A hit-and-run accident occurs when one party involved in a road traffic incident leaves the scene without providing contact details, offering assistance, or fulfilling their legal obligation to report the accident. This can involve collisions between two vehicles, as well as incidents where a vehicle hits a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist. It also extends to situations where property is damaged by a vehicle whose driver then leaves without acknowledging their responsibility.

The nature of hit-and-run accidents can make them particularly distressing, as the party who is left behind may feel abandoned and uncertain about how to proceed, especially in terms of seeking compensation for any injuries or damages incurred.

You can still make a hit-and-run accident claim if the at-fault driver is not identified. This is made possible through the MIB. If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, JMW can guide you through the process of making a personal injury claim to the MIB.

While the process may be slightly different from standard compensation claims, our experienced team is adept at navigating these nuances to ensure you still receive the justice and compensation you are entitled to. It is important to note that specific criteria and deadlines apply to MIB claims, so seek legal advice as soon as possible to understand your rights and the viability of your claim.

You generally have three years from the date of the hit-and-run accident to start a claim. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, if you are claiming on behalf of a child, the three-year time limit begins on their 18th birthday. This means that you have until this date to claim on their behalf, or until they turn 21 for them to make their own personal injury claim. In cases where the victim lacks mental capacity, there may not be a time limit at all.

It is also worth noting that when claiming through the MIB for an untraced driver, the time limits will likely vary, and may be shorter than the standard time limits for personal injury claims. Given the specific time constraints and the complexity of these claims, it is advisable to seek legal guidance as soon as possible.

For a hit-and-run accident claim, compensation is typically split into two categories:

1. General damages: these cover the pain, suffering and loss of amenity resulting from your injuries. This means compensation not just for the physical injuries but also for the impact on your quality of life, including psychological trauma such as anxiety or depression that may have ensued following the hit-and-run incident.
2. Special damages: these are intended to cover specific financial losses you have incurred or will incur as a result of the accident. This can include:

• Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs.
• Loss of earnings if you have been unable to work.
• Future loss of earnings if your ability to work is impacted in the long term.
• Costs of any necessary modifications to your home or vehicle necessitated by your injuries
• Any other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the incident, such as travel costs to medical appointments.

By accurately assessing and compiling all of the losses and expenses related to your hit-and-run incident, we can ensure that your compensation fully reflects the impact of the accident on your life. JMW's team of experts specialises in meticulously evaluating every head of loss, ensuring that your claim is comprehensive and that you receive the appropriate compensation.

Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect individuals if they are involved in an accident where the other party is either not insured or cannot be identified, as is often the case in hit-and-run incidents. In the context of a hit-and-run, this type of coverage allows you to make a claim against your own insurance policy to cover the costs for injuries and damages that would typically be the responsibility of the at-fault party.

The specifics of how uninsured motorist coverage applies vary based on the terms of your insurance policy, and the regulations governing insurance in your jurisdiction. After a hit-and-run incident, notify your insurance provider and discuss your coverage options. Additionally, seeking legal advice can provide clarity on how to navigate your uninsured motorist coverage and can ensure that your rights are fully protected.

The time it takes to resolve a hit-and-run compensation claim varies significantly based on several factors. These include the complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, the amount of evidence available, and how quickly the necessary information is obtained and processed. Additionally, the timeframe may be influenced by the workload of the courts or the MIB if the claim involves an untraced driver.

Generally, straightforward cases may be resolved in a matter of months, while more complex cases - particularly those involving severe injuries or disputed facts - may take longer. Settling outside of court can expedite the process, whereas cases that require a court hearing will typically take longer to resolve.

At JMW, we understand the importance of resolving your claim efficiently, while ensuring that the compensation you receive accurately reflects the impact of the hit-and-run incident on your life. Our team is committed to progressing your claim as swiftly as possible, maintaining open and clear communication with you throughout the process, and providing expert guidance at each step.

Accidents that occur on private property, including parking lots, are still subject to compensation claims, including those involving hit-and-run incidents. The process for pursuing compensation is similar to accidents that occur on public roads. Report the incident to the police and gather as much evidence as possible, such as witness statements and CCTV footage if available.

If the incident occurs on private property, the management or owner of the property might also hold important information or additional responsibilities. You should notify them of the accident, as they may be required to provide assistance or documentation that could be pivotal to your claim.

Regardless of the location of the hit-and-run, the MIB provides a route to seek compensation when the at-fault driver cannot be traced or is uninsured. However, specific rules and limitations may apply, making it essential to seek expert legal advice. JMW's team is experienced in handling hit-and-run claims on private property, and can guide you through the specific nuances to ensure your rights are fully protected and you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

You can still claim compensation even if you were partially at fault for the hit-and-run accident. This is known as 'contributory negligence'. In such cases, the compensation you are entitled to may be reduced to reflect your part in contributing to the accident. The exact amount of the reduction will depend on the degree of your responsibility for causing the accident.

Be honest about the circumstances of the accident when seeking legal advice. This allows your solicitor to provide accurate guidance and prepare a robust case on your behalf, taking into account all aspects of the incident. We will evaluate the details of your case and work to ensure that any contributory negligence is fairly assessed, and that you still receive the compensation you deserve for the part of the accident that was not your responsibility.