Suffering injuries in a hit-and-run can be devastating for both you and your loved ones. When those responsible flee the scene, it can leave you wondering how to move ahead. Our hit-and-run accident solicitors are committed to getting you the compensation you deserve.
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A ‘hit-and-run’ is any road traffic accident in which one or more of the involved parties flees the scene without stopping to exchange details with anyone else who was involved. When this happens, injured people still have the right to pursue a hit-and-run claim, even if the driver is never identified.
In the UK, leaving the scene of an accident without exchanging details is a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988. If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you may be left wondering if it's possible to claim compensation for your injuries or any damage the accident has caused.
The claims process will be different when the driver responsible is untraceable, but you're still entitled to claim hit-and-run compensation.
What are the most common injuries in a hit-and-run accident?
Hit-and-run accidents often happen suddenly, leaving little time to react. Because of this, injuries can be wide‑ranging and, in some cases, life-altering.
Many people experience whiplash, fractures, soft‑tissue damage or cuts and bruising. In more severe cases, hit-and-run accidents can cause serious and life-changing injuries, including:
Head or brain injuries
Spinal cord or neck injuries
Severe limb damage, leading to amputation and loss of limb
Fatal injuries
However you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation. We work closely with medical experts and rehabilitation specialists to ensure that the compensation and support you receive is tailored to your specific injuries and circumstances, giving you the best possible chance at recovery and future independence.
What should I do if I’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident?
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention as soon as possible. Not only is it important that you receive prompt treatment to aid your recovery, but records of any medical treatment you received can be used as evidence of the injuries you sustained and their impact on you.
If you're a motorist who has been hit by another vehicle, you should also inform your insurance company that you've been in an accident. They'll note any of the details you can provide. Be aware that even if you're not at fault for the accident and are unable to provide details of the liable party, you must inform your insurer of the accident.
You must have reported the accident to both your insurance provider and the police (within 14 days) before you can make a claim for hit-and-run compensation. All hit and run claims are submitted to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, which acts in a similar capacity to the liable insurer in normal road traffic accident claims.
Hit-and-run road collision | Rebuilding my life after catastrophic injury
Jack was left paralysed from the chest down after he was involved in a hit-and-run collision. Slater and Gordon's hit-and-run lawyers not only helped him recover compensation but also helped get his life back on track.
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The Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) was established in 1946 to compensate people who have been injured by an uninsured or untraced driver.
The organisation will handle any claim made which, under normal circumstances, would have been made to the liable driver’s motor insurance company. It is funded by a levy placed on UK motor insurance companies, and operates under agreements with the government, which set out how victims of these accidents are protected.
Although the process is different from a standard road traffic claim, the aim remains the same: to help you recover physically, emotionally and financially after a hit and run.
Who can make a hit-and-run claim?
Anyone injured in an accident caused by an untraced driver may be able to make a hit and run claim. This includes drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. You don’t need to know the identity of the driver, but you must report the accident to the police.
It is also possible for children to claim hit-and-run compensation with the help of a parent or guardian, who would act as a ‘litigation friend’ by bringing a claim on their behalf until they turn 18. People who lack the mental capacity to handle their own claim can also be supported by a loved one in this way. Families may also be able to bring a claim if they have lost a loved one in a hit-and-run accident, including seeking financial support and compensation for the emotional impact of their loss.
If the accident was caused in full or partly due to another party’s negligence, the MIB scheme allows you to pursue a hit-and-run claim. Our team are on hand to ensure that your rights are protected from the very start and will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.
How do hit-and-run claims work?
To start your hit-and-run-claim, call us on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online to speak to a member of the team, who will discuss the details of your case with you.
We’ll assess your case and, if we think you have a claim, we’ll talk you through the claims process and your funding options (many of our hit-and-run accident claims are pursued on a No Win No Fee basis).
To support your claim, we’ll gather all the relevant evidence, including police documents accessing your medical records (with your permission) and arranging for you to have medical examination/s with independent expert/s who specialise in providing medical evidence in cases such as yours.
Once we’ve collected all the initial information we need, we’ll submit a Letter of Claim to the responsible party. Your solicitor will keep you up to date with your claims progress and will handle all negotiations, working hard to secure the best possible outcome.
As part of your claim, we’ll advocate for you to have access to the best quality treatment and rehabilitation, where appropriate, to maximise your chances of a full recovery and future independence.
In most cases, negotiations will lead to a successful conclusion of a claim. However, there are occasions when a settlement cannot be reached, and the matter must go to court so a judge can make a decision on your case.
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case.
David
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service.
Ashley
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose slater and gordon
Kenny Jackson
What evidence will I need to make a hit-and-run injury claim?
