Government Brings in Whiplash Injury Experts to Vet Claims

Medical experts could be drafted in to identify fraudulent whiplash claims, under new Government proposals that aim to put an end to claims for bogus injuries.

Already dubbed ‘Doctor Whiplashes’ in the press, the specialists would be tasked with rooting out disingenuous claims, which the insurance industry blames for rising insurance premiums.

According to figures released by the insurance industry, whiplash claims cost them £2 billion a year and add £90 to the average car insurance premium.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, a government spokesperson said: ‘Whiplash is a notoriously difficult injury to diagnose.

‘If we set up teams of specialists in the condition, we will weed out the bogus claims to the benefit of those putting in genuine complaints.’

So far, the whiplash claims industry has greeted the announcements with a cautious optimism.

Simon Thompson, managing director at Manchester-based whiplash claims specialist Precision Claims, commented: ‘If the reforms mean genuine claimants getting the money they’re owed and insurance premiums going down, I’m all for it.

‘I’d just be concerned that all the bad press that’s been attached to the situation will put off genuine claimants, who need the money to pay for repairs to their car or cover loss of earnings.

‘We need to remember there are genuine victims at the heart of this debate, and we don’t want them to end up losing out.’

However, the government emphasised that it does not wish to discourage genuine claimants, stating: ‘No one wants to stop people filing genuine injury claims. But whiplash is a notoriously difficult injury to diagnose.’

The proposals were approved by a Cabinet summit chaired by the Prime Minister last week, with detailed plans set to be presented to Transport Secretary Justine Greening by the end of March.

Precision Claims specialises in helping people pursue compensation for genuine whiplash injuries. Visit http://www.precisionclaims.co.uk for more information about the full range of legal services the firm provides or call 0844 704 1945 for a free enquiry today.

Contact Information

Simon Thompson

Managing Director

Precision Claims

(44) 0844 704 1945

info@precision-claims.co.uk