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Speak to a solicitor ↗Being involved in a hit-and-run accident is deeply upsetting. You’re left dealing with the shock, the injuries and the damage while the person responsible disappears. It’s hard enough to come to terms with what happened without having to chase information or feel like you’ve been abandoned by the system.
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At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we understand the frustration and fear that often come with these cases. You may be wondering who will cover the costs, whether you can still make a claim or if anyone will be held accountable. The answer is yes there is a process in Ireland for victims of hit-and-run accidents, and we’re here to guide you through it with care and clarity.
With over 30 years of experience supporting people across Clare and the west of Ireland, our team is known for getting results and explaining things in a way that makes sense. We deal directly with the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland and other relevant bodies so you are not left trying to do it all yourself.
You deserve fairness. You deserve answers. And you deserve to be heard.
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run, reach out to Crimmins Howard Solicitors today for honest advice and steady support. One conversation can make all the difference.
A hit-and-run accident can leave more than physical injuries behind. It brings shock, confusion and often a deep sense of injustice. You may not have seen the driver’s face. You might not have caught a registration number. But that does not mean you are without rights.
These situations are unfortunately common across Ireland. A car strikes a pedestrian at a crossing, clips a cyclist while turning, or crashes into another vehicle before speeding away. Victims are left injured and alone at the scene while the person responsible disappears.
If this has happened to you or someone you care about, it is important to know that the law provides a way forward. You may be entitled to compensation even if the other driver is never identified. In Ireland, this is done through a scheme designed specifically for these situations.
The effects of a hit-and-run can be long-lasting. People often face not just medical treatment but time off work, transport problems, anxiety, and a constant feeling of uncertainty. At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we understand how hard that is to carry on your own. We have supported clients across Clare and the west of Ireland who found themselves in this exact position. Our role is to take the weight off your shoulders and guide you towards justice with clarity and compassion.
You do not need all the answers before picking up the phone. If you are unsure about your options after a hit-and-run, we will explain everything in plain English and help you take the first step.
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver causes a collision and leaves the scene without giving their name, contact information or insurance details. In many cases, the driver simply vanishes before Gardaí can arrive. This can happen on quiet rural roads, in busy town centres, at night or in broad daylight.
These incidents often feel deeply unfair. Not only are you injured or dealing with vehicle damage, but the other person avoids taking any responsibility. While this behaviour is illegal under Irish law, it remains a common and growing problem.
Some of the most common reasons drivers flee the scene include:
It is important to understand that even when the other driver cannot be found, there is still a route for victims to pursue justice. You do not need to track them down yourself. The law in Ireland allows injured people to seek compensation through a dedicated scheme that covers these exact circumstances.
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we are here to explain your rights and to help you move forward even when the person who caused the harm has run away.
Yes, you can. In Ireland, if you are injured in a hit-and-run and the driver cannot be identified, you may still be entitled to compensation through a special scheme managed by the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland. This is known as the MIBI scheme and it was set up to help victims of accidents involving uninsured or unknown drivers.
The scheme is funded by Irish insurance providers and provides a pathway for injured people to seek fair compensation even when the responsible driver has not been traced. It applies across a wide range of situations and is often the only realistic way to recover losses after a hit-and-run.
The MIBI scheme may cover:
In many cases, the MIBI will appoint an Irish insurance company to handle the claim. You will still need to provide evidence, medical records and a Garda report, and there are strict time limits to follow. However, you do not have to navigate this alone.
It is important to note that the MIBI does not always cover property or vehicle damage unless certain conditions are met. For example, if you were not physically injured or if the registration plate of the fleeing vehicle is unknown, your claim may be limited. This is why early legal advice is essential.
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we have years of experience dealing with MIBI cases. We understand the detailed requirements of the scheme and can take the burden off your shoulders. Our goal is to make sure that your injuries and losses are fully recognised and that your case is handled with the care it deserves.
Making a claim after a hit-and-run accident may seem daunting, especially when the driver has vanished. But with the right legal support, the process can be managed in a way that protects your rights and gives you the best chance of a successful outcome. In Ireland, the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland is the body that handles these claims.
Here is what you need to know about the steps involved.
As soon as possible after the accident, report it to the Gardaí. This is not optional. A Garda report is one of the key requirements for bringing a claim through the MIBI scheme. Be sure to provide full details of what happened and ask for a copy or reference number for your records.
Even if you feel fine, injuries can take time to appear. Seeing your GP or attending hospital will ensure your health is protected and that there is medical evidence to support your claim. Keep all notes, appointment letters and receipts.
You will need to complete a MIBI claim notification form. This includes:
A solicitor can assist with this stage to ensure the form is accurate and complete.
The MIBI will assess your claim, which may involve interviews, additional reports or statements. Your solicitor will manage all communication on your behalf and ensure that your rights are fully represented. This includes preparing for assessment by the Personal Injuries Resolution Board.
Most claims will first go through the Injuries Resolution Board for assessment. If the matter is not resolved there, your solicitor can seek authorisation to bring the case to court. Many cases settle before that step becomes necessary.
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we support people through every part of this process. We make sure no deadlines are missed and no opportunity is lost. You do not need to figure it out alone.
