Whiplash: a realistic value of compensation
Approximately 1,200 whiplash claims are made each day, accounting for around 70% of all road traffic accident claims. Whiplash claims cost insurance companies around £2 billion each year.
The typical perception of whiplash claims is that they are “sure fire winners”, guaranteeing a minimum amount of compensation. This perception, coupled with the increasing criticism of a growing compensation culture in the UK, has lead to many people frowning upon the idea of whiplash claims.
Despite the cynicism (including the belief that numerous claims are fraudulent) whiplash injuries are scientifically recognised. People suffering from whiplash are often in a significant amount of pain and discomfort following their accident.
Sufferers are entitled to recover some form of damages to compensate them for their injuries and other losses.
Whiplash
Claiming for whiplash
One of the perceptions of whiplash claims is that, in the absence of serious injury and with very little effort, an individual can receive a considerable compensation payment. However, in reality, a compensation claim usually lasts a minimum period of 6 months and sometimes claims can even take several years.
And it is not true that every claim has a guaranteed amount of compensation. Each claim is assessed and judged on its merits, taking into consideration the facts of the accident, whether the injured parties were completely innocent or partly at fault, and most importantly the severity of any injuries received.
The value of whiplash claims
How are claims assessed?
General guidelines for compensatory awards are based on the number of months that an individual takes to recover following the accident. For example, if a person recovers from any injuries within a 6 month period (which is the usual case) they can generally expect to receive between £1,250 - £1,500. These awards increase on a scale dependant on the number of months that it takes a person to recover. Usually, if all symptoms have ceased within 18 months from the date of the accident, an individual can expect to receive between £2,750 - £3,250.
However, it must be stressed that there is no “one rule fits all formula”. Compensation is assessed on the basis of a report by a medical expert (with numerous years of related medical experience).
So whiplash claims are not a “sure fire” bet, but for anyone genuinely suffering from whiplash they are wholly justified and should be strongly considered.
If you have any experiences or comments about whiplash, please use the comment form below. For advice, please contact Winston Solicitors LLP direct (or use the comment form).
