Hit and Run Solicitors — Scotland

If the driver responsible for an accident flees the scene, it is classed as a hit and run accident. This kind of accident is a criminal offence, even if it doesn't involve another person. Watermans hit and run 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 are a victim of a hit and run accident,

    you may sustain severe injuries and suffer from emotional and psychological stress as a result. 

  • If you didn't catch the number plate of the offending vehicle, or receive any identifiable details from the person, don't worry.

    You can still begin a road traffic accident claim.  

  • Our team of expert personal injury solicitors at Watermans are here to help you throughout the legal process,

    guiding you every step of the way.

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

    and 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 any type of road accident where a vehicle hits an object or person, but the driver leaves the scene without stopping and fulfilling their obligations.

    A hit and run is a criminal offence, even if it doesn’t involve another person. If it does involve a victim, that victim may be eligible to make a hit and run injury claim. Many people worry they can’t make a claim if they didn’t get a number plate or other identifying details before the driver left the scene.

    Thankfully, victims of such accidents can still seek hit and run compensation, even if they don’t know any details about the vehicle or driver which caused it.

    The Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) Untraced Drivers Agreement provides a route for the injured party in hit and run accidents to claim compensation for the injury or damage caused by untraceable or uninsured drivers.

    We appreciate that being involved in a hit and run accident is a difficult time for anyone. Our legal team is able to guide you through the entire process and assist in submitting your hit and run claim.

    Making a Claim

    How do I make a hit and run accident claim?

    After a hit and run accident, you can claim compensation whether you were a driver, a passenger, a cyclist or a pedestrian injured by another car, a motorbike, or even a horse.

    The same is true if your car has been hit by another vehicle that has fled the scene or, alternatively, if you are a pedestrian hit by a vehicle that has fled the scene. ›

    If the hit and run accident occurred within the last three years, we suggest you speak with one of our specialist legal advisors today to start your claim.

    The process of making compensation claims typically involves:

    • Contacting the police – Contact the police immediately after the incident to file a police report, which is crucial for claims involving an untraced driver or uninsured driver.
    • Gathering evidence – Collect medical evidence to support your case as an injured person. Our law firm can assist in arranging and obtaining the necessary documents.
    • Consulting your insurer – Work with your insurance company to understand your coverage and explore options under your insurance policy.
    • Seeking legal advice – Obtain legal support from our experienced solicitors, who can guide you through the claims process.
    • Submitting your claim – Our personal injury specialists will help you compile all necessary documentation, including the police report and medical records, to build a strong case for compensation.
    • Undergoing a claim assessment – Once your hit and run accident claim has been submitted, the Motor Insurers Bureau will investigate and assess compensation based on individual circumstances.

    Our personal injury lawyers will deal with the MIB directly on your behalf. We’ll keep you updated on the progress of your hit and run claim at all times, so you don’t have to worry about anything.

    How Much Compensation?  

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

    The amount of compensation you’ll be able to claim as a victim of a hit and run can vary considerably. If you were in your vehicle at the time of the accident your injuries may be minor. If you were a pedestrian, it is likely that your injuries will be more serious. Either way, the collision is likely to have caused you significant pain, discomfort and inconvenience.

    If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident within the last three years and you weren’t at fault, then 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.
    • Loss of earnings – We can help you claim for both current and future loss of income due to your injuries.
    • Vehicle damage – Compensation can cover repairs or replacement of your vehicle if it was damaged in the hit and run.
    • 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, this can be included in your claim.
    • Any other expenses incurred due to the accident – This can include physiotherapy, counselling, or other necessary treatments.

    When injuries are more significant, such as spinal injuries or broken bones, the compensation can be a lot higher because of the impact the injuries will have on your lifestyle, work and even personal relationships.

    In such cases, the compensation received will support you throughout recovery and long after your claim to make sure you receive the appropriate medical treatment, support and rehabilitation.

    Our goal is to compensate victims fairly for all aspects of their loss. After being involved in an accident, recovery can be a long process. We may be able to secure interim payments before the final settlement. This interim payment can help with immediate expenses necessary for recovery.

    Why Watermans?

    Why should I choose Watermans to pursue my personal injury claim?

    Watermans make legal services look and feel easy so people can move forward in life.

    Watermans is your modern personal injury firm in Scotland. Our expert team is committed to doing everything to make the claims process straightforward for our clients following an accident.

    We take the hassle from you and fight each case to secure the maximum level of compensation. We also provide access to a range of additional services, such as physiotherapy and psychological treatment, to ensure you recover from your injuries as soon as possible and get your life back on track.

    Trusted Personal Injury Solicitors in Scotland

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

    1. Accidents at work
    2. Public liability claims
    3. Road traffic accidents
    4. Fatal and serious injury claims
    5. Cases relating to abuse

    We represent thousands of clients throughout Scotland each year, securing millions of pounds in compensation for our clients. Our specialist lawyers work on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means that if your compensation claim is unsuccessful, you won’t end up out of pocket.

    FAQs About Hit and Run Claims

    There’s a three-year time limit to make hit and run personal injury claims. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you have three years following the date of your accident in which to start the claims process.

    In fact, you are required to have raised a court action or settled a claim for personal injury within this three-year timeframe. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as cases involving minors or individuals with reduced mental capacity. We advise speaking to a hit and run lawyer at Watermans, who will be able to advise you on 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 at Watermans 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 that our team will guide you through every step of the process, whether your case is settled through negotiation or requires a court appearance.

    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’re the victim of a hit and run accident and make a claim through your own 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 team can advise you on the best way forward and help communicate with your insurance company if necessary.

    At Watermans, we understand that financial concerns shouldn’t be a barrier to seeking justice after a hit and run accident. That’s why we offer some free advice in our initial consultation to discuss your case and provide guidance.

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

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

     

    Frustrated by the injustice of a hit and run? Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.
    Contact Watermans hit and run solicitors today for specialist legal advice. 

    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.

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    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

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    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