Whiplash Claim - How much to expect & how to claim?

Parking_Trouble

Got to be worth £2500

Plus £1400 for the Ambulance chaser and £800 referral fee for the insurer

Plus £500 medical exam fee.

adamc260

Parking_Trouble wrote: »

Got to be worth £2500

Plus £1400 for the Ambulance chaser and £800 referral fee for the insurer

Plus £500 medical exam fee.

The figures are a bit off (Medical fee too high, ambulance chaser too low!)

Crazy_Jamie

There is no 'standard fee' for whiplash. Nor will any figure for the 'average payout' for whiplash claims be of an assistance to you.

The value of the general damages (i.e. the value of the injury) will depend on a number of factors including the period of time it takes to make a full recovery, and the severity of the symptoms. It will not be possible to accurately value your girlfriend's injury until her symptoms have settled and a medical report has been obtained. She should focus on getting better for now. If you do wish to ultimately pursue a claim, the best option is to instruct a solicitor, either via a Conditional Fee Agreement ('no win no fee') or any legal expenses insurance that you may have on your policy.

Parking_Trouble

The other drivers insurer will try to make an early offer to cut out ambulance chaser and medical costs. £1800ish I reckon but probably worth refusing if the suffering deserves an extra few hundred.

They know that soft tissue damage can't be proved or disproved so the insurer will pay up even if there has been the slightest bump. Easy money, fill yer boots..

adamc260

Parking_Trouble wrote: »

Easy money, fill yer boots..

Views like that are exactly what make this country so bad.

Just because you CAN do something doesn't mean you should.

I'm not saying that the OP isn't hurt but people who have the same mindset as you seem to think commiting insurance fraud is ok.

Are we British born with naturally weaker necks so that the slightest impact results in the requirement for financial compensation as afterall you do say "the insurer will pay up even if there has been the slightest bump"

Some people genuinely get injured after an accident, some even have symptoms for years and years and I understand it could have an ongoing effect on their work/home life but what will say £2000 do to help your 'sore neck' and 'painful back' that lasts a few weeks heal any quicker? All it will do is make your bank balance look a bit healthier.

Medical reports have very little merit as if whiplash/soft tissue injuries are something that cannot be proven.. how can someone prove you DO have it? I actually know someone who has been through a genuine personal injury claim (Not whiplash) and the solicitor has asked the medical expert to 'change' parts of their statement to help the case, that's integrity for you. After all, the expert is paid by the solicitor for their 'expert opinion'.

Parking_Trouble

Read my signature and look up irony in the dictionary.

marywooyeah

yes you'll need a solicitor - you can get a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA, no win no fee) although as soon as you notify your insurance company you'll be inundated with firms vying for your business.

I claimed for whiplash last year after a car crashed into mine while I was taking my driving test - my sprained neck was contantly painful for around 12 weeks and was exacerbated by the fact I had a toddler to look after, was at uni and took exams soon after so it affected my revision. I used to think people made it up but it was so painful and uncomfortable and I suffered nerve damage to my left hand too.

I didn't drive for 6 months and got anxious at the thought of it - I'd already failed my test 3 times and I was halfway through the test, only had 1 minor and really thought I would pass so the Dr felt that the fact that I became scared of driving was due to the accident. I got married 4 months afterwards and my confidence was quite low anyway but the fact that I couldn't exercise much really hindered my weight loss attempts and I looked like a fat pile of crap in my wedding dress.

My hand now gets "pins and needles" type feelings a couple of times and week but my neck only really hurts if I go to a concert or get really tired. I got 1700 but with hindsight I should have pushed for more as it still affects me nearly 18 months later - apparently 1500 is standard for an injury which lasts around 6 months.

Parking_Trouble

marywooyeah wrote: »

yes you'll need a solicitor - you can get a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA, no win no fee) although as soon as you notify your insurance company you'll be inundated with firms vying for your business.

I claimed for whiplash last year after a car crashed into mine while I was taking my driving test - my sprained neck was contantly painful for around 12 weeks and was exacerbated by the fact I had a toddler to look after, was at uni and took exams soon after so it affected my revision. I used to think people made it up but it was so painful and uncomfortable and I suffered nerve damage to my left hand too.

I didn't drive for 6 months and got anxious at the thought of it - I'd already failed my test 3 times and I was halfway through the test, only had 1 minor and really thought I would pass so the Dr felt that the fact that I became scared of driving was due to the accident. I got married 4 months afterwards and my confidence was quite low anyway but the fact that I couldn't exercise much really hindered my weight loss attempts and I looked like a fat pile of crap in my wedding dress.

My hand now gets "pins and needles" type feelings a couple of times and week but my neck only really hurts if I go to a concert or get really tired. I got 1700 but with hindsight I should have pushed for more as it still affects me nearly 18 months later - apparently 1500 is standard for an injury which lasts around 6 months.

Piffle. You will get more than that straightaway. No need wait 6 months or more unless you really think you have a serious injury and need to wait to see the longer term effects. Most settlement happen a lot quicker for the minor accidents as many people need the money for their holiday.

Sounds like you should have got a lot more if you have permanent damage, fear of driving and can't handle a concert, all caused by your accident.

chanz4

Makes me wonder if people know where the money comes from, e.g everyone gets higher insurance including the person claiming longterm

adamc260

chanz4 wrote: »

Makes me wonder if people know where the money comes from, e.g everyone gets higher insurance including the person claiming longterm

I dont think they care, it's a quick buck for them.