By Danielle Jordan. Last Updated 24th March 2023. Have you been in a car accident? Did that accident involve a stolen vehicle? If so, you could make an accident involving a stolen car claim. However, before doing so, you need to realise that it is a complex process that may take longer than you expect. You should know everything there is to know about compensation claims before filing one. This will help you understand the process and what to do to make your chances of winning compensation better. Read on to find out more about compensation claims for road traffic accidents that involve a stolen car and make sure that you make all the right moves to obtain the stolen vehicle accident compensation you deserve.
Select a section:
- A Guide to Stolen Car Claims After an Accident.
- What is the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB)?
- What Does the Motor Insurers’ Bureau Do?
- Why Was the Motor Insurers’ Bureau Established?
- Is There a Time Limit For Making a Stolen Car Claim Through the MIB?
- Claiming For an Accident Caused By a Stolen Vehicle While at Work.
- Claiming For an Accident Caused By a Stolen Vehicle in a Public Place.
- Stolen Vehicle Accident Facts and Statistics.
- Assessing the Severity of an Injury Caused in a Stolen Vehicle Accident.
- The Long-Term Effects of an Injury Caused in a Stolen Vehicle Accident.
- What To Do if You Have Suffered an Injury Caused in a Stolen Vehicle Accident.
- What Can Be Claimed For After an Injury Caused in a Stolen Vehicle Accident?
- No Win No Fee Stolen Vehicle Accident Claims.
- Compensation For Car Accidents
- How to Start Stolen Car Claims After an Accident.
- Why Choose Us As Your Claims Service For a Stolen Vehicle Accident Claim?
- Call For Free Advice and to Start a Claim.
A Guide to Stolen Car Claims After an Accident
Stolen Car Claims Guide
If you want to file a stolen vehicle accident claim, you need to know just about everything you possibly can about the process. Keep in mind that, as mentioned earlier, there are a lot of complexities involved in claims like these. We understand how daunting it can be to talk to a solicitor about compensation claims, no matter what type. This is exactly why we have created a guide to making a claim involving a stolen vehicle.
A lot of people believe that they are not eligible to make a compensation claim if they have been in a car accident where the other driver cannot be traced. This misconception is the reason many people do not take legitimate legal action. It is your right to know who pays when hit by a stolen car in the UK. At our firm, you will gain all the information you need to file a successful claim. Our goal is to make sure that your rights are protected and you are armed with everything you need to obtain your compensation.
Will The Whiplash Reforms Affect My Claim?
The Whiplash Reform Programme introduced changes to the way claims for whiplash injuries are made. This means that if you are an adult passenger or driver with whiplash injuries or soft tissue injuries valued at £5,000 or less, you will make your personal injury claim through a different channel. The whiplash injuries will be valued in accordance with the tariff in the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021.
However, if you have been injured through the negligent actions of an untraceable or uninsured driver, you can make your claim via Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). However, the whiplash tariff will still apply to whiplash injuries.
What is the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB)?
The (MIB) is an organisation that provides a means by which people who have been injured or have had their property damaged by drivers who cannot be traced can claim compensation. The MIB can also handle cases where the faulting driver was not insured.
Generally, in road traffic accident claims, your compensation would be paid by the faulting party’s insurance. If the faulting party does not have insurance to claim against, the MIB can still compensate you.
What does the Motor Insurers Bureau do?
Claims can be made under the Untraced Drivers Agreement for personal injury compensation or for damaged property.
In order to be eligible to make a claim, you, the Claimant, must have made a police report within 14 days for a personal injury or within 5 days for damage to property. The police will issue a crime number and when you make an application, you need to produce the number.
Why was the Motor Insurers Bureau Established?
Established as a non-profit organisation about 7 decades ago, the MIB was started to help victims of accidents caused by negligent drivers, particularly victims involved in accidents that involve hit and run or uninsured drivers. Under U.K. law, all insurers who provide car insurance must be members of the scheme and contribute to it. This helps make sure that the organisation has enough funds to make compensation payouts as necessary to injured parties.
Is there a Time Limit for Making a Stolen Car Claim Through the MIB?
If you are planning to make a claim for personal injury through the MIB, you, the Claimant, have 3 years from the date of the accident within which to apply. For (MIB) Motor Insurers Bureau compensation claims for property damage, you need to make a claim within 9 months.
