Can I get compensation if the at fault vehicle was unregistered or I don't have its details or registration number?
Yes but there are special procedures and time limits that apply to unregistered and unidentified at-fault vehicles.
Claims of this type are brought against the default insurer that goes under the name Nominal Defendant.
The time limit for giving a Notice of Accident Claim to the Nominal Defendant for an unidentified vehicle e.g. in a hit-and-run, is three months. This can be extended up to 9 months if there is a reasonable excuse for the delay but cannot be extended at all after that time.
In the case of unregistered at fault vehicles, the Notice of Claim must be given at least within 9 months of the accident date but if there is a reasonable excuse for the delay, this can be extended.
In all cases (except for children), proceedings must be started in court within three years of the accident date. Limitation period for children is up until the 21st birthday.
For claims relating to unidentified vehicles, there must be reasonable attempts made to ascertain its identity e.g. a report to the police, taking down names and contact details for eyewitnesses and taking down vehicle registration numbers if possible.
Your unidentified vehicle car accident lawyers will be able to help.
How long will my car accident compensation claim take?
After you’ve submitted the CTP claim, the insurer will decide whether they’ll accept or deny fault. It varies from case to case but it is important to note that finalising a claim too fast may be detrimental as the assessment of all your losses may not be assessable during early stages.
Also, some claims may take a little longer for several reasons:
Your injuries are too early to determine, a stabilisation period may be in effect.
There may be instances where there are difficulties in negotiations between the insurer and our car accident lawyers.
There are delays in the court process.
Every claim is unique and can have its own difficulties and complexities. We ensure you get the best outcome and receive the compensation to which you’re entitled in accordance with the law. Give our Car Accident Lawyers a call today.