Normally, a key piece of evidence you need to make any type of road traffic accident claim is the name and insurance details of the person you believe is at fault for the accident. As this isn’t possible to obtain in hit-and-run accidents, it’s important to give us as much information as possible to build a picture of what happened.
This will include details you can remember about the untraced driver or vehicle, including make, model, colour or, where possible, the registration number and how the accident happened. You may also be asked to provide other supporting evidence, such as:
Photographs of the scene and any damage caused, as well as photos of your injuries
Video evidence, including CCTV or dashcam footage where available
Witness contact details
Medical records confirming your injuries and prognosis
A police report, if they attended the scene
Details of any financial losses, such as receipts for travel costs, mobility aids, rehabilitation or further treatment
How much compensation could I claim for hit-and-run?
The amount of hit-and-run compensation you may receive depends on the seriousness of your injuries and how the accident has affected your life. Compensation is calculated in two ways:
Compensation for your physical and mental injuries: using medical evidence prepared after expert assessments and the guidelines set by the Judicial College.
Past and future financial losses: direct financial losses caused by the accident, for example loss of earnings and rehabilitation costs.
In hit-and-run accident compensation claims, the MIB will investigate the accident circumstances and assess your injuries, before offering you a compensation award. They will consider the physical harm you have suffered, any psychological trauma, loss of income, treatment costs and the wider effect on your day‑to‑day life. More severe injuries, such as head trauma, spinal damage or permanent disabilities, understandably attract higher awards than more minor injuries that heal quickly.
Many people worry that hit-and-run compensation will be lower because the driver is unidentified. This is not the case. When a claim is made through the MIB, the level of compensation should be broadly similar to what you would receive if the other driver’s insurer were known. At Slater and Gordon, we work to ensure every aspect of your loss is properly valued so you can rebuild your life with confidence.
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s hit-and-run solicitors?
Suffering injuries in a hit-and-run can be devastating for both you and your loved ones. When those responsible flee the scene, it can leave you wondering how to proceed. Our hit-and-run accident solicitors are committed to getting you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery and move forward.
Our lawyers are among the best and most experienced hit-and-run solicitors in the country, consistently receiving high rankings from reputable independent legal directories, such as Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500
We pride ourselves on taking a holistic, collaborative approach to your road traffic accident claim, working closely with medical experts who can assess your injuries and determine the future care and rehabilitation you may require.
We're an award-winning law firm and have a dedicated team of hit-and-run solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We offer affordable expert legal advice and guidance on all aspects of hit-and-run accident claims. Our initial consultation provides tailored advice on your situation giving you clear guidance and options regarding next steps.
Tailored advice
We know that every claim is different – so we provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We're a national law firm, with expert hit-and-run victim lawyers available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Speak to one of our leading hit-and-run solicitors today
Frequently asked questions about hit-and-run claims
Who is at fault in a hit-and-run accident?
In a hit-and-run accident, the fault generally lies with the driver who caused the collision and then failed to stop. The Road Traffic Act 1988 requires drivers involved in an accident to remain at the scene and provide their details. Failing to do so is a criminal offence.
However, determining responsibility for the accident itself still requires evidence. Police reports, CCTV, dashcam footage and witness accounts all help establish what happened. Even if the driver is never identified, the MIB assesses the available information to decide whether another party was responsible for your injuries.
Will I need to attend a medical examination as part of my hit-and-run claim?
In order to evidence your injuries and assess any future risks or complications your injuries may cause, you’ll be required to attend a medical examination carried out by an experienced, independent medical expert who specialises in assessing and treating the injury you suffered. If you have suffered multiple injuries, you may need to be assessed by more than one medical expert.
We will arrange this assessment on your behalf when you start your claim with us.
The expert will discuss your injuries with you and their impact on your life in detail. They will then produce a medico-legal report, which will be used as evidence to determine the extent of your injuries and how quickly you might be expected to recover.
How long do I have to start a hit-and-run claim?
Under UK law, you have three years from the date of your accident to make a hit-and-run accident claim. This is known as the ‘limitation period’.
However, there are some important exceptions to this rule:
If you are claiming on behalf of a child, you can make a claim at any point before their 18th birthday. If a claim hasn’t been made by then, they have three years to make a claim themselves (prior to their 21st birthday).
If you are claiming on behalf of someone who lacks the mental capacity to do so themselves, the limitation period is suspended indefinitely and will only begin if they regain capacity. This means you can make a claim at any time. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the limitation period will begin running even if your loved one only regains capacity temporarily.
It is therefore important that you seek legal advice as soon as possible following a hit-and-run accident. Your solicitor should be able to provide more information about any deadlines that are pertinent to your case.
