‘NO NAME, NO NUMBER’ – DEALING WITH HIT AND RUN ACCIDENTS

Most of us know what to do when we are in an accident involving another vehicle, but what happens when the other vehicle does not stop? Or you fail to get insurance details? Or you are given false contact details? How do you pursue compensation when the other party is literally untraceable?

This week’s article is prompted by a number of queries I received recently about what to do in circumstances involving hit and run accidents. 

Clients often think that because they are not able to locate the driver of the vehicle they can not make a claim for injuries sustained. This is not true - there are avenues available to you to take a claim despite not knowing how to locate the owner of the vehicle or indeed not even knowing the type of vehicle!

So here’s what you need to do should you find yourself as the unfortunate victim of a hit and run accident.

• Seek immediate medical assistance. No matter how minor you may feel your injuries are it is always best to err on the side of caution.
• Report the incident to the Gardaí as soon as possible after the accident occurs. Wait at the scene of the accident but remove yourself from any immediate danger.
• Give the Gardaí as much information as possible and take photographs of the scene if possible.

The Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) compensates victims of accidents caused by uninsured and unidentified vehicles. This main function of MIBI is regulated by the terms of an Agreement with the Minister for Transport (2004). This Agreement gives rights to a person who sustains loss or is injured in a motor accident caused by an uninsured or untraced motorist.

All insurance companies underwriting motor insurance in Ireland must - by law - be members of MIBI and contribute to funding for claims in proportion to market share.

The terms of the 2004 Motor Insurers Bureau are very strict. Claims can fail unless you comply with these strict terms. The claimant must be aware of his/her obligations before making a claim. If you are not aware, then your claim could fail. You should contact me at Brophy Solicitors immediately and particularly in advance of submitting any claim to the InjuriesBoard.ie which involves an uninsured or untraceable driver.

You can email me at laura[at]brophysolicitors.ie or telephone me at 01 6797930.

Laura Gillen

Brophy Solicitors

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO BUYING A HOME

1. Finance

It is important when considering buying a home that you ensure you have sufficient funds. Oftentimes a client will only look at the purchase price of the property and arrange their finances around that. However, it is important that you have enough money to cover the ancillary costs involved e.g. Stamp Duty, Legal Fees, Registration Fees & Engineers Survey (if necessary)

2. Mortgages

I used to always advise clients to shop around when deciding which bank they should consider getting a mortgage from. However, times have changed and it is not as simple as it used to be to get a mortgage. Having said that, it is still important to speak to several banks and find out what interest rates are on offer.

3. Loan Offer

Before handing over the booking deposit on a house, it is important that once you receive your letter of loan offer from the bank that you are in a position to comply with any special conditions.

4. Find your home

Remember, you are in the negotiating seat when it comes to buying a home and a pre-approved loan makes you in a very attractive bargaining position. If you are buying a second hand house then its important that you find out if it is still covered by HomeBond Insurance. Most houses under 10 years are covered by Homebond Insurance, which means you are covered for any major structural defects for the first 10 years. If the house is older than 10 years, then it is important that you get an independent engineer to survey the house.

5. Contents

Ask the Auctioneer to list the contents to be included in the purchase price.

6. Planning Permission

It is always advisable to contact the Local Authority in relation to planning permission. Is the area designed for future road widening, developments etc? Are the roads and services surrounding the property being looked after by the council? If not, why not?

    

7. Find a solicitor

Well that is the simple – just send an email to laura@brophysolicitors.ie or telephone the office on 01 6797930 and I will do the rest!

10.03.11