hit and run and benefits advice please

happyhero

Hi Sorry if this is the wrong place but I was really struggling with where to post this, basically my sister has been trying to make some sort of claim for a hit and run but has failed to progress.

She was crossing a busy main road in London (Baker street) at a proper crossing. this was about 2 years ago and as the lights changed a motor cyclist delibrately altered his path and headed straight for her, causing her a fractured arm.

He stopped 50 yards ahead and looked back over his shoulder and then drove off. He pulled away so fast that he was able to stop and look back before the rest of the traffic pulled away from the lights.

My sister stood there in shock at first before she reacted, and then she went to hospital where they surprised her by saying she had sustained a hairline fracture and put her arm in plaster. She also persisted with the police at first reporting it to them and then trying to get them to look on their cameras but with very little success as they found nothing and my sister did not catch the registration, she just didn't think quick enough unfortunately.

She did approach a solicitor but they said they would take the first £2000 and they were in the Midlands so she soon decided against that.

She is on benefits and has no money at all. we suggested legal aid but she said they only give that for certain things and not this type of thing so I don't know if what she says is correct but I felt her best approach would be to see a decent London solicitor who she could see face to face and they would probably be able to tell her in the first few minutes as to whether she has any kind of case or not, obviously she cannot have a case against the motor cyclist as he cannot be traced but we think that we have heard that there is some system in place that can pay out to people who have had accidents, is that correct or not?

So my questions are is there anything she is entitled to that would help?

She has seen these No Win No Fee things but has stayed away from them as she feels they are dodgy, I don't know much about them so what is the deal with them, are they to be avoided?

Are there any solicitors that offer the first half hour free for consultation?

And is there a system in place that can pay out to victims of accidents?

Any ifo/advice appreciated.

Caz3121

she could try the Motor Insurers Bureau

If a pedestrian is injured in a hit and run accident a claim for compensation can still be made via the Motor Insurers Bureau which operates a scheme to compensate the victims of uninsured and untraced drivers.

antrobus

Caz3121 wrote: »

she could try the Motor Insurers Bureau

If a pedestrian is injured in a hit and run accident a claim for compensation can still be made via the Motor Insurers Bureau which operates a scheme to compensate the victims of uninsured and untraced drivers.

Submitting a Claim
http://www.mib.org.uk/Customer+Services/en/Making+a+claim/Submitting+a+claim/Default.htm

jules8542

Can I just make her and you aware that any monies she receives from the claim will have to be declared to benefits and they may well take a large proportion of the award. I just remember reading somewhere on a form I recently filled in the question of compensation awards ie ppi or medical will all be taken into account and you will be asked to pay back any monies they paid you over that period should you be awarded more than their limits. Wouldn't want her to get it only to lose it after all the stress etc.

welshone27

How awful for your sister.x

Can't see my post making me very popular but I certainly don't mean to offend. Did she lose her job due to this incident? I can't understand why people sue who have no actual wage loss. Especially when the driver hasn't been found. Maybe it's just me.

specialboy

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/criminal-injuries-compensation-authority


Have a read here.