Being involved in a road traffic accident is traumatic enough as it is, no matter how major or minor the bump or crash may have been. Going on to discover that the driver at fault is uninsured might instantly cast a wave of concern as you wonder what this will mean when it comes to making a claim against them.

According to the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB), every year the UK suffers around 130 fatalities and over 26,000 drivers or passengers are left injured as a result of uninsured and hit and run drivers - so unfortunately, the chances of experiencing an accident with an uninsured driver isn't anywhere near as low as we'd like it to be. However, you'll be pleased to know that even if you have been involved in a car accident that wasn't your fault with an uninsured driver, all is not lost. Compensation can still be claimed for personal injury, vehicle damage and financial losses which come as a result of the accident.

I was injured in a car accident and the driver at fault was uninsured - can I still claim?

Fortunately, even if the driver at fault wasn't insured, you can still make a claim, yes. The MIB is funded by both motor insurers and motorists through insurance premiums (an estimated £30 per year), and they are there to help compensate road traffic accident victims who have suffered at the hands of uninsured drivers. So, if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having to pursue a claim against an uninsured driver then the MIB are your immediate port-of-call.

What if I only managed to get the number plate before the driver left the scene?

If you weren't able to obtain any information from the driver due them quickly driving away from the scene of the accident but were still able to take note of the vehicle registration number, then a search can be carried out within the Motor Insurance Database to find out who the named driver of the vehicle is and whether they are insured.

Important things to know about an MIB claim

• The accident should be reported to the police as soon as possible (certainly within 14 days) after you realise the driver is not insured

• Any injury claim that relates to the accident should be made within 3 years of the accident date

• An effort must be made to keep losses to a minimum, such as seeking medical treatment as soon as possible

What can I claim compensation for?

• The cost of treatment and/or rehabilitation

• Compensation for any pain and suffering that was caused by the accident you were involved in

• Compensation for any financial losses that you suffered as a result of your injury, such as loss of earnings due to not working

If you've been involved in a road traffic accident and would like to discuss whether a personal injury claim can be made, get in touch with a member of our expert team of solicitors here at Fonseca Law. You can contact us by calling 01495 303124, e-mailing enquiries@fonsecalaw.co.uk or by completing our online contact form.