Claiming for an Accident Caused by a Stolen Vehicle While at Work
When an employee is driving a company truck, car or other motorised vehicles, they are usually working within the scope of their employment. This includes driving to and from off-site jobs, driving to and from work, making deliveries and using the company vehicle while performing various job duties. If you are in an accident while at work, you can claim for any injuries and pain that are caused by the accident, any treatment or medical care that you need to receive, any damage to your vehicle or property, any inconvenience resulting from the accident and any money that you have lost as a result of the accident, such as loss of income due to time off from work.
Although you might be feeling nervous about making a car accident claim, you need to keep in mind that all motorists are required to have motor insurance by law, and the reason for this is to ensure that the costs of any accidents they are involved in are covered. If you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault, your solicitor will make a claim against the insurance company of the driver at fault.
Claiming for an accident caused by a stolen vehicle while in a public place
It can be traumatic to be involved in a road accident, but if it turns out that the vehicle being driven is stolen, the whole incident can become all the more upsetting and complicated.
If the driver at fault has stolen the vehicle that is involved in the accident and is identified by the police, any insurance that may have been taken out by the owner of the vehicle may compensate anyone injured. However, the decision is left to the discretion of the insurance company. In some cases, they may willingly cover the losses, while in other cases they may flatly refuse.
There is also the possibility that there is no insurance policy in force for the stolen vehicle involved in an accident in a public place. In such cases, the only course of action for the injured would be to make a claim through the MIB.
To help your case, be sure to take down the names, addresses, and contact numbers of willing witnesses who are ready to testify in your favour. Their testimony will make your case stronger. Also, take photographs of the accident location if you are in the condition to do so. If you know that the vehicle involved in the accident is stolen, you must contact the police immediately and report the details of the incident.
Stolen Vehicle Accident Facts and Statistics
In 2021, the Annual Reported Road Casualties Report for 2020 was published by the government, stating that there were 1,460 road deaths reported. 23,529 people were seriously injured or killed in road traffic accidents the same year and there were an estimated 115, 584 casualties of all severities.
According to statistics from the Crime Survey for England and Wales, between October 2020 and September 2021, 38,000 incidents of vehicle theft were reported. However, according to police recorded crime statistics, there were 95,958 crimes of this nature in the same period.
If you’ve been injured in an accident where the faulting vehicle was stolen, you could potentially claim compensation. To find out more about stolen vehicle accident claims, get in touch today.
Assessing the Severity of an Injury Caused in a Stolen Vehicle Accident
When you make a stolen vehicle car accident claim, one of the most important things to do is assess the amount of compensation you can claim. It is a good idea to learn how compensation is calculated – it is not as simple or straightforward as you think, especially if you have sustained an injury.
The severity of your injury or injuries sustained due to the accident plays a critical role in how much you can receive as compensation. This is why it is important to make sure that you seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. Even if you do not have external injuries, do not neglect to get yourself examined by a doctor.
Once you have been thoroughly examined by a doctor, you should obtain a medical report. A medical report will help your case as it allows your solicitor to prove that you were indeed injured due to the accident and therefore, are eligible to receive compensation from the negligent party.
If necessary, our firm can help in arranging a local medical examination.
The Long-Term Effects of an Injury Caused in a Stolen Vehicle Accident
Although there are many cases where a stolen vehicle accident causes serious but temporary injury to a victim, there are also those that result in injuries that cause devastating long-term effects that totally change a person’s life. In a stolen vehicle accident, there are several injuries that a victim can sustain, including:
- Herniated discs
- Blunt force trauma
- Torn rotator cuffs
- Loss of limb
- Broken bones
- Head trauma
- Spinal cord injury
- Burns
Stolen vehicle accident
All of these injuries have the potential to cause long-term or permanent suffering or disability. For example, a serious injury to the head can result in traumatic brain injury (TBI), cognitive impairment or brain damage while a spinal cord injury may cause paralysis or other conditions that will cause the victim to require life-long medical care and financial needs. Burns can cause disfigurement, resulting in the need for expensive cosmetic surgery, or even disfigurement that cannot be corrected with surgery.
Apart from physical pain and suffering, victims of a stolen vehicle accident have to suffer psychological and emotional damage, such as shock, fear of driving, sleepless nights, etc. which can have a long-lasting and devastating impact on their lives. Last but not least, there are also financial considerations like reduced earning potential, inability to continue with a professional career, etc. All of these have long-term effects on the victim’s life as well as their family.
