The Accident

In May 2023, Michael S., a 52-year-old delivery driver from Leeds, was sideswiped by a white van on the M62 near junction 28. The van changed lanes without warning, clipping Michael's Ford Transit and forcing him onto the hard shoulder.

Michael's van was badly damaged, and he suffered whiplash and a fractured rib. By the time he had pulled over safely, the other driver had fled the scene.

"I was still shaking when I pulled onto the hard shoulder. I'd got three digits of the plate — didn't even know if that would help. When the van just kept going I thought, well, that's it. I'm on my own with this one."

Claiming Through the Motor Insurers' Bureau

Michael contacted SafeClaim, who explained that even in hit-and-run cases, UK law provides a route to compensation via the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) — a government-mandated body funded by UK insurers.

The MIB compensates victims of untraced or uninsured drivers. SafeClaim connected Michael with a specialist solicitor experienced in MIB claims, who:

  • Reported the accident to the police (a legal requirement for MIB claims)
  • Used the partial registration plate to attempt to trace the vehicle (unsuccessful)
  • Submitted a formal MIB claim with full medical evidence and witness statements
MIB CLAIMS

You Can Still Claim After a Hit and Run

Even if the other driver is never found, the Motor Insurers' Bureau provides compensation for victims of hit-and-run accidents. You must report the incident to police within 14 days and make your MIB claim within 3 years.

The Settlement

Michael's MIB claim was successful. Because the van was never traced, the MIB compensated him for personal injury only — vehicle repair costs went through his own comprehensive insurance separately.

MIB compensation received:

  • General damages: £4,200 (whiplash and fractured rib)
  • Loss of earnings: £3,800 (unable to work as a delivery driver for 7 weeks)

MIB settlement: £8,000

His comprehensive insurer separately covered his van repair and two weeks' van hire. Combined, Michael recovered the full costs of the accident. The MIB claim was settled in September 2024, 16 months after the accident. Michael paid no legal fees.

Michael's Advice

"Call 999 or 101 straight away — even if you feel okay. I didn't realise reporting it to the police within 14 days wasn't optional, it's an actual requirement. My rib didn't hurt properly until the next morning, which is apparently normal. Don't try to tough it out. Get yourself checked, get the crime reference number, and then get someone who knows how these MIB claims work — because it is different from a normal claim."