The Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) is a government backed organisation which was set up in 1946 to compensate victims of negligent untraced and uninsured drivers.
If you have been involved in a road traffic accident with any of the following motorists, you are entitled to pursue a claim for compensation:
- Uninsured Driver or Uninsured Vehicle
- Untraced Drivers
- Foreign registered vehicle
Unfortunately, post Brexit, the MIB is no longer able to consider claims relating to accidents caused by an uninsured or hit and run drivers abroad.
The MIB will consider claims for personal injury and associated financial losses, for example, loss of earnings, medical treatment, travel expenses, etc
The term Personal Injury not only covers physical injuries but also psychological injuries such as travel anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Time Limits
Uninsured Driver Claims
If you have been involved in a road traffic accident with an uninsured driver, you will have 3 years from the date of your accident in which to make a claim.
Untraced Driver Claims
If you have been involved in a road traffic accident with an Untraced Driver, you only have 2 years from the date of your accident in which to lodge a claim with the MIB.
Reporting your accident
A further requirement of making a claim through the MIB in relation to an untraced driver is that you must report your accident to the police as soon as is reasonably practicable and we would recommend that you do so within 14 days of your accident.
Claims the MIB will consider:
- Cars and vans
- Bicycles
- Motorbikes
- HGV wagons
- Pedestrians hit by an uninsured or untraced driver
- Passengers and drivers
Making a claim
A claim against an uninsured driver must be lodged with the MIB within 3 years of your accident. The MIB will make enquiries into the circumstances surrounding your accident and will investigate whether the vehicle and / or driver responsible for your accident had any insurance cover on their vehicle. On occasion the MIB will establish that the vehicle itself had a valid policy of insurance but the driver was not insured to drive the vehicle that caused the collision. If the MIB establish that the vehicle that hit you had a valid policy of insurance they may suggest that the relevant insurer deals with your claim.
It is important to keep as many details as possible about your accident including weather conditions, time of accident, witness details, etc.
Following the filing of a claim, the MIB will consider the circumstances of the accident and the evidence available and will make a decision on whether they will deal with your claim.
If the MIB agree to deal with your claim under the Uninsured Drivers Agreement Scheme, we will arrange to have you medically examined by a medico – legal expert who is fully accredited to prepare medical reports for personal injury claims.
If the MIB agree to deal with your claim under the Untraced Drivers Agreement Scheme, they will arrange a medical appointment on your behalf.
Compensation
The level of compensation awarded will be determined by the medical evidence obtained in your case, evidence available to support a claim for loss of earnings and any other evidence you may have to support your accident – related financial losses. Medical evidence will set out the nature and extent of your injuries and the medical expert will provide an opinion and prognosis for your future recovery.
We are dedicated solicitors specialising in personal injury and road traffic accident claims. We offer practical advice and guidance on all aspects of personal injury claims, whether you have been involved in a road traffic accident, motorbike / cycling accident, pedestrian accident, accident at work or slip, trip or fall accident.
If you need assistance contact us on info@rgjonessolicitors.co.uk or call 0330 – 332 – 4844 for a no– obligation discussion and expert legal advice.
