 |
| Shoulder | Severe | £23,430 to £58,610 |
| Back | Moderate (i) | £33,880 to £47,320 |
| Elbow | Less severe | £19,100 to £39,070 |
What Factors Will Determine The Amount Of Compensation I Get?
Various factors will determine the amount of compensation you receive under general damages, such as:
- The type of injury you suffered and its severity
- What treatments you have required
- Your experted recovery period
The financial impact that you have suffered due to your injuries can also be added to your case if relevant. This part of the compensation is referred to as special damages. You may be eligible to reclaim the following costs:
- A loss of earnings– sometimes your injuries require you to take time off work so that you can prioritise recovery
- The cost of home adjustments- for instance, you may need a stair rail installed to help you get upstairs
- Medical costs- including prescriptions and private treatments
- Expenses made when travelling back and forth to medical appointments
- Payments for professional care, if this is required to help you go about your daily life
Evidence will need to be provided for these expenses in order to claim special damages. This may include payslips, receipts and invoices.
The Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021
If you are seeking compensation for whiplash injuries, the Whiplash Reform Programme will affect how much compensation you will receive for these. The Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021 specify fixed tariffs based on how long you have suffered from an injury and whether you have experienced psychological harm as well. We have included some of these figures below for your consideration.
| Length | Whiplash + Psychological Injuries | Whiplash Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| Between 18 and 24 months | £4,345 | £4,215 |
| Between 15 and 18 months | £3,700 | £3,005 |
| Between 12 and 15 months | £2,125 | £2,040 |
| Between 9 and 12 months | £1,390 | £1,320 |
If you have any questions about the factors we have discussed and how they impact compensation in hit and run claims, you are welcome to speak with our advisors at any time.
How Is Hit And Run Compensation Paid For?
The MIB pays out compensation in successful hit and run claims. Under Section 95 of the Road Traffic Accident Act (RTA), all insurance companies that provide mandatory insurance are required to contribute to the MIB. This funding is how the MIB is able to provide compensation in cases where there is no insurer to claim compensation from.
Get in touch today if you would like a further explanation of how the MIB operates.
What Should I Do After Being Involved In A Hit And Run
Hit and run claims require you to supply evidence in order to prove your injuries and the negligent actions that led to them. You can prove your case by supplying the following:
- A copy of your medical information- you can request this online (or seek advice from a solicitor on how to access it)
- The findings from an independent medical report
- Photos of your injuries
- Photos or videos of the incident (including CCTV or dashcam footage)
- Contact details of anyone who witnessed the accident happen (they may later be called on to give a witness statement to support your case)
- A copy of a police report
Our advisors are available 24/7, and can help you understand what evidence could help support your case.
Research On Hit And Run Incidents
We have done some research into hit and run incidents in England and Wales. This was done by submitting a Freedom of Information request across various police forces. Not all forces were able to share their data. However, from the ones that were able to provide this, there were a total of around 1,891 hit and run prosecutions between 2023 and 2024.
A hit and run can cause an extremely stressful situation for the victim. You may feel isolated and overwhelmed, but you are not alone in your experience. Speak with our advisors today to find out how hit and run claims help claimants to move forward.
How Can A Solicitor Help Me Claim Through The MIB?
Our solicitors can help make the process of claiming through the MIB much simpler. They have already gained over £80 million in compensation so far for our clients, so we have a proven track record of success.
You may be eligible to work with one of our solicitors on a No Win No Fee contract. This means that, by signing a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), you will not be required to pay for your solicitor’s work:
- Before your hit and run claim begins
- While the legal process is underway
- In the event you are not awarded compensation
However, if you are given compensation, you must pay a success fee. This is a percentage of the compensation that you pay to your solicitor. There is a legal cap in place to protect your interests. Therefore, you can rest assured that you will take the largest share of the compensation yourself.
You may also be interested in the specific legal services that we offer to benefit your case. These include:
- Helping you to gather your evidence and submit it to the MIB
- Handling correspondence with the MIB on your behalf (including the acceptance or negotiation of a compensation total)
- Offering their legal expertise to help you understand any aspects of the process that you are unsure of
- Keeping you updated on the state of your case and explaining factors that may affect how long it takes to settle.
Contact Our No Win No Fee Hit And Run Solicitors
If you have any concerns about starting a case, please contact our advisors today. Although they can potentially connect you to one of our road traffic accident solicitors, they are also available to give you simple, straightforward answers. So, if you want free advice, reach out today at your earliest convenience.
- Call us on 0800 073 8804
- Complete an online contact form
- Chat with us live using the pop-up in the corner
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Claim If I Was Partially At Fault For The Hit And Run?
If you are partially at fault for the accident, this will be referred to as a split liability claim. The amount of compensation awarded will depend on the extent to which you were responsible for the incident. For example, if you were 50% responsible, you would receive 50% of the compensation value. However, if you were fully responsible for the incident, you would not have a valid road traffic accident claim.
What If I Was Hit In A Car Park?
If you were hit in a car park, you can still make a claim for compensation. These types of hit and run claims can be carried out in the same way. In fact, many car parks have CCTV, which can be extremely useful when it comes to providing evidence for your case.
What If I Was Hit On Private Property?
If you were hit on private property, you should get in touch with the owner of the property to find out whether they have any information that could help your case. You can also discuss their responsibilities to you and get a better idea of why the accident may have happened.
It does not matter where you had your accident. The MIB will be able to asses your case, regardless.
How Long Will It Take To Resolve A Hit And Run Claim?
The MIB generally aims to settle hit and run claims within 3 months after submission. However, this cannot be guaranteed. Some cases are more complicated in nature. For example, if the evidence is unclear, the MIB may be required to request a copy of your police report. The police cannot provide this until criminal prosecutions have been settled, so this could lengthen the time taken to claim compensation.
Should you work with one of our solicitors, they will support you throughout the whole process and further explain any factors that may affect the timescale of your settlement.
Do I Need To Report A Hit And Run To The Police?
You are required to report a hit and run to the police, as you would not have been able to exchange details with the other party. You can report the accident to the police online.
Learn More
Read our other guides below:
- Visit our guide on motorcycle insurance claims
- Read about claiming for a rear shunt accident
- Find out how to claim for a road traffic accident knee injury
External resources
- Find out how to claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
- Read some statistics on road accident claims where it is not possible to claim from an insurer, as provided by the MIB
- Visit the police webpage for collisions and incidents
Thank you for reading our guide on hit and run claims.
