Hit and Run Compensation Guide

If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident, you may be entitled to hit and run compensation, even if the driver cannot be identified. 

Being left at the scene of an accident can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and uncertainty about the next steps. The good news is that UK law allows victims of hit and run accidents to make a claim, often through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).  

At Fletchers Solicitors, we specialise in hit and run claims and we can take care of the entire process on your behalf, making it as straightforward and stress-free as possible. 

In this guide, you’ll learn: 

• What a hit and run claim is and whether you can claim compensation 
• What to do immediately after a hit and run accident 
• How the hit and run claims process works 
• How claims work if the driver cannot be identified (MIB claims) 
• What evidence you need to support your claim 
• What compensation you may be entitled to 
• How Fletchers’ specialist hit and run solicitors can help 

Have you been affected by a hit and run accident?
Make a hit and run claim today with Fletchers Solicitors, it’s free to find out if you’re entitled to compensation. 

Can you claim compensation after a hit and run accident? 

Even if the driver is never found, you can still make a hit and run compensation claim. 

You may be eligible if: 

• You were injured as a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian 
• The accident was not your fault 
• The incident was reported to police 
• You have evidence to support your claim 

If the driver cannot be identified, claims are typically made through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). 

The hit and run claims process 

Understanding the hit and run claims process can help you feel more in control during what is often a stressful time. While every case is different, most hit and run compensation claims follow a similar structure. 

Step 1: Report the incident 

You’re legally obliged to report a hit and run accident, and you must do so within 24 hours. 

You can report the collision: 

• Online: via the police website 

• In person: at your local police station 

• By phone: call 101 (non-emergency) or 999 in an emergency 

Once reported, the police will provide you with a copy of the collision report. This will be an important document in your hit and run claims process. The police may be in touch with you again about the collision for an eyewitness statement or to go to court if they identify the other driver. 

If there were no injuries and you didn’t accuse the other driver of being reckless or driving illegally, the police will probably not contact you any more on the issue. 

Step 2: Contact your insurance company 

After reporting the hit and run accident to the police, notify your car insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide your policy details, the reference number from the police report, and any evidence you have already gathered.  

Your insurer will guide you on the next steps and may start an internal investigation to support your hit and run insurance claim. 

Step 3: Seek legal advice 

If you’re considering making a hit and run claim, it’s advisable to speak with a specialist no-win, no-fee solicitor. Legal support can help you to: 

• Understand your full legal options  

• Assess the strength of your claim 

• Handle communication with insurers and third parties such as the MIB 

• Maximise your compensation  

Be sure to keep your police report safe, as this will be a crucial piece of evidence in supporting your hit and run compensation claim. 

Start your hit and run compensation claim today with Fletchers Solicitors, contact our specialist solicitors and let us handle the legal process for you. 

Step 4: Identify the route of your claim 

Your hit and run accident compensation claim will typically follow one of two routes: 

• Driver identified: Your claim is made against the driver’s insurance company 

• Driver not identified: Your claim is made through the Motor Insurer’s Bureau (MIB) 

The MIB is a not-for-profit organisation funded by UK insurers to compensate victims of uninsured or untraced drivers. 

The MIB typically covers vehicle repair costs if the other driver cannot be traced. If the driver is eventually identified, the MIB still only covers vehicle repairs. Other losses may be covered by their insurers, and we can advise you further on this matter. 

Claiming for other losses, such as medical treatment or lost earnings, may require additional legal advice. 

For any road traffic accident compensation claim, your solicitor will need to prove that the other driver caused your injury or damage to your car. This applies to hit-and-run claims as well. 

 Step 5: Evidence gathering 

Recording as many details about the collision and the other vehicle as soon as possible is important for both your hit and run claim and the police report, while everything is still fresh in your memory. 

Your hit and run accident lawyer can help you gather and organise your evidence to strengthen your claim.  

Key evidence includes: 

• Police Report (critical for MIB claims) 

• Photographs from multiple angles of the scene, hazards, damage, and injuries to you or your passengers 

• CCTV or dashcam footage 

• Witness statements from anyone who saw the accident 

• Medical records 

• Receipts and financial evidence

Using specialist hit and run solicitors like Fletchers means you’ll have guidance and support to collect and secure the evidence for your claim. Having expert legal support from the start can make gathering evidence more efficient and increase the likelihood of a successful compensation claim.  

Start your hit and run compensation claim today. 

Step 6: Claim investigation 

Once instructed, your hit and run accident lawyer will begin a full investigation. This may include:  

• Contacting witnesses and authorities 

• Reviewing CCTV or dashcam footage 

• Obtaining medical evidence 

• Assessing financial losses such as loss of earnings, expenses, or care needs

At this stage, your solicitor may also seek interim payments or rehabilitation support if required. 

Step 7: Medical assessment and expert evidence 

To support your hit and run injury compensation claim, independent medical experts may assess the extent of your injuries, your recovery prognosis, and any long-term impact on your life.   

This ensures any compensation you receive will reflect both current and future needs. 

Step 8: Negotiation and settlement  

Once evidence is gathered, your solicitor will submit your claim. During this step, they will negotiate with insurers or the MIB and work to secure a fair settlement.   

Most hit and run claims are resolved at this stage without going to court. However, if court proceedings are required, your solicitor will represent you throughout your case. 

How much compensation can you claim for a hit and run accident?  

Depending on your case, a hit and run claim may result in compensation covering three main areas: 

1 – Physical Injuries: Compensation depends on the severity of your injuries. This may include anything from initial treatment costs and medications to more serious cases involving long-term rehabilitation and home or vehicle adaptations.

