Hit and Run Claims

What Is a Hit and Run Claim?

A hit-and-run claim is a type of road traffic accident claim made when the driver responsible for the accident leaves the scene and cannot be identified.

Even if the driver is never found, you may still be able to claim compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, which handles claims involving uninsured or untraced drivers.

Hit and run claims can involve pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, passengers or drivers injured due to someone else’s negligence.

How Long Do You Have to Make a Hit and Run Claim?

In most cases, you have three years to start a hit-and-run claim. This runs from the date of the accident, or from when you first knew your injury was caused by it.

Different rules may apply if the injured person is under 18 or lacks mental capacity. Acting quickly is important, particularly in hit-and-run cases where evidence such as CCTV or witness details can be lost over time.

If the driver hasn’t been traced, the accident must also be reported to the police within 14 days to claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. If you haven’t reported it yet, please do so as soon as you can.

Check if you're eligible

Injuries Covered by Hit and Run Claims

Hit-and-run accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-changing. Whatever the severity, you may be entitled to make a claim.

Soft Tissue and Whiplash Injuries:

These are among the most common injuries in road traffic accidents, including hit and runs. Although they may not always be visible, they can cause significant pain and affect your ability to work and carry out daily activities.

Broken Bones and Fractures:

The sudden impact of a hit-and-run accident can result in fractures to the arms, legs, ribs or pelvis. Recovery can be lengthy and may require surgery or physiotherapy.

Head and Brain Injuries:

Head injuries sustained in a hit-and-run can range from concussion to serious traumatic brain injury. These cases often have long-term consequences for the individual and their family.

Spinal and Back Injuries:

Damage to the spine can affect mobility and independence, sometimes permanently. Compensation in these cases can be significant, reflecting the long-term impact on your life.

Psychological Injuries:

Being involved in a hit-and-run can cause lasting psychological harm, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These injuries are taken seriously and form a valid part of any claim.

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How Bringing a Claim Can Help

Making a hit-and-run compensation claim can help reduce the financial impact of your injuries and support your recovery.

Covering the Cost of Medical Treatment

Compensation can help pay for private medical treatment, physiotherapy, surgery or any specialist care you need as a result of your injuries.

Replacing Lost Income

If your injuries have left you unable to work, either temporarily or permanently, a successful claim can recover the earnings you have lost and account for any future loss of income.

Supporting Your Ongoing Care Needs

Where injuries require long-term care, whether provided by a professional or a family member, compensation can cover those costs so you are not left to manage alone.

Adapting Your Home or Vehicle

In more serious cases, injuries may mean your home or vehicle needs to be adapted. Compensation can help fund those changes so that your day-to-day life is as manageable as possible.

Protecting Your Financial Future

A hit-and-run accident can have a lasting impact on your finances. Compensation is designed to put you back in the position you would have been in, had the accident never happened.

How to Make a Hit and Run Claim

Making a hit-and-run claim is often more straightforward than people expect. We guide you through every step.

Contact CEL Solicitors

Get in touch with our team to tell us what happened. We will listen carefully, ask the right questions, and let you know whether you have a valid claim, with no obligation to proceed.

We Assess Your Case

We will review the details of your accident, your injuries, and any evidence available, such as police reports, medical records, CCTV or dashcam footage or witness statements.

Gathering the Evidence

We will help you build the strongest possible case. In hit-and-run claims, this may include working with the police and identifying whether a claim should be made through the Motor Insurers' Bureau.

Your No-Win, No-Fee Agreement

If we believe your claim can succeed, we will set out the terms of your No-Win, No-Fee agreement clearly. There’s nothing to pay upfront, and if your claim isn’t successful, you won’t pay our legal fees. If you win, our fees come out of your compensation, and we’ll explain exactly how much before you sign anything

We’ve already helped thousands of people across the UK.

Speak to our friendly team today. You are not alone, and you may have a case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions, answered.

Can I claim if the driver was never found?

Yes. If the driver can’t be traced, you can still claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The MIB is the body that pays compensation when a driver is untraced or uninsured. The accident must have been reported to the police within 14 days.

Do I need to report a hit-and-run accident to the police?

Yes. If the driver can’t be traced, the accident must be reported to the police within 14 days to claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. Ask for a reference number, as this helps with your claim.

What evidence do I need?

Useful evidence includes the police reference number, photos of the scene, witness contact details, any CCTV or dashcam footage, and your medical records. These help show what happened and how badly you were hurt. If you don’t have everything, don’t worry. We’ll help you gather what you need.

What does “No-win, No-fee” mean?

A no-win, no-fee agreement, also called a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), means you don’t pay anything upfront. If your claim isn’t successful, you won’t pay our legal fees. If we win, our fees are taken from your compensation, and we’ll explain exactly how much before you sign anything. We’ll also arrange After the Event (ATE) insurance, which covers certain costs if your claim doesn’t succeed. This protection depends on you being honest throughout your claim.

Will my claim go to court?

Most hit and run claims are resolved through negotiation without the need for court proceedings.

What other transport accident claims can CEL Solicitors help with?

We handle a wide range of transport accident claims, including car driver accident claims, bus and coach accident claims, motorcycle accident claims, cycling accident claims, Uber passenger accident claims, pedestrian accident claims, road traffic passenger accident claims, and hit and run claims.

How much compensation could I receive for a personal injury claim?

That depends on how serious your injury is and the impact it’s had on your life. We can’t give you a figure straight away, and that’s not us being cagey. We need to arrange a medical examination first, and the report tells us the full extent of your injuries. Once we have it, we can give you a proper picture. In the meantime, our compensation calculator can give you a rough guide.

How long do I have to make a road traffic accident injury claim?

In most cases, you have three years to start your claim. This runs from the date of your accident, or from when you first knew your injury was caused by it. If the injured person was under 18, they have until their 21st birthday. Acting quickly helps protect evidence.

How long do personal injury claims take?

Most personal injury claims take between 12 and 18 months. This is the usual length of time for a personal injury claim. Some settle sooner, especially if the other side admits fault quickly, and more complex cases can take longer. We’ll work through your claim as quickly as we can, with care, and keep you updated along the way

Who will handle my claim?

Your claim will be handled by our personal injury team. The team is made up mainly of solicitors and trainee solicitors, supported by paralegals and legal secretaries.

Why do you need a medical examination if I already have hospital records?

Your hospital records show the treatment you had. An independent medical report looks at how your injury affects you now and in the future. That’s what your compensation is based on, so it’s a key part of your claim.

How do I sign my documents?

We’ll send you a secure link to sign your documents online. If you have any trouble, just call us and we’ll talk you through it.

Could I make a claim myself?

You can apply to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau yourself through its website. Some people prefer to have a solicitor handle it for them, especially where injuries are more serious. If you’re not sure which is right for you, get in touch and we’ll talk it through.