PEOPLE injured in car accidents may not get a penny in compensation if they do not make a claim immediately.

Patrick Allen, president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, said: "If you are hit by a driver who is uninsured then, in theory, you should still be able to claim compensation through an organisation called the Motor Insurers Bureau which pays compensation in such circumstances.

"But people are largely unaware that they must act immediately to meet a series of strict time conditions set down by the MIB, if they are to stand a chance of gaining compensation for their injuries," he said.

"In simple terms, if you don't meet the conditions within the time limit, you don't get your money.

"Of course, in most instances, people won't realise that the offending driver is uninsured," said Mr Allen. "And many people don't even think about making a claim for months, even years, after their accident, by which time it may be too late to claim.

''The very clear message is to get proper legal help straightaway," added Mr Allen. "Acting fast in this kind of case is crucial.”