Hit and Run Accident Solicitors — Scotland

If the driver responsible for an accident flees the scene, it is classed as a hit-and-run accident. This is a criminal offence, regardless of whether anyone else is physically involved. Watermans hit-and-run accident solicitors are here to help you claim the hit-and-run compensation you deserve.

Simple and Straightforward

"I was nervous and unsure of the idea of getting into a complicated legal situation, but that turned out to be simple and straightforward. I was very impressed with the claim amount they managed to secure for me - more than what was anticipated!"

L Paterson, Personal Injury Claim

The Short of It

  • If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident within the last three years,

    you may be eligible to claim compensation for your injuries and financial losses.

  • Even if you couldn’t obtain the insurance details of the party involved,

    you may still pursue a road traffic accident claim.

  • At Watermans, we have a dedicated team of hit-and-run accident lawyers

    who can take care of the legal process while you focus on your recovery.

  • Everything we do at Watermans is about getting you the resolution you need

    nd providing straightforward legal advice. It should be that simple.

  • The Long of It 

    Hit-and-Run Accidents

    Hit-and-run accident claims

    A hit-and-run accident is when a driver hits an object, vehicle or person without stopping. This includes failing to exchange details or offer assistance.

    This is a criminal offence, regardless of whether it involves another person. Many victims assume they can’t claim without identifying the driver or vehicle. That isn’t always the case.

    With the help of Watermans hit-and-run solicitors, you may still be able to pursue compensation, even with limited details.

    Thanks to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) and the Untraced Drivers Agreement, victims injured by uninsured or untraceable drivers can still pursue legal action.

    Making a Claim

    How do I make a hit-and-run accident claim?

    Whether you were a driver, passengercyclistpedestrian or motorcyclist involved in a road traffic accident, you may be eligible to claim compensation.

    Seeking prompt legal advice from a hit-and-run solicitor can make a real difference, especially if the accident happened within the last three years.

    The claims process typically involves:

    • Seeking medical attention: Your health should be your top priority. Ensure you receive immediate medical attention for any physical injuries sustained.
    • Reporting the accident to the police: This is crucial for claims involving an untraced or uninsured driver.
    • Gathering evidence: Collect evidence such as medical reports, witness statements, contact details and financial documents to support your case as an injured person. Our hit-and-run solicitors can assist in obtaining the necessary documents.
    • Consulting your insurance provider: Notify your insurance company and review your insurance policy options. We liaise directly with your insurer and the MIB.
    • Seeking legal advice: Our experienced hit-and-run lawyers understand how to build claims where the responsible driver cannot be identified.
    • Submitting your claim: Our hit-and-run accident solicitors will compile all necessary documentation to build a strong compensation case.
    • Claim assessment: Once your road accident claim has been submitted, the MIB will investigate and determine the appropriate compensation based on individual circumstances.

    Throughout the process, our hit-and-run lawyers will keep you informed so you can focus on your recovery.

    How Much Compensation?  

    How much compensation can I claim for a hit-and-run accident?

    The compensation amount varies depending on the severity of your injuries and the financial impact.

    Pedestrians and cyclists often suffer more serious injuries than vehicle occupants. Even minor injuries can cause pain, disruption and ongoing inconvenience.

    You have a right to be compensated for:

    • Medical costs: This includes immediate treatment and ongoing care for serious injuries. Our experienced team can help arrange expert medical assessments to support your claim.
    • Lost earnings: Our hit-and-run solicitors can help you claim compensation for both current and future loss of income.
    • Vehicle damage: Compensation can cover repairs or the replacement of your vehicle if it was damaged in a road traffic accident.
    • Travel expenses: This includes costs for alternative transport or travel to medical appointments.
    • Care and assistance: If you require help with daily tasks due to your injuries, our hit-and-run lawyers can help ensure this is included in your compensation claim.
    • Other expenses incurred: This can include physiotherapy, counselling or other necessary treatments.

    For life-changing injuries such as spinal and head injuries, the compensation may be significantly higher. This reflects the long-term impact on your lifestyle, work and personal relationships.

    In some cases, interim payments may be available to help with immediate costs. Our hit-and-run solicitors can help secure this if needed.

    Why Watermans?

    Why should I choose Watermans as my hit-and-run solicitors?

    Watermans makes legal services straightforward, so you can move forward after an accident.