No two hit-and-run accidents are the same. You might be walking to the shop, cycling home from work or sitting in traffic when it happens. What all these situations have in common is that someone caused harm and then chose to leave without taking responsibility.
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we assist clients who have been injured in a range of hit-and-run scenarios. Some of the most common include:
Pedestrians are often hit while crossing at junctions, walking on the roadside or navigating busy car parks. In these cases, drivers may panic or deliberately leave to avoid dealing with the consequences. Cyclists and motorcyclists are especially vulnerable in hit-and-run incidents, as even a small impact can lead to serious injuries. Drivers often flee these scenes quickly, knowing how exposed the rider is.
Vehicle-on-vehicle accidents are common too. A car might be hit from behind at traffic lights or clipped at a roundabout. In many cases, the other driver speeds off without stopping or leaves no details. We also assist taxi drivers and couriers who are injured while on the job. These claims can involve uninsured drivers or late-night collisions where the other motorist disappears.
In more isolated areas, hit-and-runs may happen where there are no witnesses at all. This does not mean you cannot claim. We regularly help clients across Clare and the west of Ireland who were left injured on rural roads with little support at the time.
If the driver left the scene and you were left to deal with the aftermath, we are here to help you put things right.
Being injured in a hit-and-run accident can leave you dealing with much more than just the initial shock. You may be facing medical bills, time off work, transport issues, and long-term disruption to your health and wellbeing. In Ireland, if you are eligible to claim through the Motor Insurers Bureau or another valid route, your compensation is designed to reflect both the immediate and lasting impact of the accident.
Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to claim for:
Pain and suffering covers the physical and emotional toll of your injury. This includes discomfort, distress, and any long-term difficulties you face as a result. Medical costs can include everything from emergency treatment and GP visits to physiotherapy and specialist care. If you need ongoing support, this may also be taken into account.
Loss of earnings can apply if you had to take time off work, reduce your hours or change your employment due to the injury. In more serious cases, future earning capacity may also be considered. You may also be able to recover the cost of travel to hospital appointments or for help provided at home during your recovery.
Hit-and-run accidents often leave people with emotional trauma. It is not uncommon to experience sleep issues, panic while travelling, or anxiety about going near roads. These effects are real and valid, and they may be included in your claim if supported by medical evidence.
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we take the time to understand the full impact of your injury, not just what is written on a form. Our goal is to help you secure fair compensation that reflects your real experience.
In most cases, you will not have to go to court to resolve a hit-and-run claim. These claims typically begin with an application to the Injuries Resolution Board or a formal notice to the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland. If the evidence is strong and the process is handled properly, many claims settle without ever reaching a courtroom.
That said, there are exceptions. A court hearing may be needed if the compensation offered is too low, if the extent of your injuries is disputed, or if there is disagreement about the facts. In such cases, your solicitor may apply for an authorisation to proceed to court. Even then, many of these claims are resolved through settlement talks before a hearing takes place.
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we build your case carefully from the beginning. That means collecting strong medical evidence, keeping clear records, and preparing for every possible outcome. If court becomes part of your journey, we will guide you through it with straightforward advice and full representation.
You should not let the idea of court put you off making a claim. In the right hands, most cases are resolved fairly and without unnecessary stress. We are here to keep things steady and on track.
Yes. While a registration number helps, it is not required to make a claim through the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland. You should still report the incident to the Gardaí, note any details you remember, and speak to a solicitor as early as possible.
If the driver left the scene without offering help or providing details, it may still be classed as a hit-and-run. The key factor is their failure to meet their legal duty at the time of the incident, not whether they came back later.
Yes. Witnesses are helpful, but they are not essential. Other forms of evidence such as medical records, damage to your vehicle or bicycle, CCTV footage, or your own written account can still support your case.
No. The time of day does not affect your right to claim. However, night-time incidents may make evidence collection more difficult, so it is important to act quickly and preserve any photos, clothing, or GPS data that may help.
You may be entitled to claim even for moderate injuries, provided there is medical evidence and the impact on your life is clear. Claims are not limited to catastrophic injuries. Whiplash, bruising, and anxiety can all be taken seriously if properly documented.
You may still have a valid claim. If you contributed to the accident in some way, your compensation may be reduced under the principle of contributory negligence. Your solicitor will assess the details and advise on the likely outcome.
Yes. You can help a loved one bring a claim or, in the case of a minor or vulnerable person, act on their behalf. If the incident resulted in fatal injuries, dependants may also be able to bring a separate legal action.
If you were not at fault and the claim is handled through the Motor Insurers Bureau, your own insurer may not be directly involved. In many cases, your no-claims bonus is not affected, particularly if you were a pedestrian or cyclist.
Timeframes vary. Some cases settle within several months, especially if injuries are straightforward and evidence is clear. Others take longer, particularly if medical recovery is ongoing or if the Motor Insurers Bureau needs further investigation. Your solicitor will keep you updated throughout.
If the driver is found after your claim has begun, they may be added to the legal proceedings. The Motor Insurers Bureau may still be involved, depending on whether the driver had insurance. Your legal team will adjust the claim accordingly and ensure your interests remain protected.
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident, do not wait in silence. Crimmins Howard Solicitors will explain your options clearly and support you from the very first step. One call is all it takes to begin your claim. Contact us today.
Our team will help you find the right place to start.
