What do you do if you are hit by an uninsured driver?
This October police forces across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are set to carry out a month-long crack down on uninsured driving – ‘Operation Drive Insured’.
Motor insurance is a legal requirement and with the right level of cover, provides financial protection in the event of your vehicle being damaged. It is also designed to protect victims of road traffic collisions, by providing them with financial compensation for injuries and damages.
In 2018, the Motor Insurer’s Bureau (MIB) recorded over 26,000 personal injuries – equivalent to one person in the UK being injured every 20 minutes by an uninsured driver*
Uninsured drivers also cause a disproportionately high level of fatalities with over 130 people killed by an uninsured or untraced driver each year.
The economic impact of uninsured driving to the insurance industry is said to cost around £400 million each year, which is ultimately funded by honest motorists’ insurance premiums.
If you are driving uninsured, you can be hit with a £300 fixed fine, 6 penalty points and the vehicle can be seized and potentially crushed.
You also face the risk of being referred to court, where you will face an unlimited fine, driving ban and a conviction charge. This can have a serious impact on your employment prospects as it will be visible on DBS checks.
Fortunately, If you are hit by an uninsured driver, you are still entitled to claim.
The MIB was established in 1946 to compensate the victims of negligent uninsured and untraced motorists.
At Hampson Hughes, our road traffic accident solicitors will liaise with the MIB on your behalf. We will ensure that the correct procedure is followed throughout the claims process.
What do you do if you are hit by an uninsured driver?
Get the details:
Ask for the name, address and insurance details. Also, make a note of the registration, make and model of their vehicle and any damages. If the driver refuses to give you their insurance details, get in contact with the police. It is a criminal offence to refuse.
Hit and run:
If the driver of the other vehicle doesn’t stop, you need to report it to the police immediately because the MIB will reject a claim if not reported straightaway.
If possible, try and get their vehicle registration. If there were any witnesses to the incident, ask them for their contact details, as they may be able to help the police or your solicitors with their enquiries.
Losses:
Collect as much information as you can about your loses. This includes:
- A note of any visits to your GP or physiotherapist following the accident.
- Any documents relating to your medical care – prescriptions, receipts, x-rays etc.
- Any letters from your employer evidencing lost working hours and income
- Any receipts for any other out of pocket expenses you have incurred as a result of your accident.
Call a solicitor:
After you have reported the incident to your insurance company, to ensure you receive the best advice and service, for damage repairs, medical treatment, and/or compensation, you should contact a specialist law firm. They will guide you through the process, making a stressful situation somewhat easier.
Have you been involved in a Road Traffic Accident?
If you have been affected by a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation. Start your claim today by filling out our short contact for here.
Our team of specialist RTA solicitors are always on hand to offer legal advice and support to those affected.
For more information please contact us on 0800 888 6888 or email [email protected]
*source: https://www.mib.org.uk/media-centre/news/2019/october/one-injured-every-20-minutes-police-launch-national-campaign-to-protect-the-public-from-uninsured-drivers/
