Whiplash Scam or Honest Claim

One of the most common forms of injury sustained in a road accident is Whiplash. Thousands of passengers and drivers alike each year sue other drivers for hundreds of millions of pounds worth of insurance money after they have been involved in a road traffic accident (RTA). But unfortunately not all injury claims are legitimate ones.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is the stretching of the soft tissue in and around the spine which is designed to protect the spine from serious injury. Whiplash occurs most commonly when the human body is thrown forward at high speed normally as the result of a collision. Whiplash is most commonly perceived as a stiffness in and around the neck, shoulders and back and if not treated could lead to more severe injuries such as bruising of the spine. However in most traffic accidents the whiplash caused is minor given the nature of the crumble zones and cages in most modern road vehicles.

It should be noted that in some cases the effects of whiplash can be felt for several months as the soft tissue around the spine returns to its normal shape and the bruising subsides. However there have been cases of false insurance claims being made citing whiplash as a persistent cause of discomfort and inability to work.

How Do You Know If a Whiplash Claim is Genuine?

This is something that the insurance companies and their independent team of doctors have to assess. The first thing they will do is seek a medical report from both the hospital (if the sufferer visited a hospital after the accident) and their own doctor. If you are subject to an insurance claim as the result of an accident and the other person cites whiplash as the cause then you have the right to an independent assessment of their medical status.

The difficulty with whiplash is that in a very small number of instances the sufferer can experience the problem for months or years if it is genuine. They may find themselves susceptible to stiff necks or pains in their arms or back but if they are genuine then they will have been seeking medical attention from the time the accident occurred.

What Does an Insurance Claim Do to My Policy?

If you have a no claims bonus and it is not protected then you may well find that your insurance premium rises quite sufficiently. This is because you are considered to be a high risk not only to other drivers on the road but to the insurance company also. It may sound harsh but the simple truth is insurance companies do not like hefty payouts and if you have been the cause of such a payout you may find it difficult to get insurance in the future.

The same will also apply to the person who has made the claim against you and they may well find themselves subject to a custodial prison sentence if it transpires they have falsely made a claim against you and the insurance company.

What Should I Do if I am Involved in an Accident?

An exchange of details is the first thing you must do. If the police aren’t involved you should contact your insurance company immediately and make them aware of the accident even if you do not claim on your insurance. This way you are preparing them for any injury claims that may be made in the future.

For more detailed advice on injury claims you should consult your insurance policy or visit your insurance company’s website where they will have downloadable information.