Due to the high number of whiplash claims, the government has made various changes to the rules and regulations related to insurance claims for whiplash. In this article, we will discuss the reforms made regarding whiplash claims. The new reforms are said to create saving amounting to ￡1.2 billion per year, which will be reimbursed to drivers, helping them save £35 every year on their car insurance.
The whiplash reforms include a user-friendly online portal for accident claims below £5,000 and a ban on settling whiplash cases without proper medical evidence. The main reason behind modifying the whiplash claims rules is the rise in the number of whiplash claims Scotland that showed more than 550,000 made in England and Wales in the year 2019/20.
What is Whiplash injury?
A whiplash injury refers to a sprain, strain, or tear in the soft tissue in the neck, back, or shoulder. However, the definition does not include an injury in soft tissue associated with another injury, or the other injury is not an injury in soft tissue in the neck, back, or shoulder.
What are the new reforms to Whiplash regulations?
- A user-friendly digital portal to make road accident claims below £5,000. This means individuals can settle claims on their own without the help of a personal injury claim solicitor. It is believe that most individuals would make their claims through portals.
- Increasing the small claims track limit for RTA personal injury claims Scotland from £1000 to £5,000. Most RTA claims would now be made via affordable small claims track where it is impossible to recover the legal costs.
- A fixed compensation tariff for whiplash injuries provides an estimate of the compensation amount based on how it affected the victim in two years. It provides claimants with a clear idea of the worth of their injury.
- A ban on claiming compensation without proper evidence.
How the changes may impact you
If you wish to make a claim through the portal, you’ll be required to provide the followings:
- Evidence and supporting documents such as receipts, reports, etc. You must remember that you won’t get any compensation for damages or injuries if you don’t have proper documents supporting your claim.
- National Insurance Number.
- Details of the police station and the reporting officer.
- The registration number and details of your vehicle, such as color, make, or model.
- The registration number of the vehicle at fault.
- Details of the driver who was responsible for the accident.
- Details of eye witnesses comprising, name, contact number, email mail, and postal address.
- An estimate of the amount of compensation you want to claim.
When you report the accident, you will have to furnish additional information that might comprise the statement and description of the circumstances that led to the accident. Both these statements will be verified through a ‘statement of truth.’ providing this information as early as possible will allow you to minimize the chances of unjust claims.
Is it necessary to obtain a medical report before making a claim?
Any whiplash claim cannot be settle unless you get a medical report on your whiplash injury. No medical report is require if you want to claim non-whiplash injuries. Where the tariff includes compensation for whiplash and minor injuries, it’s not crucial that the medical evidence must cover the psychological injury as well.
If you have queries or questions regarding the whiplash injury claim, you must seek help from an experienced personal injury claim solicitor in Scotland, UK. Call Nessie has a dedicated team of experienced solicitors who can handle the whiplash injury claim on your behalf and help you get deserving compensation for your damages and injuries.
