THE LAW IS CHANGING regarding how you can make a claim if you have been involved in a low value Road Traffic Accident. These changes refer to whiplash injuries with a prognosis period of less than 2 years.
At present, the majority of whiplash claims with a prognosis period of 2 years settle between £2,000.00 and £5,000.00, depending on the severity of the injury. Currently, there is a claims value limit in place of £1,000.00. This means that any claim where the injury is worth less than £1,000.00 would fall under a small claims matter and is unlikely to be dealt with by a legal representative.
Under the new reforms, the claims value is being raised from £1,000.00 to £5,000.00. The Government is also introducing a tariff system for low value Road Traffic Injury claims and from April onward, you will only be awarded compensation for these injuries, i.e. whiplash with a prognosis period of less than 2 years, as per the table below:
| Injury Duration | New Tariff Amount |
|---|---|
| 0-3 months | £255.00 |
| 4-6 months | £450.00 |
| 7-9 months | £765.00 |
| 10-12 months | £1,190.00 |
| 13-15 months | £1,820.00 |
| 16-18 months | £2,660.00 |
| 19-24 months | £3,725.00 |
The thinking behind the new reforms is to discourage claimants from making a claim and putting pressure on insurance premiums.
If claimants wish to make a claim they are not completely blocked from doing so but they will have limited access to legal assistance as a result.
The new Reforms are due to come in to effect in April 2020.
If you would like advice on how to bring a claim for compensation as a result of a Road Traffic accident, contact one of our lawyers on:
Exeter 01392 285000 Cullompton 01884 33818 Newton Abbot 01626 330127