If you have been involved in a road traffic accident that occurred on or after the 31st May 2021 and have suffered minor whiplash or soft tissue injuries, you are able to bring a claim yourself, without legal help and assistance (and therefore costs).
You will need to make the claim on the Government’s “Official Injury Claim” portal.
If you visit the website www.officialinjuryclaim.org.uk you will find guidance and instructions to assist you with your claim step by step.
Please note however that the Official Injury Claim can only be used where:-
- You are a driver or passenger inside a motor vehicle.
- You have suffered a minor injury, the value of which will not exceed £5,000 or you have suffered a minor injury and the value of your injury and other losses (cost of repairs, loss of earnings, travel expenses) do not exceed £10,000 in total.
- You are over 18 years old
- The other driver (who is at fault for the accident) is in a vehicle with a UK registration plate and you have all their details (name address, telephone number, insurance details).
In all other cases, you cannot bring a claim yourself and you should seek legal advice and assistance. So, if you are a motorcyclist, cyclist, or pedestrian, a child, someone involved in an accident with a foreign driver, or someone who has suffered an injury that is not “minor” (eg: broken leg or ankle) you should not use the online Official Injury Claim. You should seek legal advice and assistance.
This article has been brought to you by Vashti Prescott, a personal injury lawyer at Kidd Rapinet Solicitors Canary Wharf, who is registered as a Senior Litigator with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), Pan European Organisation for Personal Injury Lawyers (PEOPIL) and an Accredited member of the Law Society Personal Injury Lawyers. You can reach Vashti using the form provided or call 0207 265 5486.
These materials and content have been prepared for the benefit of their viewers/readers. They are intended for marketing purposes only and are of a general nature and do not constitute legal advice applicable to any particular facts or circumstances. Kidd Rapinet LLP and/or the author(s) accept no duty of care, responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which you or any third party may suffer as a result of any reliance or use by you or them of these marketing materials and content, except to the extent it is not legally possible to exclude such liability. If you require legal advice on your own situation, please contact us so we can discuss how we may assist.