Whiplash Injury Claims

 At Claim Time Solicitors, we help clients across the UK secure fair whiplash compensation.

  • We offer a free consultation and claim assessment, so speak to our solicitors today!
  • No win no fee policy
  • Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
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Every year, thousands of people are injured in road traffic accidents, often through no fault of their own. Among the most common injuries is whiplash, caused by a sudden jolt to the neck, usually in a rear-end collision.
More than 1,500 whiplash injury compensation claims are made each day in the UK, nearly 550,000 a year, with most arising from road traffic accidents. While some symptoms may appear mild at first, whiplash can lead to lasting neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, all of which can disrupt your daily life and ability to work.
At Claim Time Solicitors, our experienced team specialises in whiplash and road traffic accident claims. We guide clients through every stage of the process, from securing a medical report to ensuring the full extent of your pain, suffering, and financial losses is fairly compensated.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is a neck sprain caused by a sudden movement of the head, most commonly during a rear-end car crash. It can also result from sports injuries, falls, or physical impact. The condition can lead to neck stiffness, shoulder pain, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating or sleeping.

A medical report is normally required before settlement in UK whiplash claims, so it’s essential to visit your GP, document your symptoms, and keep detailed records of how the injury affects your life.

Can I make a whiplash claim?

You may be eligible to claim if your accident occurred within the last three years and someone else was partly or fully at fault. Parents or guardians can also claim on behalf of children, and minors have until their 21st birthday to bring their own claim.

Most adult car or van occupants with lower-value road whiplash injuries after 31 May 2021 will need to use the Official Injury Claim (OIC) service, a free government portal offering fixed tariff compensation. However, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, children, and those with higher-value or non-road injuries typically follow a different legal route.

Small claims whiplash law changes (what you need to know)

  • A government tariff sets fixed compensation for whiplash (and whiplash with minor psychological injury) based on how long symptoms last.

  • For most adult car/van occupants with injury up to £5,000 (overall usually up to £10,000), claims run through OIC, and insurer legal costs are generally not recoverable in small claims.

  • A medical report is required before settlement in OIC whiplash cases, and tariff amounts were uprated for accidents on/after 31 May 2025.

How much compensation could I get?

  • Whiplash tariff: Compensation depends on how long symptoms last (higher figures if there’s minor psychological injury), with uprated amounts for accidents on/after 31 May 2025.

  • Other injuries: If you also have non‑whiplash injuries (e.g., shoulder), these can be valued separately and added where eligible.

  • You can also claim proven financial losses like treatment, travel, and lost earnings with receipts and payslips.

Common whiplash symptoms

  • Neck pain and stiffness

  • Headaches, dizziness or nausea

  • Shoulder, upper‑back or arm pain

  • Fatigue, poor sleep, trouble concentrating

How the claims process works

Free consultation: Tell us what happened and your symptoms; we will confirm if your claim is likely OIC (tariff, small claims) or non‑OIC.

Case assessment: We review evidence (accident details, liability, photos/dashcam, expenses) and explain timeframes and likely outcomes

OIC or solicitor‑led route:

  • OIC: We guide you through the portal and explain fees clearly (as insurer legal costs usually aren’t recoverable in small claims).

  • Non OIC: Full solicitor representation where cost recovery rules allow.

Medical assessment: We arrange an independent medical report; pre‑medical offers aren’t allowed in OIC whiplash claims..

Negotiation: We rely on your medical report and your documented losses; whiplash is paid at tariff, and other injuries (if any) are valued separately.

Settlement: Most cases settle without a hearing; if needed, we explain your options, including small‑claims court.

What does it cost?

  • OIC small claims: Because the other side usually doesn’t pay legal costs, we offer simple paid‑support or success‑fee options explained up front.

  • Non‑OIC: Typically, No Win, No Fee; you pay an agreed deduction only if the claim succeeds (explained before you sign).

What evidence helps my claim?

  • Medical reports, GP or hospital records

  • Photos/dashcam, witness details

  • Repair reports, location sketches

  • Proof of expenses and lost earnings

Why choose Claim Time Solicitors?

  • Specialists in whiplash and road‑traffic claims, with clear guidance on OIC vs non‑OIC routes.

  • Plain‑English updates, transparent fees, and help arranging your medical assessment.

  • Regulated and accountable: we publish our regulator details and complaints information.

Start your road traffic accident claim today

If you have suffered a whiplash injury or been involved in a road traffic accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our expert team at Claim Time Solicitors will handle your claim with care, professionalism, and determination, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, and financial losses.

Call us today on 0800 970 2727 for a free and confidential consultation, or
Start your claim online and take the first step toward recovery and fair compensation.

To learn more, visit our Road Traffic Accident Claims page.

FAQs

To claim for whiplash after a car accident, start by getting medical attention and a clear diagnosis, as this forms the key evidence for your case. Report the accident to your insurer and keep records of treatments, expenses, and how the injury affects your daily life. In the UK, most whiplash claims are handled through an online government portal or with the help of a solicitor, who can guide you through the process and ensure you receive fair compensation.

If your motorcycle accident caused minor injuries valued under the set threshold, your claim may be processed through the Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal. This system is designed for low-value road traffic injury claims in England and Wales. However, if your injuries or losses are more serious, your solicitor will handle your case outside the OIC portal to ensure full compensation that reflects the true extent of your pain, suffering, and financial impact.

You generally have three years from the date of your motorcycle accident to make a whiplash claim in the UK. This timeframe is set by the Limitation Act 1980. However, exceptions apply, for example, if the injured person was under 18 or lacked mental capacity at the time. Acting promptly ensures vital evidence, such as medical reports and witness statements, remains strong to support your case and maximise your chance of securing fair compensation.

If you’ve suffered more than just whiplash, such as back, shoulder, or psychological injuries, your claim will be treated as a full personal injury case rather than a whiplash-only claim. This means your compensation could cover a broader range of damages, including pain, financial losses, and ongoing treatment. A detailed medical assessment will determine the full impact of your injuries to ensure your claim reflects the true extent of what you’ve suffered.

Yes, medical evidence is essential when making a whiplash claim. A medical report from an approved expert confirms the extent of your injuries and links them directly to the accident. Without this, your claim cannot progress or be valued accurately. The report also helps determine whether your symptoms are consistent with whiplash and ensures your compensation fairly reflects your pain, recovery time, and any lasting effects on your daily life.

Challenges faced by claimants?

Making road traffic accident claims can be hard as the claimants face various obstacles during the process. Some common challenges are as under:

Lack of authentic evidence

Retaliation from the party responsible

Inadequate medical documentation

Time constraints

Complex legal procedures

personal injury solicitors

How we can help

Claim Time Solicitors acknowledge the struggles you go through in filing road traffic accident claims. We understand how overwhelming the process can be. We are here to help: 

Professional legal guidance

Our road traffic lawyers will make our best effort in guiding you throughout the ... complex legal process and make it as stress free as possible .

Thorough analysis of your claim

After gathering all the related evidence, we will analyse your case situation thoroughly.... Our aim is to establish accountability and prepare a compelling case in your favour.

Claim settlement

We have a dedicated team of negotiators who have expertise in engaging... with insurance companies on your behalf. Our personal injury solicitors will fight for your rightful claim that will cover all your major damages such as financial loss, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, etc.

Personalised approach

Our road traffic accident solicitors make it a point to follow a client-centered approach.... We make sure the client is aware of the entire legal process and their concerns are addressed without hesitation.

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