WHAT IS THE MIB?
The MIB or Motor Insurers Bureau, (Sorry, Not Men in Black) is an organisation which aims to compensate victims who have been involved in road traffic accidents where the driver at fault is either uninsured or untraced.
• Who can claim?
Under the MIB system there are two types of claims, which deal with victims of both untraced and uninsured drivers. Under the uninsured drivers agreement, claims can be made if the driver at fault was uninsured at the time of the accident. This means that if you have been involved in an accident and the other driver was uninsured you can still claim the compensation you deserve. Under the untraced driver’s agreement, claims can be made if the driver at fault cannot be traced. These claims are often referred to as “Hit and Run” accidents. Again, this means that you can still claim your compensation if the driver at fault is untraced.
• What can you claim for?
Under the Uninsured Agreement claims can be made for the following :-
1. Injuries and other losses such as loss of earnings,
2. Damage to your vehicle including hire charges and loss of use,
3. Damage to other property,
4. Any treatment needed for example, physiotherapy costs,
5. Solicitors costs which means that you should not have to fund the claim yourself.
Under the Untraced Agreement the claim is more restricted however you can still claim for :-
1. Injuries and other losses such as Loss of Earnings,
2. Any treatment needed for example, physiotherapy costs,
3. A contribution towards your solicitors costs.
Usually you should be able to come to an agreement with your solicitor with regard to the funding of your claim.
• What must you do?
You must report the accident to the police within 14 days if you have been injured, or within 5 days if your property has been damaged.
• Obtaining Legal Advice
You solicitor will take down details of the accident and fill in an MIB Claim form, which will be sent to the MIB, who will then begin their investigations. They will contact the police and any witnesses to the accident. They may also wish to take a detailed statement from you. Their aim is to provide a response within 3 months, however the process can be held up by continuing police enquiries.
• Are there any time limits for bringing a claim?
Yes, if you have been injured, you have 3 years from the date of the accident to make a claim. If you did not suffer any injury but your property was damaged in the accident, you will have 6 years to make a claim. It is therefore important not to delay matters and to contact your solicitor as soon as possible.
This article was written by Kristina Stoddern a Solicitor at the Kirkby Branch of Maxwell Hodge Solicitors. If you require any legal advice or assistance about your accident, Kristina can be contacted on 0151 548 7370 or via e-mail at kristinastoddern@maxweb.co.uk
|
