WHAT IS A WHIPLASH CLAIM?
If another driver caused your accident, you shouldn't be left paying for the pain.
Whiplash is the sudden jolt to your neck and upper back when a vehicle stops or is struck without warning — most often in a rear-end shunt. The symptoms can be slow to show: stiffness, headaches, shoulder ache and reduced movement that creep in over the following days. A whiplash claim lets you recover compensation for that pain, plus any treatment, lost earnings and out-of-pocket costs, when someone else was at fault.
Most lower-value whiplash injuries are now valued under a fixed government tariff and pursued through the Official Injury Claim portal, while more serious or mixed injuries are handled the traditional way through a solicitor. Either way, it pays to understand what your injury is genuinely worth before you accept anything — try our personal injury compensation calculator for a quick estimate, then read more about the wider road traffic accident claims we handle. You can also check the official tariff on GOV.UK.
What you can claim for
Pain and suffering
Compensation for the whiplash itself — neck, back and shoulder pain, stiffness and reduced movement. For tariff claims this is a fixed amount based on how long symptoms last.
Headaches and psychological effects
Recurring headaches, travel anxiety, sleeplessness or low mood after the crash. Minor psychological injuries can be added to the tariff; more serious effects are valued separately.
Treatment and rehabilitation
Physiotherapy, GP and specialist appointments, prescriptions and any rehab you need to recover, including private treatment where it's reasonable.
Lost earnings
Wages or income you lost while off work, and future earnings if your injury keeps you off longer or affects what you can do.
Travel and vehicle costs
Reasonable travel to appointments, plus extras such as a hire car or insurance excess where they flow from the accident.
Care and help at home
The value of help you needed with everyday tasks while recovering — even when a partner, friend or family member provided it for free.
You may have a claim if…
Your accident happened in the last 3 years (the standard time limit for adults)
Someone else was wholly or partly to blame
You were injured as a driver, passenger, cyclist, motorcyclist or pedestrian
You have, or can get, a medical report confirming your whiplash injury
How your claim works
01
Free consultation
Tell us what happened in a quick, no-obligation chat. We'll confirm whether you have a claim and explain your options in plain English.
02
We build your case
We gather evidence, arrange an independent medical report and value your injury — through the OIC portal or the traditional route, whichever fits.
03
We handle the claim
We deal with the other side and their insurer, push for a fair settlement and keep you updated. Most claims settle without ever going to court.
04
You're compensated
Once your claim succeeds, your compensation is paid to you. On No Win No Fee, our agreed fee comes out only if you win.
Whiplash claim FAQs
Can I make a whiplash claim on No Win No Fee?+
Yes. We run most whiplash claims under a Conditional Fee Agreement (No Win No Fee), so there's nothing to pay upfront and no fee for our work if your claim doesn't succeed. If you win, a success fee is deducted from your compensation — capped by law at 25% of certain damages for personal injury claims. We'll explain the exact terms before you sign anything.
How long do I have to make a whiplash claim?+
Usually 3 years from the date of the accident in England and Wales. There are exceptions — for children the 3 years runs from their 18th birthday, and different rules apply if someone lacks mental capacity. It's best to get advice early, as evidence and witness memories fade and some routes have their own deadlines.
How is whiplash compensation worked out?+
For most lower-value road traffic whiplash injuries, compensation is set by a fixed government tariff based on how long your symptoms last — roughly from a few hundred pounds up to around £4,800 for injuries lasting close to two years (figures are illustrative and updated by the government). More serious injuries, or whiplash combined with other injuries, are valued individually using medical evidence and Judicial College guidelines. A solicitor should review any valuation.
What is the Official Injury Claim portal and the tariff?+
The Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal is a government-run online service introduced on 31 May 2021 for lower-value road traffic whiplash claims, where compensation for the whiplash element follows a fixed tariff set in the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021. It's designed for drivers and passengers with minor soft-tissue injuries worth under £5,000. You can use it yourself, but many people prefer a solicitor to make sure nothing is missed — especially where there are extra losses or other injuries.
What if my injuries are more than just whiplash?+
Then your claim usually falls outside the fixed tariff and is handled the traditional way. Broken bones, serious back or shoulder damage, or significant psychological injury are valued individually on medical evidence, which often means a higher settlement than the tariff alone. Tell us about every symptom — even ones that seem minor — so nothing is left out.
Will I have to go to court for my whiplash claim?+
Almost certainly not. The vast majority of whiplash claims settle by agreement with the other side's insurer, without a court hearing. If the insurer disputes fault or won't offer a fair amount, court may be an option, but we'll always talk you through it first and only go that way if it's in your interest.
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