    As a trusted personal injury firm in Scotland, our experienced hit-and-run solicitors are committed to securing the compensation you deserve. We also help you access additional services to support your recovery.

    Trusted Personal Injury Solicitors in Scotland

    Our expertise in personal injury covers a wide range of areas, including:

    We represent thousands of clients throughout Scotland each year, securing millions in compensation for our clients. Our specialist hit-and-run accident lawyers work on a no-win, no-fee basis, ensuring no financial risk if your compensation claim is unsuccessful.

    FAQs About Hit-and-Run Claims

    You generally have three years to settle a claim or raise court action. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as cases involving minors or individuals with reduced mental capacity. We recommend contacting our hit-and-run solicitors as soon as possible for the best course of action.

    Most hit-and-run cases are settled out of court, but if the at-fault party disputes liability, court proceedings may be necessary to secure fair compensation. Your hit-and-run accident lawyer will work diligently to negotiate a settlement with the responsible party or the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.

    However, if an agreement cannot be reached or if the circumstances of your case are particularly complex, we are fully prepared to represent you in court. Rest assured, our hit-and-run lawyers will support you throughout the process.

    As experienced hit-and-run lawyers, Watermans can assist you in collecting crucial evidence to strengthen your claim. We’ll help you gather:

    • Detailed police reports documenting the incident
    • Photographs of the scene and any vehicle damage
    • Expert medical evidence, including hospital records and expert assessments of your injuries
    • Witness statements from anyone who saw the accident occur
    • CCTV footage, if available, from nearby buildings or traffic cameras
    • Your own detailed account of the incident and its impact on your life
    • Documentation of financial losses, including pay slips for lost wages and receipts for expenses related to your injuries.

    If you were involved in a hit-and-run case that was not your fault, and claimed through your insurance or the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, it shouldn’t negatively impact your premiums, as you weren’t at fault.

    However, it’s always best to check with your specific insurer. If you’re concerned about potential costs, our lawyers for hit-and-run accident claims can advise on the best course of action and communicate with your insurance company on your behalf.

    As experienced hit-and-run accident solicitors, we offer a free initial consultation and operate on a no-win, no-fee agreement. This means you won’t pay any upfront costs for our services or worry about legal insurance to cover additional costs.

    If we successfully secure your accident claim, our agreed percentage is deducted from your settlement, ensuring you keep the majority of your compensation. Our transparent approach means you’ll always know where you stand financially.

    If you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still have a valid claim for compensation under the principle of contributory negligence. The compensation you receive may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility. Our hit-and-run lawyers will assess your case and ensure any contributory negligence is fairly considered to maximise the compensation you deserve.

    The time varies depending on the complexity of your case. Straightforward accident claims may be resolved within a few months, particularly if liability is accepted quickly and your injuries are minor.

    More complex claims, especially those involving liability disputes, extensive medical assessments, and special damages like brain injuries, may take longer to settle. Our lawyers for hit-and-run accidents will keep you informed throughout the process and secure your compensation as efficiently as possible.

    If the responsible party cannot be traced or is uninsured, your compensation claim will usually be paid by the MIB. In some cases, if the at-fault party is identified, their insurance company will handle the payout.

    Yes, you can still claim compensation, even if you have pre-existing medical conditions. The law recognises that accidents can worsen existing injuries or medical issues. Compensation will typically be awarded based on the extent to which the accident aggravated your condition. Our hit-and-run accident solicitors will collaborate with medical experts to assess the accident’s impact on your overall health and ensure you receive the correct compensation.

    Watermans is your expert hit-and-run lawyers in Scotland.
    Contact us today for straightforward legal advice on your accident compensation claim.

    How much could you claim?

    The figures quoted are a rough guide to show you the amount you could receive as compensation for your injury. Our solicitors will advise you in more detail about your specific claim.

    Your claim could be worth...

    Claim Worth

    The figures quoted are a rough guide to show you the amount you could receive as compensation for your injury. Our solicitors will advise you in more detail about your specific claim.

    Get in touch with us

    Everything we do at Watermans is about getting you the resolution you need and making that process straightforward. Start the process by sending us your details below or calling us on 0131 555 7055

    Our personal injury claims expert

    “I enjoy the challenge of putting my clients back in a position they would have been in, had they not been unfortunate to suffer an accident through no fault of their own.”

    John Dillon, Head of Dispute Resolution