Untraced Driver (Hit and Run) Claims in Northern Ireland
Paschal O’Hare are here to help people in Belfast and across Northern Ireland involved in accidents with untraced drivers, often referred to as hit and run accidents. Our injury solicitors understand the difficulties these types of car accidents claims can cause. We’re ready to step in to offer the support you need, reaching a settlement under the MIB untraced driver’s agreement you deserve.
Untraced Driver Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland
Getting hit by someone who drives off from the scene can be an incredibly stressful experience. These accidents often result in injuries as well as damage to your car. Additionally, it means that you can’t put a claim against the driver, muddling up the traditional personal injury procedure.
Thankfully, there’s a process that helps drivers that sustained injuries under these circumstances. It is offered by the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) and is called the Uninsured Drivers Scheme. Our solicitors will guide you through the process from start to finish and ensure that you receive adequate untraced driver compensation.
Who is an untraced driver in Northern Ireland?
An untraced driver is an individual who leaves the scene after an accident without providing details to the other party. Often called “hit and run” accidents, these types of accidents can be very serious and are common across Northern Ireland.
Leaving the site after of an accident which caused injury or damage is a criminal offence. It is classed as a summary offence and can carry hash penalties including imprisonment. Police in Northern Ireland may want to look into these types of accidents and use surveillance cameras and witness evidence to trace the drivers.
What is the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB)?
The government set up a body in 1946 called the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) to assist those that have been injured by untraced and uninsured drivers. The Road Traffic Act 1988 requires all insurers across the UK dealing with motor insurance to belong to the MIB and contribute to it.
The MIB runs three different schemes to help drivers across the UK:
- Uninsured Drivers Scheme
- Untraced Drivers Agreement (hit and run) scheme
- Green Card Scheme
Each scheme assist drivers in different ways, helping solve issues that typically would not have an easy solution.
How the MIB helps with untraced drivers
The MIB will be able to provide compensation for personal injury, but not damage to your vehicle or other property. In order to begin the process, you will need to bring your claim to the MIB within 3 years.
Our untraced drivers solicitors will be able to guide you through the entire process. Please feel to reach out if you have any questions.
What should I do if I’m injured in a hit and run accident in Belfast or anywhere in Northern Ireland?
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident in Belfast or anywhere else in Northern Ireland, it is important to do the following:
- Report the accident to the police – Do this as soon as possible. Ensure you provide as much information as you can.
- Seek medical attention immediately – Some injuries may not be apparent until days or weeks after your accident. It is essential that you prioritise your health and wellbeing.
- Gather evidence – it is important to gather as much information as possible early on. This might include photos of the accident scene, photos or videos of your injuries, and contact details of any witnesses.
- Contact a hit-and-run accident solicitor – Reach out to our solicitors and we will guide you through the claims process. We are here to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you have any questions about the process please reach out to our hit-and-run solicitors in Belfast, Glengormley, and Carrickfergus today.
How much compensation will I receive for my hit and run claim?
The amount of compensation you receive for your hit-and-run claim will depend on several factors including the severity of your injuries as well as the impact on your quality of life. Our expert injury solicitors will work closely with you to evaluate your claim and provide you with a detailed estimate once we have more information about your unique circumstances.
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Belfast or Northern Ireland, trust Paschal O’Hare Personal Injury Solicitors to help you on your road to recovery. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explore your options.
How we can help with your untraced Driver (hit and run) Claims in Northern Ireland
Our solicitors are hit-and-run claims experts. We’ve been helping people in Northern Ireland involved in accidents with untraced drivers for over 50 years. Our injury specialists understand how the MIB works and have successfully negotiated with them time and time again.
We are here to gather the facts, obtain reports, and ensure you receive the medical and financial support you need. If you or someone you know was involved in an accident with an untraced driver, reach out to our solicitors today.
Seymour Major
We’ll take the stress out of your claim so that you can focus on what’s important, the best possible recovery.”
Case Studies
Julie’s passenger accident claim settles for £22,000 (Belfast)
Julie was a passenger in a vehicle that was stationary on Falls Road in Belfast when it was rear-ended by another car. Following the accident,
Michelle’s passenger accident settles for £22,000 (Belfast)
Michelle was a passenger in a vehicle driving down Falls Road in Belfast when a car driven by the third party struck her vehicle. She
Megan’s passenger accident settles for £13,500 (Belfast)
Megan was involved in a road traffic accident when she was travelling on Belfast Road in Belfast. The accident happened when she was a front
Untraced Driver (Hit and Run) in Northern Ireland FAQs
You typically have 3 years from the date of the accident to make a hit and run claim in Northern Ireland. This is the statutory limit for personal injury claims. We would, however, recommend contacting our solicitors as soon as possible to ensure your claim is handled promptly.
To make a successful claim for a hit and run accident, you will need to provide evidence to support your case. This can include:
- Medical records that describe your injuries
- Photographs of the accident scene and your injuries.
- Witness statements
While it may seem overwhelming, solicitors can help. We are here to guide you every step of the way and will answer any questions about the process.
A specialist solicitor, like those found at Paschal O’Hare, can help with your hit and run claim by:
- Providing expert advice on the claims process.
- Gathering and presenting the necessary evidence.
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Secure the best possible compensation for you.
Simply reach out to our team to start the process.
If you’ve been injured due to the negligent actions of a hit and run or untraced driver, you will likely be entitled to compensation. Reach out to our solicitors today to find out how to make a personal injury claim.
The time taken to settle your claim will vary depending on the complexity of your case. Additionally, your claim will likely be handled by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) which may extend the process further. If you contact us, our solicitors will advise you on the timescales for your specific claim.
If the driver responsible for your hit and run accident is convicted, it will likely strengthen your personal injury claim. A conviction proves that your accident was caused by the negligence of the other driver. This can put you in a stronger position to recover more compensation. While a conviction is not necessary, it can prove useful as it provides evidence to support your claim.
Yes, pedestrians who are injured in a hit and run collision are able to claim compensation. Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users. This means that injuries from being struck by a vehicle can be extremely serious. Even if the car that hit you is untraceable, you may be able to file a claim with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). Our injury solicitors can advise you on your rights and will help you get the compensation you deserve.
