Can I Make a Whiplash Claim Under the New Reforms?

On 31st May 2021, the Ministry of Justice introduced the new Whiplash Reforms in England and Wales.
If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident that happened on or after 31st May 2021, you may be wondering if you can make a whiplash claim under the new reforms. In this article we explain the impact the reforms have on whiplash claims and what this means for you.

What the new Reforms Mean for Whiplash Claims?

Under the reforms there have been significant changes to the small claims limit for whiplash injuries sustained from a road traffic accident and introduce- a set tariff of compensation for certain injury types.
The change to the rules sees the small claims limit increase from £1,000 to £5,000, which will cause more cases to be processed as small claims. As a result of this, claimants are unlikely to be able to recover their legal costs.
Please note the increase in small claims limit does not apply to ‘vulnerable road users’ including children, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, where the small claims limit will remain at £1,000.
There is no doubt that the new reforms make it more difficult to pursue a whiplash claim. For more information, please read our article highlighting the impact of the new whiplash reforms on personal injury claims.

So, Can I Make a Whiplash Claim Under the New Reforms?

Yes, you can still make a whiplash claim under the new reforms, but how your claim is dealt with is different. For road traffic accident claims on or after 31st May 2021, the changes to the way your claim is managed include:

  • Your claim must be submitted through the new Official Injury Portal.
  • Your whiplash injuries will be valued against the set tariff.
  • You will be unable to include any legal fees or costs in your claim.

As a result of the reforms, the amount of compensation an individual is eligible to claim for a whiplash injury has drastically reduced as the new tariff has set very low levels of compensation for most whiplash injuries.
If you have been involved in a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, please contact our specialist personal injury solicitors today on 033 3344 9600 to see if you’re entitled to compensation.

Specialist Personal Injury Solicitors Leeds & Yorkshire

Morrish Solicitors are a well-established law firm based in Yorkshire specialising in personal injury claims. Our solicitors are renowned for their ability to recover significant compensation on behalf of our clients, injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. We have extensive experience across a range of cases including:

Our friendly and experienced personal injury solicitors will review your potential claim and advise if there is enough evidence to support your claim. If we believe your claim could be successful, we will provide clear, honest and professional legal advice and work efficiently to negotiate a settlement on your behalf to compensate you for the injuries you have sustained.
If you or a loved one has suffered injury, illness or disease in the last 3 years as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation speak to a member of our personal injury team today on 033 3344 9600 or simply email [email protected] with your request.
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