Uninsured drivers in Ireland on the rise?
THE NUMBER of uninsured drivers causing road accidents has increased by approximately 10 per cent in 2009 according to the chief executive of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland. (MIBI)
One suspects that this significant rise in the number of claims against uninsured drivers being processed by the MIBI is due to the economic downturn.
“It appears that the recession may have had an impact on the number of uninsured drivers on the road. It is a very worrying trend and an extremely serious issue. Driving uninsured is a criminal offence’’ commented a spokesperson for the MIBI
The MIBI is responsible for compensating victims of accidents caused by uninsured and unidentified vehicles. It also compensates victims or untraced motorists who cause accidents or who leave the scene of accidents.
Recent figures show that in 2008 the MIBI settled over 2,000 claims with uninsured drivers who were involved in accidents, most of which involved bodily injury.
Mr. Casey the chief executive of the Bureau estimated that the figure for 2009 will be approximately 10 per cent higher than in 2008.
Although the cost of motor insurance has been declining in recent years this problem has not gone away! “In real terms the cost of motor insurance is the same as 10 years ago. Premiums have been coming down and there is a lot more competition in the market place. Price is simply is not an excuse.”
He also rejected the claim that a lack of concern among drivers about Garda surveillance has led to an increase in the number of motorists driving without insurance. “There has been an increase in the traffic corps in recent years, and there are more and more roadside checks,” he said.
If you have had an accident caused by an uninsured driver or where a driver has left the scene or failed to stop at the scene it is important that you act promptly and comply with the requirements of the MIBI.
We at Paul Tracey Solicitors have extensive experience in this are of injury work and will be happy to assist you with any questions you have on this topic.
Tips if involved in an accident
-Call the Garda at the scene
-Take the names & addresses of any witnesses
-Seek medical assistance promptly if required
-Take prompt legal advice to ensure your rights are protected
Paul Tracey Solicitor 08/03/2010
(Paul Tracey is a lawyer based in Dublin specializing in personal injury litigation in particular road traffic cases where insurance issues arise.)
Untraced driver causes serious personal injuries -€1 Million award approved by court
A lorry driver who was seriously injured when an unidentified driver drove into his path, causing him to swerve and overturn, has secured more than €1 million in settlement of his High Court action.
The driver, brought the case against the Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland as the driver of the other vehicle involved had not been traced.
The settlement was approved this week in the High Court by Mr Justice John Quirke.
In his claim, it was alleged that the victim suffered very severe head injuries and had also sustained spinal and hip injuries as a result of the accident in Finglas, on January 20th, 2000. Dublin fire brigade had to extricate him from his vehicle.
The important role played by the Motor Insurance Bureau in compensating victims of road traffic accidents even where the careless driver is untraced or leaves the scene of an accident is to be noted from this case.
‘It is important to remember that victims of road traffic accidents , be they pedestrians, passengers, cyclist or drivers where the motorist causing the accident is untraced or leaves the scene of an accident may still be entitled to compensation.’
If you are the victim of a road traffic accident and require assistance please feel free to contact our offices without obligation.
Paul Tracey
Solicitor
24/07/2009
