Deliveroo Delivery Driver Injured in Hit-and-Run Incident

The Incident

Our client, a delivery driver for Deliveroo, was involved in a hit-and-run accident while cycling to complete a delivery. A third-party vehicle passed too closely, clipping him and knocking him off his bike. The driver of the vehicle left the scene without stopping, leaving our client injured and unable to identify the responsible party.

Injuries Sustained

The injuries sustained by our client were a contentious point throughout the case. Immediately following the accident, he attended hospital for injuries to his knee and shoulder. However, several weeks later, he began experiencing pain in his hands, neck, and back, which he attributed to the accident. This delay in reporting additional injuries added a layer of complexity to the claim.

Impact on Our Client’s Life

The accident had a significant impact on our client’s life. His injuries rendered him unable to work, putting immense financial pressure on him and his family. As a self-employed individual, he had no safety net—if he didn’t work, he didn’t earn. Being the sole earner in his household, his inability to provide for his family caused additional stress and worry during his recovery period.

The Case

The claim was handled by Chartered Legal Executive Nina Haddock at Fletchers Solicitors. The accident occurred near a petrol station, which initially seemed promising for obtaining CCTV footage to identify the third-party vehicle. However, despite the presence of a camera overlooking the road, the petrol station staff insisted that no footage was available. Both Nina and the client found this difficult to accept, but they had no option but to proceed without it.

With no details of the third-party vehicle and no CCTV evidence, the case was referred to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The MIB handles claims involving uninsured or untraceable drivers, meaning only the injuries and associated losses could be recovered in this instance.

Challenges Faced and How They Were Overcome

The lack of evidence and inability to identify the third party posed the main challenges in this case. While our client was understandably frustrated by the absence of CCTV footage, Nina explained that this setback was not insurmountable. She reassured him that the MIB could still provide a route to compensation.

Nina maintained regular communication with the client, keeping him updated on the progress of the claim and reminding him that, although the MIB process can be slow, it was his best option. Her consistent updates and reassurance helped to ease the client’s concerns and ensure he remained informed throughout the process.

Client Relationship and Emotional State

The relationship between Nina and the client was positive from start to finish. The client was eager to resolve the matter and appreciated the transparency and frequent updates provided during the claim. There were no conflicts, and Nina’s dedication to keeping him informed helped to build trust and confidence in the process.

Outcome and Reflections

The claim was successfully settled for £3,750 through the MIB, providing the client with damages for his injuries. Although the injuries were not considered severe, the settlement offered some recompense for the ordeal he experienced and the disruption it caused to his life and livelihood.

Reflecting on the case, Nina shared:

“It’s always satisfying to secure a good result for a client, particularly in challenging circumstances where evidence is limited. I hope the settlement brings some sense of justice and closure for him, allowing him to move forward after what was undoubtedly a stressful and frustrating time.”

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of perseverance and clear communication in personal injury claims, particularly when evidence is limited, and the third party cannot be traced. Thanks to the support of the MIB and the dedication of our legal team, our client was able to receive compensation that acknowledged the harm he suffered and its impact on his life. If you or someone you know has been involved in a similar incident, we are here to help. Contact us for a free initial consultation to discuss your options.