Hit-and-Run Accident Claims
Advice on when St Helens hit-and-run accident claims are possible and how solicitors can help secure the compensation you deserve.
Hit-and-Run Accident Claims
Advice on when St Helens hit-and-run accident claims are possible and how solicitors can help secure the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been hit by a driver who failed to stop, you might wonder whether you can make a road traffic accident claim. This article explains everything you need to know about hit-and-run accident claims: what they are, when you have grounds to claim, and what evidence you’ll need.
Our panel of solicitors cover St Helens and can help you pursue compensation if you have suffered injuries due to a hit-and-run. If your claim is accepted, they’ll guide you through the process, tackle the paperwork, and help you claim what you’re owed.
To learn exactly when you can claim and what you need to do, please read on. If you prefer, you can call 01744385105, or complet this Contact Us form for free advice at any time.
What Is A Hit-and-Run Accident Claim?
A hit-and-run accident happens when a driver causes a collision and leaves the scene without stopping. This can include crashes on roads like the A570, the East Lancashire Road (A580), or even quieter residential streets. The driver often fails to check if anyone needs help or provide their insurance details. This is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
A hit-and-run accident claim allows you to seek compensation if you’re injured and can’t identify the responsible driver. These claims are handled with the help of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The MIB exists to make sure people injured by uninsured or untraced drivers aren’t left without support. While this sounds like a great idea, it is actually funded by law-abiding motorists as a levy on motor insurance premiums.
You don’t need to know who hit you. What matters is whether you suffered injury due to the other driver’s negligence. If that’s the case, you may still claim for personal injury, damaged property, and related losses.
If you've suffered an injury through no fault of your own, you don't need to suffer in silence.
What Eligibility Criteria Are Relevant For Hit-and-Run Accident Claims?
To have grounds for a hit-and-run accident claim, you need to meet these criteria:
Another motorist (who owed you a duty of care) caused an accident.
The other driver failed to stop and can’t be traced.
You sustained an injury or injuries as a result of the accident.
The incident occurred in the UK.
The accident was reported to the police as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours.
We offer a free claim check to help confirm if you’re entitled to start a St Helens hit-and-run accident claim. Therefore, please don’t hesitate to call.
What Is The Time Limit For Hit-and-Run Claims?
The usual time limit for starting a road traffic accident claim is three years from the date of the accident. There are exceptions:
If the injured person is under 18, they have until their 21st birthday to start a claim. Also, as a parent or guardian, you could claim compensation on your child’s behalf at any point before their 18th birthday.
If the claimant lacks mental capacity, the standard limitation period does not apply meaning there is no time limit. This would return, however, if they made a recovery and regained mental capacity.
To confirm how long you have to make a St Helens hit-and-run claim, why not contact our team today?
Common Examples Of Incidents Leading To Hit-and-Run Accident Claims
Hit-and-run accidents can happen on any road, from the M62 or M57 to Church Street in St Helens town centre. Common situations leading to claims include:
A vehicle strikes a pedestrian at a crossing and drives off.
Cyclist knocked from their bike by a car that doesn’t stop.
Rear-end collision on a roundabout followed by the other vehicle speeding away.
Side-swipes while merging onto dual carriageways, like the A580, with the other driver leaving the scene.
If you are a passenger, cyclist, pedestrian, or another driver, you’re eligible to claim as long as you meet the criteria above. Importantly, the solicitors on our panel can help with hit-and-run accident claims for incidents across St Helens.
Please feel free to get in touch if you’d like us to carry out a free assessment of your claim.
What Evidence Do The MIB Require?
The Motor Insurers’ Bureau require pretty much the same evidence as is needed for other car accident claims. Here are some examples of the evidence you might need to provide in hit-and-run claims:
Police Crime Reference Number: Proof that the incident was reported to the police within five days (or 14 days if injured).
Accident Details: A written account of the accident, including date, time, location, and circumstances.
Witness Statements: Contact information and statements from any witnesses to the incident.
Photographic Evidence: Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and anything relevant.
Medical Evidence: Medical reports or records relating to any injuries sustained in the incident.
Proof of Losses: Evidence of financial losses, such as repair invoices, receipts, or quotes.
Insurance Details: Information about your own insurance policy and whether you have made a claim.
Correspondence Records: Copies of any letters, emails, or communications relating to the claim.
A solicitor from our panel may be able to help you collect any evidence you don’t yet have as part of their service. Therefore, even if you can’t provide everything listed above, you can still contact us for free claims advice.
Do I Need A Solicitor For A St Helens Hit-and-Run Claim?
You are not legally required to have a solicitor to make a St Helens hit-and-run claim; however, having professional legal representation can significantly enhance your chances of a successful outcome. Navigating the complexities of hit-and-run cases can be challenging for claimants without specialist knowledge. A solicitor with experience in this field can provide invaluable guidance, help you to build a robust case, and maximise the compensation you are entitled to claim.
Choosing a No Win No Fee solicitor from our panel offers considerable benefits for your St Helens hit-and-run claim. This arrangement means:
No upfront legal fees, making legal services accessible to everyone
Reduced financial risk, as you only pay if your case is successful
Encourages solicitors to work diligently for a positive outcome
Peace of mind knowing your solicitor is motivated to win
Clear agreement on costs from the outset
If you’d like us to connect you with a solicitor who covers St Helens to manage a hit-and-run claim on your behalf, please call today.
What Does Compensation Cover?
Compensation for a hit-and-run accident claim can include several important elements:
General damages: Payment for physical and psychological injuries, assessed by medical experts.
Special damages: Covers loss of earnings, repair bills, replacement costs, travel to medical appointments, and care expenses.
Future losses: If the accident leaves you with long-term effects, future loss of earnings or continued care may be included.
Compensation aims to help you recover and return to day-to-day life as fully as possible. Each case is unique meaning compensation amounts vary. If your claim is handled by a solicitor from our panel, they’ll assess your claim, and fight for every penny you deserve.
Call Today To Start A Hit-and-Run Accident Compensation Claim
If you’ve been hurt in a hit-and-run accident in St Helens, please feel free to get in touch. You could be entitled to claim compensation, and getting expert help improves your chances of success.
Our panel of solicitors handle claims just like yours, tackling the paperwork and dealing with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau on your behalf. They make the process as stress-free as possible, so you can focus on recovery.
If you’re ready to discuss your road traffic accident claim, please call 01744385105 today, or use our Contact Us form to reach out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below, you can find answers to some frequently asked questions about St Helens Hit-and-Run accident claims.
What happens if the hit-and-run driver is later identified after I start my claim?
If the driver is identified after your claim has begun, the process may change. Your solicitor or the MIB could pursue the claim directly against the identified driver and their insurer, which might also result in a swifter resolution or different compensation process.
Will making a hit-and-run claim affect my own car insurance premium?
Making a claim through the MIB for a hit-and-run accident where the other driver cannot be traced should not directly affect your no-claims bonus. However, insurers may factor any incident or claim—whether fault or non-fault—into future premiums. It’s wise to check your policy details or discuss this with your insurer.
Can I claim if the hit-and-run happened when I was abroad, but I live in the UK?
Claims for hit-and-run accidents generally need to be made in the country where the incident took place. UK residents injured in hit-and-run accidents abroad may face different rules and processes, so specialist legal advice is recommended. Some European claims may be possible if the accident occurred in an EU country, but requirements vary.
