Motorists Face Crackdown On Fake Whiplash Claims

Posted by on 19 June 2012 | 0 Comments

Over the last decade, it has become extremely apparent that more recently drivers are trying to claim falsely for whiplash injuries. Verilocation have identified that nearly 65% of drivers who claim that they are suffering from whiplash due to an accident are in fact lying. These false claims have sent insurance premiums soaring and now the Government has set up an independent panel of experts to investigate suspect injuries.

Over the last 6 years, there has been a 70% rise in personal injury claims from road accidents. GPs have warned that about a quarter of the 600,000 claims that are made each year are ‘fake or over diagnosed’ and it has been reported that £2 billion is paid out in compensation.

Earlier this year, the Commons transport committee said that costs to the insurance industry from whiplash claims won by no-win, no-fee lawyers are the blame for adding £90 to the average policy. Britain has also been labelled ‘the whiplash capital of Europe’ with people claiming for injuries sustained in the most minor of incidents’.

The Justice Secretary has commented that he wants to encourage insurance companies to challenge suspect claims by ensuring that more cases are heard in small claims courts, which will reduce the threat of large legal bills.

Since 2008, the average premium has doubled to £971 in January of this year. The Justice Secretary also commented that he would seek to make it ‘quicker, cheaper and easier for valid injury claims to be dealt with through the small claims court, ensuring those who have genuinely suffered whiplash to get fair compensation’.

At Verilocation we have become increasingly aware of how many drivers are falsely claiming for whiplash and how legitimate drivers with injuries may suffer receiving the compensation they deserve because of the amount of ‘lying’ drivers trying to claim.

A vehicle tracking unit is a fantastic way of being able to track how your car has reacted if you have been in an accident or are trying to claim for whiplash. Some GPS or vehicle tracking units also have built in cameras, which can track and record events leading up to an accident. Therefore, by purchasing one of these cars you will have complete evidence you have suffered an accident leading to whiplash when reporting to your insurance company.