Being injured in a hit and run accident can leave you dealing with the shock of the collision and the uncertainty of not knowing who was responsible. One moment you are travelling normally, and the next you are injured, facing disruption to your daily life and the financial pressure that often follows. You may know the accident was not your fault, but without the driver’s details normally exchanged after a road collision, it can be difficult to understand how a compensation claim can move forward. Hit and run accident claims can be made when another road user negligently causes a collision before leaving the scene without stopping. Even if the driver cannot be identified, you may still be able to pursue compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), which helps compensate victims of untraced drivers.
At No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct, our advisors can connect you with a specialist road traffic accident solicitor who understands how to build a claim around the evidence you do have, even when the driver’s identity is unknown. They can review the information already available and obtain further evidence clarifying how the collision occurred and how your injuries and out-of-pocket costs have developed over time. All the solicitors on our panel work on a No Win No Fee basis, giving you access to expert legal support without upfront service fees. Contact our advisors today to see whether you may have an eligible hit and run claim.
- Call on 020 8050 4194
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Jump To A Section
- How Do Hit And Run Accident Claims Work?
- Can I Claim For Hit And Run Compensation?
- What Should I Do Immediately After A Hit And Run?
- What Injuries Could Be Sustained In A Hit And Run?
- How Much Hit And Run Compensation Can I Claim?
- What Will I Need To Prove A Hit And Run Claim?
- Is There A Hit And Run Accident Claims Time Limit?
- Contact No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct After A Hit And Run
- Can Hit And Run Compensation Be Claimed On A No Win No Fee Basis?
- Learn More
How Do Hit And Run Accident Claims Work?
Hit and run accident claims work by identifying whether the driver can be traced and which route to compensation applies. If the driver is identified after the accident, a claim can usually be pursued against their insurer in much the same way as a standard road traffic accident claim. The insurer will investigate what happened, and compensation may be paid if the evidence shows the driver was responsible for your injuries and financial losses.
However, many hit and run accidents involve drivers who leave the scene and cannot be identified. In these circumstances, you may be able to seek compensation via the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) with the support of a solicitor from our panel.
Who Are the Motor Insurers’ Bureau?
The Motor Insurers’ Bureau is a not-for-profit organisation that compensates people injured by uninsured and untraced drivers. Established under agreements with the Government and funded by motor insurers operating in the UK, the MIB provides a route to compensation when a claim cannot be pursued against a driver’s insurer. Applications in hit and run accident claims may be made under the MIB’s Untraced Drivers Scheme, which sets out the evidence required and how the claim will be assessed.
If you have been injured in a hit and run accident, contact our advisors today for a free assessment and find out whether the MIB route may apply to your case.
Can I Claim For Hit And Run Compensation?
Yes, you can claim for hit and run compensation if the other driver failed to adhere to road safety laws and this caused you to suffer an injury. The claim will need to show that the driver’s actions caused your injuries, not only that they left the scene.
When using the roads, all road users must use them safely and adhere to the rules and regulations within the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code. This includes not only motorists but also pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Under Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, a driver involved in an accident that causes injury or damage must also stop at the scene and provide their details, or report the incident to the police.
To begin the hit and run accident claims process, you will need to show that:
- You were owed a duty of care by another road user, meaning they had a legal obligation to travel safely and avoid causing harm.
- This road user negligently caused the collision before leaving the scene.
- Their negligent actions resulted in you suffering physical or psychological harm, or both.
Can I Claim For A Loved One Injured In A Hit And Run?
Yes, you can claim for a loved one injured in a hit and run if they cannot manage the claims process by themselves. This most commonly applies when the person is under 18 or lacking mental capacity, as neither can pursue compensation independently.
To do so, you would need to act as a litigation friend. A solicitor from our panel can explain what this role involves and guide your family through each stage of the process. You can get further information about this support or discuss claiming on behalf of a loved one by contacting our advisory team.
What Should I Do Immediately After A Hit And Run?
After a hit and run, you should immediately prioritise your wellbeing by getting to safety and seeking medical help. Even if you feel able to continue at first, early medical assessment can help show how the collision affected you once the initial shock has passed.
You should also report the incident to the police promptly so there is an official record of what happened. Once you are safe, it can help to note the details that are still fresh in your mind, such as:
- The vehicle registration number, even if you only recall part of it.
- The make, model or colour of the vehicle, if anything stood out at the time.
- A description of the driver, including any features you remember.
- The direction the vehicle travelled after leaving the scene.
- The time, date and location of the accident.
Witness details can also be helpful if someone saw the collision or noticed the vehicle leaving the scene. These details can be passed on to a solicitor, who can use this information to obtain statements that may clarify how the hit and run occurred.
