Car accident - personal injuries claim?

themaccas

Just feeling a bit confused at the moment. I had an accident on friday - van went into the back of my car - they have admitted liability and I have just spoken to their insurance company who have confirmed this. The insurance woman then said to put in a claim for personal injuries as I said I hit my head on the steering wheel and had painful whiplash in my neck. It is much better now but I am seeing the GP later today. SHe said to put in a claim for all medical costs, but there will probably be none and I told her this as I am seeing my nhs GP and am unlikely to need any medication other than what I am taking as it is improving. She said to still put in a claim. But what for? I hate all those accident claim adverts and will certainly not be going down that route. Just wondered if anyone had any experience of this and can enlighten me to what she meant?

lisyloo

But what for?

I think you need to be a little careful because sometimes the effects of these kind of injuries don't show themselves immediately.
I would say wait a while and see what happens.
You have 3 years to put in a claim (unless you sign something that says in "full and final settlement" for the accident) in which case you can't go back later, but this will probably be some months down the line as these things take time.

What she is probably referring to in the pain, distress and suffering that you suffered.

If you don't want to claim for that it's you decision and I certainly applaud your decision.
However I don't think there is anything wrong in people claiming for genuine suffering (it's when they exaggerate and make it up that it's wrong).
If someone has hurt you and caused you pain through their own negligence then you are entitled to make a claim and there is nothing wrong with that if it's genuine.

themaccas

Thanks for that, that's really helped. I went to see my GP so that's documented in case anything shows up later. I just want my car repaired and that will happen next week so as far as I'm concerned that's the end of it. The driver has been great about everything and has dealt with everything very promptly. His attitude has really helped in all of this.