Making a claim after a hit and run accident

Every year, hundreds of road users are victims of hit and run incidents, where the other driver flees the scene of the accident. When you are driving a car, there is always the possibility of giving chase.

However, when even the most minor collision is likely to knock you off your bike, it can be more tempting for drivers to flee the scene knowing you are lying on the road unable to move. Usually, people flee the scene when they are uninsured or driving without a licence.

Even minor collisions with cyclists can leave riders injured, off work and potentially in need of significant medical treatment. This is stressful enough without the added burden of not knowing who caused the accident and whether you will be able to trace the driver and find out if they have insurance. The police are able to assist, but sadly unless there is video, CCTV or witness evidence that allows them to not only locate the vehicle but prove it was involved in a collision, then you are left in a situation where you have no one to claim against.

Untraced Driver Claims

In these circumstances, you would need to make a claim through the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB). The MIB is an independent organisation set up to compensate road users who fall victim to collisions with uninsured or untraced motorists. All UK insurance companies contribute to the cost of this scheme and while cyclists don’t usually have insurance, as road users they retain a right to claim through the scheme.

Untraced driver claims have a set process and there are certain things you cannot claim for. Unlike a claim against a traceable driver, you are not able to proceed to court should you disagree with their decision (because there is no party to sue). There is an appeal process. Legal costs are more limited compared to claims where there is an insurance company and as a result, many solicitors will not take on untraced claims.

Why choose cycle claim line?

Our legal team has a huge amount of experience when it comes to cycling and motorcycling accident claims. We have specialised in two wheel claims for nearly 30 years. We have dealt with a lot of untraced driver claims and we believe this is because it is more tempting for the other driver to flee the scene when the victim is lying on the road rather than behind the wheel of a car themselves.

Our legal team, therefore, know the untraced claim process inside out and are able to properly advise you on your rights, what you are able to claim for and how the scheme works. We also manage the whole process for you. Unlike many other firms, we strive to represent all cyclists who have had an accident, and therefore we do take on and fight untraced claims. We have taken cases through the appeal process where we have not agreed with the MIBs final decision. We will fight your untraced driver claim as we would any other cycling claim. We always work under a conditional fee agreement (commonly referred to as a “no win no fee agreement”). You do not need to have legal cover or legal protection. If your case is not successful, you do not have to pay a penny.