Car crash claims AXED: Whiplash motorists now have to prove they are ‘injured enough’
THE way someone can claim compensation for whiplash after an accident could soon be set to change, meaning you’ll get less money or have to explicitly prove you are ‘injured enough’ to claim.
New rules could drastically change how much you can claim on your car insurance for whiplash.
The Government has proposed a reform to the way compensation is paid after an accident, which is now one step closer to taking effect after the Civil Liability Bill passed through its final reading.
Therefore, from April 2020 new rules will come into force which will limit how much compensation you can receive after an accident.
You will receive significantly less for road traffic accidents and be more serious that it would be under current rules for you to be able to recuperate any associated legal costs.
Under the current system, motorists that has whiplash up to three months could expect to receive damages of up to £1,800 on average.
When the rule changes this figure would drop by £1,575 to £225 on average.
In addition to this, injuries sustained in these accidents will need to be serious enough for you to receive damages over £5,000, and allow legal costs to be recoverable.
Drivers will, therefore, have to pay for they own legal representation.
One of the reasons that the Government is introducing these reforms is to try and stamp out fraudulent claims.
Crash for cash schemes are still fairly prevalent and increase car insurance premiums every year.
The government argues that the changes could see premiums become cheaper.
Some insurers are backing the move and are signing an agreement to pass on savings to customers.
So far Admiral, Direct Line and Aviva have all signed the pledge which is expected to save motorists £35 per year on average.
Brett Dixon, president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, argues that the move is being made to generate more money for insurance firms.
He said: “The Government has made it clear that it doesn’t care about injured people.
“Insurance companies’ profit margins are obviously more important to the Government.
“It has been utterly determined to make these reforms happen since being seduced by insurance industry rhetoric.
“Hard-working, genuine motorists whom ministers and insurers claim to represent will find their compulsory insurance cover will not be sufficient when they need it.’
According to the association of British Insurers, there were 113,000 fraudulent car insurance claims in the UK last year, worth around £1.3 billion.
Payments to motorists who have life-long care needs from injuries will also be altered, reducing the overall payment.