Should I claim for injures in a car accident?

n1guy

Long story short a newly qualified driver wrote me and the wife's car off during the week. It was 100% his fault as he was on the wrong side of the road and he admitted this so that's not an issue, insurance will cover everything.

I've never claimed for anything in my life and I don't like doing it but everyone is telling us we should claim. I do have some pains in arm and shoulder after it but nothing major, I did go to the doctor who said it could be light muscle damage from the seat belt, the Mrs who was driving feels sore all over, she's due to go to docs on Monday.

As I say I don't like claiming as the guy was good enough to admit everything was his fault, he was even onto the insurance company before us to report it, but as I say everyone else is telling us to claim and that he would do it to us and well I think he probably would as his family was less than savory at the scene and actually said a few racists things about me which I never picked up on until the next day when I came out of shock.

Whats your thoughts?

elsien

Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, do what your conscience tells you.

For me - genuine injury that has a longer term effect, yes.
A few aches and pains that go away after a couple of days, no. Insurance costs are going up enough without me adding to them.

GothicStirling

He might admit fault, but what his insurance company think is another matter. Don't expect them to hand out 3k in compensation for a few bruises without a fight.

n1guy

GothicStirling wrote: »

He might admit fault, but what his insurance company think is another matter. Don't expect them to hand out 3k in compensation for a few bruises without a fight.

This is where it gets tricky, his insurance company is also our insurance company, right down to the same branch. We actually got him to write and sign a statement of what happened. Add to that a witness in the car behind who backs everything up

n1guy

elsien wrote: »

Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, do what your conscience tells you.

For me - genuine injury that has a longer term effect, yes.
A few aches and pains that go away after a couple of days, no. Insurance costs are going up enough without me adding to them.

My thoughts also, however, my mother who is a nurse says what happens in 5-10 years time if you have an ongoing issue after this?

AndyMc.....

n1guy wrote: »

My thoughts also, however, my mother who is a nurse says what happens in 5-10 years time if you have an ongoing issue after this?

So you’ve got next to no injury. What’s going to be the problem in 10 years time?

n1guy

AndyMc..... wrote: »

So you’ve got next to no injury. What’s going to be the problem in 10 years time?

Well, apparently car injuries don't necessarily show up straight away. Nothing broke just a few aches and pains.

Car_54

n1guy wrote: »

Well, apparently car injuries don't necessarily show up straight away. Nothing broke just a few aches and pains.

Exactly. Genuine whiplash injuries can take some time to manifest themselves. It's important to see a doctor or A & E ASAP so that any immediate symptoms are recorded.

There's no need to agonise over whether to claim now. Hopefully you will both recover fully, but if not you have three years In which to start proceedings.

Marvel1

I was rear ended, bit of pain, still went to work with no issues, never bothered claiming injury.

GothicStirling

cjdavies wrote: »

I was rear ended, bit of pain, still went to work with no issues, never bothered claiming injury.

I was in a crash 3 years ago, bruised/cracked my coccyx on the frame of my seat. Couldn't sit for months without being in pain, bending over was agony. Still have problems. No, I didn't place a claim. Just thankful that I walked away from a 60mph crash with a few bruises and a bleeding thumb.

pinkshoes

I claimed.

A driver dosed off and smashed into the back of my car at traffic lights 10 years ago.

It initially appeared to be bad whiplash (annoying, but not that bad) but I also had really bad sciatica in my leg where the seatbelt locked over my hip, so I needed 3 months of physio.

I actually tried claiming for my out of pocket expenses e.g. 2 days lost wages, train tickets for 2 events because I couldn't drive for more than 30 mins without horrendous cramp etc... about £600. They refused!!!

I therefore put in an injury claim and got about £2200!!

Crazy huh??

Sadly 10 years on I still get horrendous cramps in my leg so can no longer wear flat shoes or go swimming.

My advice? Wait a month. If you GENUINELY still hurt and think the injury will be long lasting, then claim. If all feels better, then move on.