What is whiplash and can I still claim compensation after government car insurance claims crackdown?
As the government announce plans to crackdown on bogus whiplash claims, we reveal everything you need to know about the injury
MINISTERS are planning a crackdown on bogus whiplash claims that add £1 billion to insurance bills every year.
Justice Secretary Liz Truss wants a cap placed on the amount people can claim for whiplash from insurers.
She also wants to ban insurers from settling claims without medical evidence.
But what happens if you have a genuine claim? We reveal all.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is a type of neck injury caused by a sudden movement of the head forwards, backwards or sideways.
It occurs when the soft tissues of in the neck become stretched and damaged.
Common whiplash symptoms include neck pain or stiffness with difficulty moving your head, headaches, muscle spasms and pain the shoulders and arms.
You could also feel tiredness, dizziness, memory loss, pins and needles in your arms and hands and irritability.
It can take several hours for the symptoms to develop after you hurt your neck and the symptoms are often worse the day after the injury.
If you have been in a car accident, you should visit your GP who will ask how the injury happened and about your symptoms.
You may need an X-ray if the doctor suspects you have a broken bone.
Whiplash will often get better within a few weeks or months, but for some people it can last longer and severely limit their activities.
Why does the government want to ban fake whiplash claims and how will they do it?
The Ministry of Justice claims capping the claims will slash insurers' costs by £1 billion - meaning premiums should fall by £40 a year.
Liz Truss will vow to cut motor premiums by capping compensation pay-outs for minor injuries at £425 and forcing more cases through the small claims courts.
She also wants to ban insurers from settling claims without medical evidence.
Whiplash claims are 50 per cent higher than a decade ago despite the UK having some of the safest roads in Europe – and a fall in the number of accidents.
Under new proposals, the Ministry of Justice outlines plans to scrap the right to compensation or put a cap on the amount people can claim for minor whiplash injuries.
Capping compensation would see the average pay-out cut from £1,850 to a maximum amount of £425. Compensation would only be paid if a medical report is provided as proof of injury.
Mrs Truss also wants to raise the limit for cases in the small claims courts from £1,000 to £5,000 in a bid to bring down the bill.
Will the government be able to cut whiplash claims?
There have already been three failed attempts by Kenneth Clarke in 2012 and Chris Grayling in late 2013 to stamp out the whiplash epidemic.
The Ministry of Justice signalled it may shelve the latest proposals – first mooted by ex-Chancellor George Osborne in 2015.
Can I still claim compensation for whiplash after the crackdown?
As long as you have a report from a MedCo expert you will still be eligible for a payout.
Make sure you visit your GP after an accident otherwise your case will be difficult to prove.
The crackdown is to eliminate bogus claims so if you have a real injury, you shouldn't be affected.
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