What to do if You Have Suffered an Injury Caused in a Stolen Vehicle Accident
Car accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. When it does, it is important to know what to do so that if you decide to make a stolen vehicle accident claim, you have the necessary evidence and proof that the accident was not your fault and that your injury or injuries resulted from that accident. Here is a brief look at the steps you should take when you have suffered an injury in a stolen vehicle accident:
- Stop the Car: No matter how minor you think your car accident is, the first thing you must do is stop your vehicle. In fact, under the Road Traffic Act, failing to stop your car is an offence. You need to make sure that your engine is switched off and then turn on your hazard lights so that you alert other drivers of your presence.
- Call 101 or 999: Check yourself to make sure that you are not injured. If you have passengers, inspect them for any injuries as well. Call the police as soon as possible, and if necessary, an ambulance as well. You need to get a police report as well as a medical report, especially if you plan to make a stolen vehicle accident claim.
- Collect Evidence: Take as many photographs as you can of the scene of the accident. This will help you later when you make a claim. If you or your passengers have been injured, make sure that you take photos of those as well.
- Collect Information: Make sure that you take down the details of the driver at fault for the accident, including the name, phone number, address, insurance details as well as the registration and make of the car. Additionally, take the information of witnesses – you may need these witnesses to give evidence to prove your stolen vehicle accident claim if there is a dispute as to how the accident took place and who was at fault.
- Get Your Injuries Treated: No matter how minor they may seem, make sure that you are thoroughly checked out and treated by a doctor. Your GP will make a record of any trauma, even if treatment is not required – keep in mind that no matter how small, you should tell your doctor all of your injuries. You should also remember that there are symptoms that present themselves hours later. If this happens, go to your GP immediately.
- Contact Your Insurer: It is important to contact your insurance company and inform them about the accident as soon as possible. If you do not do so within the set time period in your policy, your policy may become invalidated, leaving you with a large bill. These time periods can be anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks after the accident, so make sure that you take a good look at the wording of your car insurance policy.
- Keep Records and Receipts: You should keep a record and also any receipts for all of the expenses incurred as a result of the accident. These include towing expenses, vehicle repair costs, storage expenses, medical expenses, travel expenses to and from your GP or the hospital, absence from work, etc. All of these expenses can form part of your stolen vehicle accident claim.
Things can get overwhelming after being in a car accident, but you should remember to take these steps. They may be the last thing on your mind, but remember that they could prove to be invaluable to both winning your stolen vehicle accident claim and receiving the maximum compensation.#
Hit By A Stolen Car – Examples Of Evidence
If you would like to make a personal injury claim, you will need to submit evidence. It must show that your injuries occurred due to another road user’s breach in the duty of care they owe you. This applies even when you were hit by a stolen car.
However, you will not need to prove that the vehicle was stolen. Claiming personal injury compensation is also different to making an insurance claim for your stolen car.
Examples of evidence that could be useful for a road traffic accident claim include:
- Photographs of the accident scene and damage to your vehicle.
- Medical records. In addition to your medical records, you might be asked to attend an independent medical appointment to help assess the impact your injuries are expected to have on your life.
- Witness contact information. If anyone saw what happened, you could note their contact details so they can give a statement later on in the proceedings.
- Accident footage. For example, from a dashcam.
If you suffered injuries when a stolen vehicle hit you, call our advisors. They can give you free advice about what evidence could support your claim.
What can be Claimed for After an Injury Caused in a Stolen Vehicle Accident?
When it comes to personal injury claims after a car accident, there are a number of damages or compensation that you can claim. These include:
- General Damages: These damages are concerned with the injury you have sustained and its severity. General damages also cover the amount of pain and suffering that the injury causes you. You will need to be examined by a medical expert so that they can give you a prognosis on the injury, how long it might last for and if it will cause any lasting effects to your body. The report provided by the medical expert will play an important role when a final compensation amount is calculated.
- Special Damages: This type of damages covers any financial aspects that might be warranted by the claim. Special damages are designed to ensure that you are not out of pocket so any expenses resulting directly from the accident, as well as any future expenses, can be claimed. Special damages cover:
- Medical care
- Prescription costs
- Travel expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Vehicle damage
- Loss of earnings that are directly concerned with the accident and injury as well as any loss in pensions, job promotions and job opportunities
- Home adaptation, e.g., modifying your home to accommodate your wheelchair
- Household assistance
When you make a stolen vehicle accident claim, your solicitor will make sure that you receive financial compensation that covers these damages. General and special damages are the two primary areas that are considered when the amount of damages you should be awarded for your car accident compensation claim is calculated.
