Injury Victims Unaware They Can Claim Compensation From Uninsured and Hit and Run Drivers

LONDON, November 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

According to latest research commissioned by leading law firm Accident Advice Helpline, just under half of responders said they did not think they could claim injury compensation from uninsured drivers.

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The OnePoll survey commissioned by Accident Advice Helpline asked 1000 consumers whether they believed a compensation claim could be made in a number of different accident scenarios.  Furthermore just under two thirds of consumers were unaware that they could claim for injuries sustained in a 'hit and run' crash, according to the new research.

Laurence Beck, CEO at AAH, explains, "This research highlights an understandable yet worrying gap in the knowledge people have regarding compensation. Consequently this means that many injury victims are not being compensated, particularly those involving untraceable or uninsured drivers.  

"The majority of people are under the misapprehension that if a crash occurs between themselves and a vehicle that drives off without leaving any details, they won't be able to claim for any damage or injury sustained. The same can be said for accidents caused by an insured driver. This simply isn't true thanks to the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB), an organisation funded by the UK insurance industry. The membership fees help compensate injury victims of uninsured and untraced drivers. A good solicitor will handle all aspects of a claim through the MIB.

"It's important to remember that if you're involved in an accident you should report the incident to the Police so that they're aware of the situation; because leaving the scene of an accident and driving without insurance are both offenses. Secondly you must report the accident to your insurance company. Getting details of any witnesses can greatly help your case; especially in a hit and run incident where the driver is untraceable and there is no specific person to hold liable.

"Injuries may seem relatively insignificant at the time they are sustained, but can have lasting repercussions on health, happiness and of course finances.  The cost of long-term treatment for injuries can run into thousands of Pounds, so it's important to seek professional legal advice to secure the maximum compensation."

"If a person is injured whilst driving through no fault of their own, they have the basis for a compensation claim.  A specialist injury solicitor like Accident Advice Helpline will have the  skills and expertise to arrange for any medical treatment, rehabilitation and financial compensation necessary."

For more information please visit http://www.accidentadvicehelpline.co.uk/

SOURCE Accident Advice Helpline Direct Ltd