Changes to how whiplash injuries are compensated were brought in on 31st May 2021, which meant that whiplash injuries are now compensated using a tariff scheme. The scheme applies to drivers and passengers in a motor vehicle.
The tariff amounts range from £240 for an injury lasting not more than 3 months, up to £4,215 for an injury lasting between 18 and 24 months. If there has been minor psychological injury in addition to the whiplash the amounts increase to £260-£4,345.
Although the compensation for whiplash injuries has been hugely reduced, injuries to other parts of the body (such as knees, hips and wrists) are not limited to a tariff scheme. These injuries are compensated on top of your whiplash injuries.
What is whiplash?
In these claims, whiplash means an injury of soft tissue to the neck, back or shoulders including a sprain, strain, tear, rupture or lesser damage of a muscle, tendon, or ligament.
Who is not subject to the whiplash tariff?
Other road users are exempt from the whiplash tariff:
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Motor cyclists
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Pillion/sidecar passengers
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Cyclists
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Pedestrians
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Horse riders
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Mobility Scooter/wheelchair users
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Undischarged bankrupts
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Personal representatives of a deceased person
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Where the other driver’s vehicle is registered outside the UK
Accidents which are not a road traffic accident, such as accidents at work, slips/trips in public places, clinical negligence claims are also exempt from the whiplash tariff.
I am a solicitor in Farleys’ personal injury department and I specialise in whiplash claims. If you would like to discuss a whiplash claim further, please call for a free, no obligation assessment of your claim on 0845 287 0939. You can also get in touch by email through our online contact form or use the chat button below.