Can I make a No Win No Fee hit-and-run accident claim?
Many of the cases we pursue on behalf of our clients are done so by way of a No Win No Fee agreement. There are no upfront costs, and if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay a fee to your solicitor.
However, No Win No Fee arrangements are not the only way to fund your case. To learn more about the available funding options and which might suit you best, speak to a member of our team.
Can I make a claim for hit and run compensation on behalf of someone else?
If a loved one has been injured in an accident and is not able to claim injury compensation themselves, it may be possible for you to do so on their behalf. Cases where this may be possible include:
Claiming on behalf of a child (under 18 years old)
Claiming on behalf of someone who lacks the mental capacity to manage the claim themselves
Claiming after a fatal accident
If you wish to discuss the possibility of claiming on behalf of someone else, our expert solicitors will be happy to discuss this with you in more detail.
Who pays for a hit-and-run accident?
When the driver responsible cannot be traced, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) pays compensation under the Untraced Drivers Agreement. This is a government‑backed scheme designed to protect the public when drivers break the law and leave the scene.
If the driver is later identified, the claim usually continues against their insurance provider instead. The MIB may reclaim any payments it has already made directly from the driver or their insurer. For the injured person, this change happens behind the scenes, and you shouldn’t be left out of pocket as the legal responsibility shifts.
The most important step is to report the accident to the police promptly. Under MIB rules, failure to report in a timely manner (within 14 days) can affect your eligibility to make a hit-and-run claim. We strongly recommend speaking to one of our experienced hit-and-run solicitors as soon as you are able, who can help ensure all necessary steps are taken early on.
What does hit-and-run compensation cover?
Hit-and-run accident claims cover a wide range of losses. Compensation is not limited to the immediate injury but reflects the full impact the accident has had on your life. This includes your physical injury, any emotional or psychological harm and the wider practical consequences.
Medical treatment, rehabilitation, medication, travel to appointments and specialist support are all considered. If your injuries prevent you from working or force you to take time off, your claim will include compensation for lost earnings. If your future ability to work has been affected, those long‑term financial losses are also taken into account.
Your claim for hit-and-run compensation may also include the cost of care, adaptations to your home, damage to personal items and the impact on your overall quality of life. Because hit-and-run accidents often cause shock and distress, the emotional effect is also recognised. By taking a holistic approach to your recovery, our leading hit-and-run solicitors ensure that every aspect of your loss is valued and presented clearly so that you receive the support you need.
What happens if the vehicle of the person responsible is registered abroad?
If the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run accident is registered outside the UK, you can still pursue a claim. The MIB handles accidents caused by foreign‑registered vehicles under agreements in place with insurers across Europe and beyond.
If the foreign vehicle cannot be traced, the claim proceeds under the untraced drivers scheme just like any other hit-and-run accident claim. If the driver is identified, the process may involve the foreign insurer instead. Our specialist team has a wealth of experience handling cross‑border road traffic claims, and can help ensure that time limits, reporting rules and evidence requirements are all met.
How long does a hit-and-run compensation claim normally take?
The length of a hit-and-run claim varies depending on the complexity of the injuries and the investigations required. Because the driver is untraced, the MIB usually needs to review police reports, witness statements and medical evidence before making a decision. Straightforward cases involving minor injuries may resolve within several months. More complex cases, particularly those involving serious or long‑lasting injuries, may take longer so the full impact can be properly assessed.
Although the MIB has its own timescales, your solicitor helps progress the case as quickly as possible. At Slater and Gordon, our priority is to ensure you can access treatment, rehabilitation and financial support without unnecessary delay.
Can I still claim compensation if I was partially at fault for the hit-and-run accident?
Yes, you may still be able to claim for a hit-and-run accident even if you were partly at fault. This is known as ‘contributory negligence’. It won’t prevent you from claiming, but it may mean the final amount you are awarded is reduced to reflect your own liability.
Our hit-and-run solicitors will go through the circumstances of your case, analysing the details carefully to show the extent to which the driver’s actions caused your injuries and ensure you get the full amount of compensation you are owed.
How can making a hit-and-run claim help?
A hit-and-run claim can be a crucial step in helping you rebuild your life after an unexpected and often traumatic event. It provides financial security so you can access treatment, recover lost income and manage the practical challenges caused by your injuries. It also acknowledges the emotional effect these accidents have, offering support to help you regain confidence and regain independence.
Our leading hit-and-run solicitors work hard to ensure you are supported throughout the process. From immediate advice to long‑term rehabilitation planning, our focus is always on your recovery and your future. To start your claim, speak to us on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case. David
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Ashley
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose slater and gordon Kenny Jackson