2 – Vehicle and Property Damage: Covers repairs to your car, personal property inside the vehicle, or other property damaged in the collision, such as fences, gates, and similar items.

3 – Financial Losses: Includes lost earnings, missed pension contributions, and future financial losses if your injuries impact your work capabilities. Additional compensation may cover therapy, rehabilitation, and care costs. 

To get an idea of the compensation you could receive, start your hit and run claim today and speak with our experts. 

Why legal support matters in hit and run claims 

Hit and run claims can be complex, particularly when the driver is unknown. Specialist hit and run solicitors like Fletchers will support you at every stage of your claim. 

An experienced solicitor in this type of claim will help you navigate MIB claims, gather and secure evidence, negotiate for fair compensation, and reduce stress during your recovery. 

At Fletchers Solicitors, we’ll build the strongest legal case possible to back up your claim for compensation. We are one of the UK’s leading personal injury solicitors, and we’ve represented thousands of clients just like you over the past 30 years. 

We work on a “no-win, no-fee” conditional arrangement for our clients. If we think you’ve got a strong enough case, we’ll offer to represent you. If we secure compensation for a hit and run claim, we will charge a success fee from the final settlement amount. If we’re unsuccessful, you don’t pay us anything. 

Let our experienced solicitors manage your hit and run claim from start to finish, get in touch with us today. 

What is a hit and run accident? 

A hit and run accident occurs when a driver causes a collision but leaves the scene without providing their contact or insurance details. Under UK law, drivers must stop and exchange details. Failing to do so is a criminal offence. 

What should you do immediately after a hit and run car accident?  

If you’re involved in a hit and run accident, protect yourself and improve your chances of getting compensation by following this checklist: 

• Get yourself safe: Stay at the scene of the collision, not doing so is a criminal offence. Try to move your vehicle to a safe area if possible like a parking bay or hard shoulder. Then, switch off your engine and turn on your hazard lights. 

• Check for injuries: Even if you and your passengers are okOK, always seek medical help. It’s important for everyone involved to seek medical help, especially if one or more of you has a head injury. This is because it can sometimes take a while before symptoms start to show, ranging from a few hours to weeks after the incident. 

• Contact the police: Get in touch with the police straight away. This gives them a better chance of finding the other driver. Please remember that you have a legal duty to report an accident if you can’t swap details with the other driver. Hit and run accidents must be reported within 24 hours. 

• Write down the basic details: Note down information, such as the location and time of the collision, as well as other details like the colour, model, and license plate of the other vehicle. If you have any witnesses on the scene, politely ask for their contact details. 

• Stay where you are: After a hit and run accident, don’t go after the runaway driver. Not only are you putting yourself at risk but the police may hold you equally responsible for the incident. You also lose the chance to gather eyewitness evidence. 

We understand that after an accident this is a lot to take in. By acting quickly and gathering evidence, your chances of getting the medical help you need improve, and your compensation claim is likely to be more successful. 

Case studies: Hit and run car accident claims 

For more than 30 years, we’ve supported clients with hit and run car accident claims, including motorcycle accidents, cycling accidents, and accidents involving pedestrians. 

Motorcyclist case – £70,000 settlement

Our client, who was on a motorcycle, was involved in a hit-and-run 800 yards from where he lived. He suffered a right tibial fracture, a right-sided PCL lesion, and a right clavicle fracture. He required 24-hour care after leaving the hospital. The other driver could not be traced.

We secured £70,000 in compensation from the MIB, including funding to pay for private surgery so he could return to work full-time. 

Read the full case study here 

Cyclist case – £7,500 settlement

Our client suffered physical injury and psychological trauma after she was cut up by a motorist on a roundabout. She suffered from shock for six months after the accident and knee pain for nine, as well as a loss of confidence, mood swings, and anxiety. She needed help with day-to-day activities for a short period after the accident and lost earnings because she had to take time off work.

We secured a £7,500 award for her.  

Read the full case study here 

If you’re involved in a road traffic accident, including hit and runs, make sure you’re represented by Fletchers Solicitors. 

Start your hit and run claim today.

Moving forward after a hit and run accident 

A hit and run accident can leave you feeling uncertain, frustrated, and unsupported, particularly when the driver responsible cannot be identified. Alongside any physical injuries, many people also experience emotional stress, loss of confidence, and concerns about how they will manage financially.  

While the situation may feel overwhelming, it’s important to remember that you do have options. By reporting the incident early, seeking medical attention, and gathering evidence early, you can take meaningful steps towards protecting your health and strengthening any potential claim.  

Taking early advice can also make the process clearer and less stressful, helping you focus on your recovery while your claim is handled in the background. 

Related information for understanding an RTA claim 

For more information on hit and run compensation claim cases and the legal issues surrounding them, as well as other types of road accident claims, you can access the following resource links: 

• Fatal accident claims 

• What should I do after a motorbike accident? 

• Your guide to the motorbike accident claims process 

• The role of eyewitness testimony in bike accident claims 

• Top 5 common back injuries from road traffic accidents 

A judge may choose to extend the three-year period but there is no guarantee of this so you should bring your claim as soon as possible. 

If you were injured as a pedestrian due to a hit and run accident that wasn’t your fault, compensation can usually be pursued through the Motor Insurer’s Bureau. This will help you cover injuries, financial losses, and any ongoing care or rehabilitation needs. 

Court action is typically only required if liability is disputed or a fair agreement cannot be reached. Even in those cases, your solicitor will guide you through the process and represent your interests throughout, so you are fully supported.