Accident Claims Against Uninsured Drivers

A factor of the rise in costs of car insurance policies is Uninsured Drivers Claims. If you are involved in a collision with an insured driver, Sheldon Davidson Solicitors can help you.

The law states that all drivers must have insurance, but worryingly there are thousands of drivers on Britain’s roads who do not have any cover at all.

According to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), hundreds of thousands of UK drivers have points on their licences for driving without proper insurance. The AA says Uninsured Drivers Claims add £33 to the cost of everyone else’s insurance cover policy.

As a leading firm of road accident solicitors in Manchester, we help claim compensation for injuries caused by uninsured motorists.

We have a high degree of expertise in cases like this, so we are perfectly placed to answer any questions you may have about what has happened to you. If you are unsure whether you have grounds to make a claim for an injury you believe was caused by an uninsured driver, talk to our team today.

Can I claim compensation from an uninsured driver?

Whether you are involved in a vehicle-to-vehicle collision or are a pedestrian who has been hit by an uninsured driver, you can still seek help and make a claim against an uninsured driver for your injuries.

There are, however, circumstances that may require a different process. We can help and support your claim for damages regardless of the details. Get in touch through our contact form today to find out which option is the right one for your Uninsured Drivers Claims.

We can help you claim compensation if:

• You have been injured in an accident by an uninsured driver before the 31st of May 2021
• Your injuries did not include whiplash
• You are looking to claim on behalf of a child or a party who lacks the mental capacity to claim compensation themselves
• You are making a claim for a fatal accident
• Your accident was caused by an uninsured vehicle with foreign registration
• Your accident took place during a work activity
• You were riding a bicycle, motorcycle, horse, or were walking at the time of the accident

Accidents which do not adhere to these conditions can often be handled by the Official Injury Claims Portal. We can support you through this process, as many find it complicated to continue a compensation claim independently.

In any road accident case, we check the insurance details of the other driver on the Motor Insurance Database, and establish whether or not they are insured. This is the same database the DVLA and police use.

How can I protect my interests in an uninsured driver accident?

Suffering because of an accident involving an uninsured driver is an upsetting experience. You may be wondering if there is anything you can do to ensure the best outcome for you. We can always aid your case and reach the compensation you deserve, but there are precautions you can take following the accident to help your future compensation claim.

Note the other driver’s registration number

Following the collision, it is very important that you note down the other driver’s registration number as soon as possible. Many uninsured drivers will try to quickly drive away to avoid the consequences.

If the database reveals that the driver who hit you was not insured, the process becomes more complicated and it can take longer. Fortunately, this does not mean that you will be unsuccessful. Note that refusal of the driver to give you insurance details can represent a criminal offence. You are entitled to contact the authorities if the driver refuses to disclose these details.

Note the driver’s identification details

You should always note the other driver’s details such as name and date of birth, the make and model of the vehicle, and anything you believe to be relevant. You should include their employer’s details if they state to be driving a work vehicle, or to be on work duty at the time of the accident.

Collect witness statements and details

Any piece of third party evidence can aid your case, both in the initial claim stage and, in the rare case where this is necessary, during a court hearing. All witness statements and details can be included in your settlement pack, which will be sent to the relevant authorities at the time of your initial compensation claim.

Contact your insurance company

It is part of the protocol following any car accident to inform your insurer. You may have concerns about increasing your insurance premium, but this will likely not be the case. Accidents which are not your fault, and especially those involving uninsured drivers or “hit and run”, will not usually raise the amount you pay for your cover. You will normally be receiving compensation for your damages and losses from your insurance company, so make sure to involve them early in the process.

How can I make an uninsured driver claim?

Being involved in an accident on the road is a traumatic experience, and realising the guilty party is not covered by an insurance policy can be stressful. For this reason, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) was founded to protect the interests of motorists in the UK.

The MIB was set up by motor insurers, and by law, all UK motor insurers must contribute towards it. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau is the organisation which deals with Uninsured Drivers Claims and provides victims with compensation, and your claim will be investigated by them when you seek compensation.

The process includes three main steps:

• Submitting the claim form electronically through the MIB portal. This will be investigated within 30 days, and you will receive the MIB’s response in that timeframe.
• Evidence such as witness statements, injury reports, details of damages and losses, and other documentation will be included in a “settlement pack” that we will send to the MIB. They may accept the claim amount as is, or make a counter offer.
• If your claim is settled at the second stage, you will not need to proceed. Occasionally, when a settlement cannot be agreed, we may need to apply to the court for an assessment of the damages.

We will do everything in our power to avoid a court assessment, as these can add to an already stressful situation. The majority of the uninsured driver accident claims are settled by negotiating a settlement pack with the MIB. Our solicitors are experts at obtaining the compensation you deserve for your damages, injuries and losses.

Call us for help

We specialise in handling road traffic accident cases. We help clients obtain the high-quality medical care and financial compensation they deserve, and we are ready to help you.

Our experienced Manchester Personal Injury Solicitors act regularly for clients across Greater Manchester including Ashton, Bury, Bolton, Radcliffe, Prestwich, Middleton, Failsworth, Rochdale, Oldham, and Whitefield.

Sheldon Davidson Solicitors are a Lexcel accredited law firm. The Lexcel standard is only awarded by the Law Society to firms who meet the highest standards of practice management and customer service.

You can be confident that your claim is in safe hands.

Call us for free now using the number at the top of the page or complete the online contact form and a member of our team will get back to you.​