Dilema

mother_hen_2

I made a claim about 18 years ago for whiplash (I was granted about £300) - last week someone went into the back of my car causing 'whiplash injuries' - given I had claimed all those years ago I wasn't going to claim this time around, however pressure is being applied to me by my car insurance company (and those around me)to consider claiming for my injuries.

I can't help wondering - would my previous 'award' still be 'visible' given it was so long ago? How long do insurance companies hold details on us?

Thankyou

Calfuray

So do you actually have whiplash?

Crazy_Jamie

Calfuray wrote: »

So do you actually have whiplash?

Given that the OP stated that the accident caused 'whiplash injuries', I expect the answer to that question is 'yes'.

The choice of whether or not to claim for injuries sustained in the accident is entirely down to you. You have every right to do so, but if you do not want to for whatever reason then you should not feel pressured into bringing a claim. There's no need to let your previous claim influence you on way or the other. One previous claim 18 years ago is hardly a suspicious history. Even if the third party insurer is aware of it they would be ill advised to raise it as something that undermines this current claim, as after such a long period it has virtually no relevance at all. There is no fundamental reason why claiming 18 years ago should stop you from claiming this time around.

mother_hen_2

Thankyou for your replies - yes I genuinely do have 'whiplash' lot of pain and my shoulder has locked up.
I just didn't want to raise the historical claim and it impact on this one (should I go ahead and claim- it's too early to say if I will claim this time). I just wondered if they are able to find out about previous claims.
thankyou

*Scarlett

I know that the general view of whiplash claims is a bit dubious.

However if you have genuinely been injured both times then there is nothing to stop you making a claim if you wish to.

If you don't want to claim, then don't be pressured by anyone else.

What are your car insurers doing to pressure you? they must have some incentive to do this - have they recommended solicitors or something?

mother_hen_2

My car insurers have been ok, its the guy who ran into the back of my car insurance company that keep phoning saying 'come directly to us', we admit full liability and can make you an offer???

Since I informed my insurance company I'm pleased to say the calls have now stopped.
Thankyou for your replies - only time will tell if I need to make a claim, I am hoping I don't and everything heals up 'ok' for me.

Crazy_Jamie

mother_hen wrote: »

My car insurers have been ok, its the guy who ran into the back of my car insurance company that keep phoning saying 'come directly to us', we admit full liability and can make you an offer???

That is one thing that you absolutely should not do. You need a specialist solicitor acting for you to value a personal injury claim; if you go directly to the third party insurer you have no way of knowing whether any offer that they make is fair or not. They want you to go to them so that they save money in not having to pay legal costs, not because it is of any benefit to you.

hugoshavez

mother_hen wrote: »

I just wondered if they are able to find out about previous claims.

It's possible though unlikely.

Though as Jamie says, them knowing of a £300 claim 18 years ago should make no difference to your new claim.

The only thing that'd make someone suspicious would be if you are asked at some point whether you'd ever claimed for injury before, answer no, and are found to have lied.

Dragonista

I had a whiplash injury and the insurance companies kept pestering me to go into litigation. I was a student at the time and couldn't get to a doctors or hospital so it wasn't worth it. Eventually they called and said they'd give me a £1000. I said, "I'm not going to the doctor, I'm fine". They said "we'll post you the cheque". I literally never agreed to this! But when it arrived, it was difficult to refuse, I was a student! My point: I think it very unlikely! They never had ANY proof I even had whiplash but insisted on sending me money anyway.

mother_hen_2

Wow thankyou for all your replies - good advice.
Thankyou