No Win No Fee Stolen Vehicle Accident Claims
Our law firm offers a No Win No Fee service for any stolen vehicle accident claims. This is also known as a CFA which stands for Conditional fee agreement. This means that a legal expert from our firm will provide you with legal services on the basis that fees will not be charged if in the instance you win your claim.
With CFA, there is less financial risk when making stolen car claims and it allows us to help you receive justice and make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and other damages caused by the accident.
Compensation For Car Accidents
You could be eligible to pursue compensation for a car accident if the injuries you sustained were caused by someone breaching the duty of care they owed you.. The amount you could be awarded in car accident compensation is dependent on your personal circumstances. For instance, how severe your injury is and how it has impacted you can determine how much compensation you may receive.
Typically, your settlement could consist of both general and special damages. To value the general damages portion of your claim, solicitors can use the guideline compensation amounts in the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG).
The compensation amounts in the table below are from the recent JCG edition. It is important to note that these amounts are only a guide and may not match the payout you might be awarded. However, the last two entries in the table are from the tariff in the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021 which are fixed amounts.
| Injury | Severity | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paraplegia | – | £219,070 to £284,260 | The presence of increasing paralysis with an affect on sexual function, life expectancy and independence. |
| Neck | Severe (ii) | £65,740 to £130,930 | The injury will result in cervical spine disc damage or serious fractures. Disabilities will be severe. |
| Hand | Serious | £29,000 to £61,910 | The hand will work at about 50% capacity. |
| Toe | (A) | £36,520 to £56,080 | The amputation of all toes. |
| Shoulder | Severe | £19,200 to £48,030 | Often related to neck injuries and will result in a serious disability. |
| Leg | Less Serious (i) | £17,960 to £27,760 | Serious soft tissue injuries or fractures where an incomplete recovery is made. There may be defective gait, cosmetic deficit and functional restriction. |
| Ankle | Modest | Up to £13,740
| Sprains, ligament injuries and fractures that are less serious. |
| Jaw | (iii) | £6,460 to £8,730 | The fractures are simple, requiring immobilization but recovery will be complete. |
| Whiplash | One or more whiplash injuries | £4,215 | Injury lasts between 18-24 months. |
| Whiplash | One or more whiplash injuries with one or more minor psychological injuries | £4,345 | Injury lasts between 19-24 months. |
For more information on compensation for car injury claims, get in touch using the number above. They can also assess whether one of our solicitors could represent your claim.
How to Start Stolen Car Claims After an Accident
In the U.K., the term “hit and run” is used to describe a car accident in which the driver causing the accident leaves the scene of the accident without stopping to provide you with their contact and insurance details. When you are in an accident that involves a stolen car, the driver will not stop.
Starting a stolen car claim after an accident is not a difficult task. We strongly recommend that you appoint your claim to a law firm specialising in stolen car claims. This is because they have the experience and expertise to make sure that your claim reaches its maximum compensation amount. Our firm will gather information pertaining to the accident so that we can process your claim. The information we will gather include the following:
- How the accident took place
- Your registration details
- The third party’s details
- Location of the accident
You do not need to worry about the driver fleeing after causing the accident. We will likely be able to make a claim on your behalf through the Motor Insurance Bureau. Once we have all of the information we need, we can immediately start your stolen vehicle accident claim which means that you will receive the compensation you deserve as soon as possible.
Why Choose us as your Claims Service for a Stolen Vehicle Accident Claim?
When it comes to stolen car claims, we are the top law firm to choose. We have the knowledge and experience to make sure that every case reaches its potential. We have a team of solicitors with decades of experience in all types of road traffic accident claims, including Motor Insurance Bureau claims. We strive to ensure that our legal services get our clients the best MIB claims payouts.
When you contact us, you can receive a free consultation. This means that before you enter into any legal litigation, we will determine and inform you if your claim has winning merits to ensure a successful outcome. Our goal is to give you the best legal service so you get the maximum compensation for your injuries and other damages resulting from the stolen vehicle accident.
Call for Free Advice and To Start a Claim
Whether a stolen car hit your parked car or you collided with one, it is important to get the best law firm to take on your stolen car claims. Call us at 0800 073 8804 for free advice and start a claim to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Helpful Links
Cycle Accident Claims Compensation Amounts
If you have had a cycle accident claim find out how much compensation you can claim.
Whiplash Claims Amount Find out How Much Compensation.
If you have suffered a whiplash injury find out how much compensation you can claim and get free legal advice.
To find out more about making stolen car claims after an accident caused by negligence, get in touch with us at any time.
