In many cases involving an accident where a compensation claim has been made, the injured party knows who the person at fault was. However, things are rather different if you were the victim of a hit and run. How do you make a claim when you have no idea who hit you in the first place?
Gather as many details as possible
It is difficult to have your wits about you if you are involved in an accident of any kind, let alone a hit and run. However, if you can, it is very important to get the licence plate of the vehicle that hit you. This will help enormously in identifying and finding the vehicle and the driver involved. You should also contact the police and tell them about the accident. Fleeing the scene of an accident is against the law, and they will want to pursue the guilty party and catch up with them as soon as possible.
What if the other driver isn’t found?
In some situations these steps will find the guilty person and you will have the details you need to make your claim. However, if the person isn’t found, you can still make a claim for compensation. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) was created specifically to provide support for people who suffer injuries in road traffic accidents involving uninsured drivers, or drivers who flee the scene of an accident and cannot be traced. The organisation is funded by taking a small amount of money from all vehicle insurance premiums paid in the UK.
Should I go to the doctor if I’m injured?
Make sure you get medical attention as quickly as possible as well. In some cases an ambulance will need to be called to take you to hospital. However, if this does not apply in your case – and even if you seem to be relatively unscathed – make sure you see your own GP as quickly as possible at the very least. You will need a record of your injuries to help with any claim you make. Additionally, you need to ensure you haven’t been seriously injured without realising it, so a trip to A&E can often be a good idea just to be on the safe side.
As you can see, there are methods for finding the driver involved in your hit and run. However, the Motor Insurers Bureau is there to help if you cannot find out the identity of the guilty party.
