Each year, far too many people in the UK face the devastating effects of road incidents, including those involving uninsured or hit-and-run drivers. For victims, recovering from serious injuries while navigating the complex compensation process can be overwhelming. Switalskis' brain injury team works alongside those impacted by these incidents, advocating for the support they need—from immediate medical care and rehabilitation to long-term financial assistance that helps rebuild lives.

Navigating the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) claims process

When the driver responsible for an accident is uninsured, typical insurance routes are unavailable, meaning victims must turn to the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) for compensation. The Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB)  is an organisation that was set up to compensate people affected by negligent uninsured and untraced drivers. Their objectives are to reduce the impact and level of uninsured driving in the UK and to compensate those who have been affected by untraced/uninsured motorists. Although the MIB offers a route to recoup losses, the claims process can be intricate, involving extensive documentation and thorough assessments to establish liability and outline the impact of the injuries. For individuals who have suffered life-changing brain injuries, securing prompt compensation is vital to cover pressing medical needs, long-term care, and rehabilitation.

The MIB process itself presents additional challenges. Victims must meet certain eligibility criteria and submit evidence, including a police report. At Switalskis, we guide our clients through this process, helping to gather the comprehensive evidence needed to secure fair compensation. For those who need immediate rehabilitation, we also assist in accessing support services to aid their recovery.

The long-term impact of brain injuries

Whether mild or severe, brain injuries bring lasting consequences that change lives in profound ways. Recovery often requires substantial medical care, rehabilitation, and lifestyle adjustments, both personal and professional. Financial strain can become an added burden, particularly for those unable to return to previous careers, affecting families and caregivers as well. Our team at Switalskis understands the specific challenges faced by brain injury victims, and we’re committed to ensuring their compensation reflects the true impact of their injuries while supporting their quality of life over the long term.

We work closely with our clients to compile essential medical evidence from expert assessments that capture the full extent of their injuries. This detailed evidence is critical in claims involving uninsured drivers, where a clear  long-term view of the client’s needs is key to achieving a fair outcome.

The cost of uninsured driving in the UK

Uninsured driving is not only a safety risk but a significant financial burden, costing the UK economy around £2.4 billion each year through healthcare expenses, emergency responses, and lost productivity. To tackle this, the MIB has partnered with UK police forces through Operation Drive Insured, focusing on high-risk areas like Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Stockport, and Doncaster to remove uninsured vehicles from the roads and make driving safer for all.

One story that illustrates the dangers posed by uninsured drivers is that of Ian Lee, a motorist from Wakefield who was injured when a stolen lorry with cloned plates crashed into his car. The driver fled the scene, leaving Ian with both physical injuries and the lasting emotional impact of a traumatic incident. Ian said he felt “lucky to be alive,” but his experience serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by uninsured and reckless drivers on UK roads.

Promoting safer roads through Road Safety Week

Efforts like Operation Drive Insured align with the goals of Road Safety Week, a November campaign led by the charity Brake, focusing on “Safe Roads for All.” Road Safety Week highlights the importance of collective responsibility, calling for everyone to take proactive steps such as defensive driving, wearing helmets, and avoiding distractions. These actions, while simple, play a crucial role in preventing road tragedies and in reducing incidents involving uninsured drivers.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury due to a road incident involving an uninsured or hit-and-run driver, Switalskis’ brain injury team is here to support you. We’re committed to helping victims hold responsible parties accountable and obtain the resources they need to rebuild after a serious incident.

To learn more about how you can take part in Road Safety Week and contribute to this important campaign, please visit Brake’s official website .

Call us on 0800 1380 458 or email help@switalskis.com