If a driver has left the scene of an accident that caused your injuries, our advisory team can discuss your situation and explain which steps may help strengthen your position during the hit and run accident claims process.
The journey begins with a no-obligation consultation. We assess your injury and evidence to explain your options clearly. If suitable, you'll be offered a No Win No Fee agreement immediately. Your dedicated solicitor gathers medical records and witness statements. We handle all communication with the negligent party and work tirelessly to prove their liability while you focus on recovery. We negotiate your settlement to ensure you receive the maximum compensation. If successful, a pre-agreed success fee is taken, and the remaining funds are paid directly to you. No success, no fee.About The No Win No Fee Claims Process
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What Injuries Could Be Sustained In A Hit And Run?
Fractures and soft tissue damage are among the injuries that could be sustained in a hit and run, with the exact harm depending on how the impact occurred and whether the person struck was in a vehicle or on foot. Here are some examples of injuries that can follow this type of road traffic accident, each shaped by the forces involved:
- Soft tissue damage and whiplash injuries: Sudden jolts can strain the neck or damage ligaments, leaving you with pain and stiffness that affect everyday movement.
- Head and facial injuries: Blows to the head can cause concussions, particularly when someone is thrown against a window or onto the road. Facial injuries may also occur where the impact leaves bruising or lacerations.
- Fractures and orthopaedic injuries: Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable to broken bones and joint injuries, with knee injuries often occurring from direct impacts.
- Back and spinal injuries: Heavy impacts during a collision can result in serious damage to the spine, with the most severe cases potentially leading to paralysis or long-term loss of movement.
- Internal injuries: Blunt trauma to the chest or abdomen can cause internal bleeding or organ damage that may not be immediately noticeable.
- Psychological harm: Being struck and left at the scene can be deeply distressing, which may lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or travel anxiety.
Will The Whiplash Reforms Impact A Hit And Run Claim?
Yes, in certain cases, the Whiplash Reforms will impact a hit and run claim by changing how some injuries are valued and processed. These reforms apply if you suffered injuries valued at £5,000 or less in a road traffic accident in England or Wales as a driver or passenger over the age of 18. Whiplash injuries that fall within the rules are valued in line with a fixed tariff set out in the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021 (which were amended in 2025 with updated amounts). Additional injuries can be considered separately and may be valued using traditional methods, such as reference to the JCG.
If the driver left the scene and you are unsure how your injuries might be valued, our advisors can explain whether the whiplash rules may apply to your hit and run claim.
How Much Hit And Run Compensation Can I Claim?
The amount of hit and run compensation you can claim will reflect the severity of your injuries and the wider impact they have had on your life. Compensation can be split into 2 parts: general damages for your pain and suffering, and special damages to cover related financial losses.
To help value general damages in personal injury claims, solicitors often refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). The JCG lists guideline compensation brackets for a wide range of injuries based on previous court decisions and established legal principles.
The table below provides some of the publication’s brackets. These figures are intended as guidance only, and the amount that may be awarded in your claim will hinge on your situation. The top entry is not from the JCG, and the final 2 entries have come from the whiplash tariff.
| Injury | Notes | Guideline Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Severe Injuries with Special Damages | Special damages included for lost earnings, travel expenses and care costs, for example. | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Tetraplegia | Awards depend on factors such as pain levels, degree of independence and life expectancy. | £428,850 to £533,720 |
| Very Severe Brain Injury | Cases involving profound cognitive impairment, little or no meaningful response to the environment and a need for full-time care. | £372,570 to £533,720 |
| Moderately Severe Brain Injury | Significant disability with a substantial dependence on others and a markedly reduced ability to work. | £289,420 to £372,570 |
| Severe Back Injury (i) | Cases involving spinal cord damage, nerve root injury or serious disability. | £120,340 to £212,670 |
| Severe PTSD | Permanent effects preventing the injured person from functioning at their pre-trauma level. | £79,080 to £133,000 |
| Moderate PTSD | Symptoms causing significant difficulties but with a good prognosis. | £30,580 to £79,080 |
| Severe Leg Injuries (ii) Very Serious | Injuries resulting in permanent mobility issues and requiring crutches for remainder of life or other mobility aids. | £72,440 to £117,210 |
| Whiplash with Psychological Injuries | Lasting more than 18 months but less than 2 years. | £4,975 |
| Whiplash Injuries | Lasting more than 18 months but less than 2 years. | £4,830 |
Can Special Damages Still Be Compensated In Hit And Run Claims?
