[Chris Lodge]

Many people believe that if an accident is caused by an uninsured motorist, they lose the ability to make a claim. This is not true but certain regulations apply and you are likely to need legal advice as soon as possible as to how to proceed. In principle, the rules apply regardless of whether anyone has been injured.

Solicitors specialising in road accident claims will have access to the Motor Insurers Database and can normally find out very quickly the identity of the negligent driver's insurers so long as the registration number has been correctly noted.

Uninsured Motorist

Subject to the rules, if it turns out that the driver responsible for the accident is uninsured, a claim can be made to the Motor Insurers Bureau. If they are satisfied, that the uninsured motorist is to blame, they will deal with the claim as would any other insurer, except that they will not pay the first £300.00 of any claim which is not injury related.

Untraced Motorist

If the other driver can never be traced, in certain circumstances a claim still be made but you should formally notify the police about the circumstances within five days of the accident (or as soon as possible thereafter) and insist that they provide you with a Crime Number. Then you should lose no time in obtaining legal advice as to the steps which must be taken to protect your position.

A claim can sometimes be made even where the accident has been caused an object or deposit (such as an oil spillage) left in the road by an unknown motorist.