Clause 12 of the Untraced Drivers Agreement: Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities
If you`ve been involved in a car accident and the driver who caused it disappears or cannot be traced, you may be wondering what your options are for seeking compensation for damages and injuries. That`s where the Untraced Drivers Agreement (UDA) comes in.
The UDA is a voluntary agreement between the UK`s Motor Insurers` Bureau (MIB) and insurance companies, designed to provide a safety net for victims of hit and run accidents or those involving an untraceable driver. As part of this agreement, there are several clauses that dictate how claims are handled and what responsibilities each party has. One such clause is Clause 12.
What is Clause 12 of the Untraced Drivers Agreement?
Clause 12 of the UDA outlines the procedure for making a claim under the agreement. It states that a victim must report the accident to the police as soon as possible and obtain a crime reference number. This is a crucial step, as it helps to establish the legitimacy of the claim and ensures that any evidence is properly documented.
Once the police report has been filed, the victim must submit a claim to the MIB within three years of the accident date. The claim must include details of the accident, any injuries sustained, and any damages incurred. If the victim is making a personal injury claim, they must also provide medical evidence to support their claim.
The MIB will then investigate the claim and decide whether or not to accept liability for the accident. If liability is accepted, the MIB will pay compensation to the victim in accordance with the terms of the agreement. If liability is not accepted, the victim may have the right to appeal the decision.
What are your rights and responsibilities under Clause 12?
As a victim of an untraced hit and run accident, your primary responsibility is to report the accident to the police as soon as possible and provide them with any evidence you have, such as witness statements or CCTV footage. You must also submit a claim to the MIB within three years of the accident date and provide all necessary information to support your claim.
Under Clause 12, you have the right to seek compensation for any damages or injuries sustained as a result of the accident. The MIB has a duty to investigate your claim thoroughly and make a fair decision about liability. If liability is accepted, they must pay compensation in accordance with the agreement.
It is important to note that the amount of compensation you may receive under the UDA may be lower than if the driver was identified and had valid insurance. However, it is still a valuable safety net for victims of untraced accidents who may otherwise have no means of seeking compensation.
In conclusion, Clause 12 of the Untraced Drivers Agreement is an essential part of the agreement that outlines the procedure for making a claim and the rights and responsibilities of victims. If you have been involved in an untraced hit and run accident, it is important to follow the steps outlined in Clause 12 to ensure that you have the best chance of receiving compensation for your damages and injuries.