Yes, special damages can still be compensated in successful hit and run claims if your injuries affect your finances. Special damages must be supported by evidence, which may include documents like payslips and bank statements. These records can help show losses such as:
- Loss of earnings while recovering from injuries sustained in the collision, as ongoing pain or treatment appointments may keep you away from work.
- Future loss of income if the hit and run affects your ability to return to the same role or reduces the type of work you can realistically manage.
- Rehabilitation costs for physiotherapy or counselling, reflecting private treatment needed to address physical trauma or travel-related anxiety.
- Travel expenses covering taxi fares or public transport costs if your collision injuries prevent you from driving.
- Assistance provided by loved ones or professional carers if the impact of the hit and run makes it harder to manage your normal routines.
A hit and run can affect your finances long after the collision itself. Speak with our advisors today to confidentially discuss whether your losses could form part of a compensation claim.
What Will I Need To Prove A Hit And Run Claim?
To prove a hit and run claim, you will need evidence that shows the accident happened, that you were injured and that the driver left before their details could be obtained. Stronger evidence makes it easier to establish what occurred and to assess the compensation that could be awarded through the MIB, and may include:
- A police report and crime reference number can create an official record of the collision and confirm that the incident was reported soon after the driver left the scene.
- Medical records document your injuries and can show how your symptoms developed after the collision.
- CCTV or dashcam recordings may provide insight into how the accident occurred, even if the driver cannot be clearly identified.
A solicitor from our panel can review what is already available and help obtain further documentation where necessary to strengthen your case. For a more detailed breakdown of the proof that may support a compensation claim, see our guide on the evidence required for a personal injury claim. You can also speak with our advisory team for tailored guidance and to learn more about our panel’s services.
Is There A Hit And Run Accident Claims Time Limit?
Yes, there is a 3-year time limit for hit and run accident claims, typically starting from the date of the accident under the Limitation Act 1980. Certain exceptions may apply in cases involving children under 18 and individuals who lack the mental capacity to manage their own legal affairs.
Although 3 years can seem like a long time, early advice from a solicitor on our panel can help clarify which records are available while the details of the hit and run are still fresh. They can also explain which limitation period applies to your circumstances and help ensure your claim is started within the relevant deadline.
For a more detailed explanation of the deadlines that may apply to your case, see our guide to personal injury claim time limits. If you have any questions about these rules, our advisors are available to talk you through the next steps.
Contact No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct After A Hit And Run
Being injured by a driver who fails to stop can leave you unsure how a claim can move forward when the person responsible has not given their details. At No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct, our advisors can connect you with a solicitor from our panel who specialises in navigating the complexities of hit and run accident claims. They can support you from start to finish by:
- Assessing whether your claim can be made through the MIB, giving you clarity from the outset about which process applies when a driver cannot be traced.
- Helping obtain and review relevant evidence to provide a clear, well-supported account of how the hit and run occurred and how your injuries developed afterwards.
- Valuing the impact of your injuries on your life and finances, including missed income and the cost of rehabilitative support, so the claim reflects the long-term effects of the collision.
- Handling communications and negotiations throughout the hit and run accident claims process, allowing you to focus on your recovery rather than paperwork and correspondence.
- Explaining how MIB claims work, keeping you updated as your case develops and helping you understand what to expect at each stage.
Whether the driver has never been identified or you are unsure where to start, chat with an advisor today and take the first steps towards pursuing compensation.
Can Hit And Run Compensation Be Claimed On A No Win No Fee Basis?
Yes, hit and run compensation can be claimed on a No Win No Fee basis through a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) with a solicitor here on our panel. A CFA allows claimants to pursue compensation without paying their solicitor’s service fees upfront or while the claim is ongoing. If a solicitor from our panel agrees to take on your case under a CFA, you will not be required to pay those fees if the claim is unsuccessful.
Should the hit and run accident claim succeed, a success fee will be deducted from your compensation. This is a legally capped percentage and your solicitor will explain the arrangement in detail before you decide whether to proceed.
Contact Us
Whether the driver has been identified or your claim needs to be pursued through the MIB, a solicitor from our panel can assess your circumstances and explain the most appropriate way forward. Get in touch today to discuss your accident with our team and discover how a solicitor from our panel could help you pursue compensation through the hit and run accident claims process for your injuries, financial losses and ongoing recovery.
- Call on 020 8050 4194
- Contact us online
Learn More
Read more of our guides:
- Guidance on passenger accident claims.
- Advice on making a claim following a motorcycle accident.
- See when fatal accident claims could be made.
Resources:
- Guidance on claiming compensation for victims of uninsured or hit and run drivers from Gov.UK.
- Road safety laws via THINK!
- A list of conditions and injuries via the NHS.
Thank you for reading this guide on hit and run accident claims.