Whiplash Scam or Honest Claim

Author: Jack Claridge

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.

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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.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

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.

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11 questions

Ask Safe from Scams a Question

steff 05/01/2014 at 8:06 pm

The other day I received letters from a personal injury solicitor claiming whiplash injury from a collision in which 'I failed to control my car and collided with the claimant's car which was stationary'. Two of the passengers were claiming whiplash injuries (but not the driver) and NO vehicle damage was being claimed for. This came as a complete mystery to me because although the road where the alleged 'incident' took place is near my home, I had not driven in that direction on the day in question. Also there is no damage at all to either the front or the back of my car. I would certainly have noticed if I'd collided with someone hard enough to cause whiplash, and there would surely be at least a dent in my car. None of the claimants live in the immediate area so I don't think it's a 'vendetta' type thing, but how do they imagine they'll get away with claiming that my car with no visible dents collided into them? And why did they pick my registration number to try it out on?

Slate180 20/11/2013 at 3:40 pm

Hi

2 months ago I was driving down a single lane dual carriageway that merged into a double lane. I wanted to move over to the left hand lane so I indicated, checked my mirrors and looked over my shoulder through the passengers windows where the lane was empty. As I gradually started to change lanes a car overtook me on the inside lane at about 80 MPH. I was travelling at 60mph (the speed limit) when the car hit the side of me as it continued to drive past.

My insurance have told me that I'm to blame as I was the one changing lanes as the speed cannot be proven unless there was a speed camera. The frustrating thing is the two passengers from the other car are claiming whiplash, dizziness, back injuries and headaches etc. This is unbelievable as there was just a slight noise when it happened and I only have a small dent down the side of my car (£150 damage max). My 84 year old dad and 4 year old boy were both in my car and we're all fine. The damage to their car was so small that they aren't even claiming for the damage to the car, they've had it fixed themselves. I am very annoyed as I'm about to loose 5 years no claims. Does anyone have any advice for me please? Can the police help or anything as this is a fraudulent claim? Thank you

Kinger 28/03/2013 at 4:26 pm

After a 10mph bump with a car full of my mates they weren't wearing seat belts and
Laughing about claiming for whiplash damage to the other car was a cracked bumper
.now a claim has been put through .whats the process ?
Kinger...

Mike 08/05/2012 at 7:35 pm

At 1906hrs today Tuesday 8th May 2012 I received a telephone call from a male person with a very strong Asian accent. I told me that he understood I had been involved in an accident on the Isle of Wight in September 2009 and that it was not my fault. At this point I asked him which company he represented and he told me National Acident Helpline.i He then went on to say that if this was the case then I would be able to claim about £5000. He then went on to say that 3 members of my family who were in the car with me could do the same. He said that all I had to do was to report that I/we were suffering from bad necks/bnacks etc as a result of this accident. I told him that I had not at the time reported injuries and he was therefore asking me at his late stage to tell lies and commit perjury in order to make a false claim. At this point he put the phone down and ended the call. I am reporting this to someone because I was absolutely incenced with this telephone call - the number used was 08436846142 which I obtained by dialling 1471; on trying to call this number an automotive answer stated that it was from a Sales and Marketing Company

TiFFanY....xxxxxx 09/12/2011 at 11:14 am

I put a scratch on a car with my caravan - no dents etc doing 2 mph. The driver of the other vehicle is claiming he has whiplash, how can this be possible?By the way I know he hasn't - butjust wants an insurance claim. I thought it had to be a severe jolt of at least 15 mph to cause such an injury. How do I go about proving this?

TiFFanY....xxxxxx 09/12/2011 at 11:12 am

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

TiFFanY....xxxxxx 09/12/2011 at 11:11 am

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.

TiFFanY....xxxxxx 09/12/2011 at 11:10 am

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.

Tommmm 09/12/2011 at 11:09 am

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.

hc 30/06/2011 at 10:26 pm

Tell me about it, I had a minor accident where i was reversing around 5mph and bumped sum1...found out today they are claiming whiplash! It disgusts me,as it cant even be possible. Unfortunately if they can fake it through a medical examination then they get paid out. But what the muppets dont realise is when they also come to renew their insurance it sends their premiums sky high as they are also seen as a risk for claiming such injury!

kylmarn 29/03/2011 at 2:07 pm

I put a scratch on a car with my caravan - no dents etc doing 2 mph. The driver of the other vehicle is claiming he has whiplash, how can this be possible? By the way I know he hasn't - but just wants an insurance claim. I thought it had to be a severe jolt of at least 15 mph to cause such an injury. How do I go about proving this?

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