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 injured. Watermans hit-and-run accident solicitors are here to help you claim the hit-and-run compensation you deserve.
"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
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident within the last three years,
you may seek compensation for your injuries and financial losses.
Even if you couldn’t obtain the insurance details of the other party,
you may still pursue a road traffic accident claim.
At Watermans, our dedicated team of hit-and-run accident lawyers
can handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery.
Everything we do at Watermans is about getting you the resolution you need
and providing straightforward legal advice. It should be that simple.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
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.
According to Transport Scotland’s key findings report on reported road casualties for 2024, there were 5,734 road casualties in Scotland in which someone was killed or injured. The same report shows that untraced drivers involved in hit-and-run collisions are specifically excluded from Police Scotland’s motorist data, which means the true number of people affected by hit-and-run incidents is not fully captured in those figures.
Many victims assume they can’t claim without identifying the hit-and-run driver or vehicle. However, that isn’t always the case.
Whether you were struck as a pedestrian or hit as a motorcyclist, many of those responsible are never identified. Thanks to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) and the Untraced Drivers Agreement, victims injured by uninsured or untraceable drivers can still pursue legal action.
The MIB compensates victims of road traffic accidents caused by untraced or uninsured drivers across the UK. In 2023 alone, the MIB helped 35,000 individuals with untraced driver claims. If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Scotland, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to make a claim.
With the help of our hit-and-run solicitors, you may still be able to pursue compensation, even with limited details. The sooner you act, the stronger your position, so we recommend contacting our hit-and-run accident solicitors as early as possible.
Making a Claim
Whether you were a driver, passenger, cyclist, pedestrian or motorcyclist involved in a car 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:
Ensure you receive immediate medical treatment for any physical injuries sustained. Keeping records of your medical expenses from the outset also helps support your compensation claim. Some injuries, such as soft tissue damage or concussion, may not be immediately apparent, so seek medical attention promptly.
The police report forms part of your accident details and is an important piece of evidence for the MIB. Under the MIB Untraced Drivers Agreement 2017, claimants are required to report the matter to the police as soon as reasonably practicable.
Collect medical reports, witness statements, contact details and financial documents to support your case. Our hit-and-run solicitors can assist in obtaining the necessary documents. If it is safe to do so, note down the vehicle registration, make, model and colour of the vehicle involved. Even a partial description can assist the police in their enquiries.
Notify your insurance company and review your insurance policy options. We liaise directly with your insurer and the MIB. Your insurer will also need to know about the incident even if you are not making a claim through them directly.
Our experienced hit-and-run lawyers understand how to build claims where the responsible driver cannot be identified. This includes claims where there are no witnesses, no vehicle details and no CCTV footage available.
Our hit-and-run accident solicitors will compile all necessary documentation to build a strong compensation case. For untraced driver claims, this is submitted directly to the MIB rather than through a court.
Once your road accident claim has been submitted, the MIB will investigate and determine the appropriate compensation based on individual circumstances. Under the Untraced Drivers Agreement, the MIB assesses the claim on the balance of probabilities and pays a sum equivalent to what a court applying Scots law would have awarded.
Throughout the process, our hit-and-run lawyers will keep you informed so you can focus on your recovery.
Think you can’t claim without the driver’s details? You can. Call Watermans on 0131 555 7055 and let our hit-and-run accident solicitors take it from here.
How Much Compensation?
The compensation amount varies depending on the severity of your injuries and the financial impact. Under the MIB Untraced Drivers Agreement, compensation is assessed using the same principles as a Scottish court would apply.
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:
More serious physical injuries, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries and spinal injuries, can have a lasting effect on your ability to work and your quality of life. Life-changing injuries of this nature typically result in significantly higher financial compensation. This reflects the long-term impact on your lifestyle, work and personal relationships. Post-traumatic stress disorder and other forms of psychological trauma are also recognised under Scots law as valid grounds for a personal injury claim.
In some cases, interim payments may be available to help with immediate losses or ongoing expenses while your claim is being resolved. Our hit-and-run solicitors work with medical specialists to ensure the full picture of your injuries, both psychological and physical pain, is presented in your claim.
Why Watermans?
Watermans makes legal services straightforward, so you can move forward after an accident.
As a trusted personal injury law 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.
We hold a 4.9/5* rating on Review Solicitors from over 1,290 verified client reviews.
Our personal injury expertise covers a wide range of areas, including:
Our specialist hit-and-run accident lawyers have helped thousands of clients across Scotland secure the compensation they deserve.
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.
Separately, the Agreement requires claimants to report the matter to the police as soon as reasonably practicable. If you delay, this may affect your claim, so it is always better to act quickly.
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:
You are not expected to contact witnesses yourself or take your own statements; our expert road traffic accident solicitors handle all of that. The legal support you need is available from the moment you get in touch.
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, and you won’t need to arrange legal insurance to cover additional costs.
If we successfully secure your accident claim, our agreed percentage is deducted from your settlement, so you are clear on the costs from the outset. Our transparent approach means you’ll always know where you stand financially. There are no hidden legal fees. What we agree with you at the outset is what you’ll pay, nothing more.
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 may be reduced to reflect your degree 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 work to 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. The MIB is funded by contributions from all motor insurance companies operating in the UK. 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.
Yes. The impact of a hit-and-run accident is not always physical. Many people experience anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder following a serious road traffic collision. Under Scots law, psychological trauma is recognised as a valid basis for a personal injury claim and can be included in your compensation alongside any physical injuries.
Our team can refer you to appropriate medical specialists to assess and document the psychological impact of the accident on your day-to-day life.
Yes. Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, are often the most severely affected in a hit-and-run incident. Because they have less physical protection than vehicle occupants, the resulting injuries can be life-changing. The MIB Untraced Drivers Agreement applies to all such road users, not only vehicle drivers.
Our hit-and-run accident solicitors will guide you through the full claims process.
Trust our expert hit-and-run lawyers in Scotland.
Contact us today for straightforward legal advice on your accident compensation 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.
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
“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
