The Prime Minister, David Cameron, met last week with representatives from the insurance industry, consumer groups, and ministers from the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Transport to propose a minimum impact speed of 15mph be introduced for no win, no fee claims for whiplash resulting from road traffic accidents.

Referring to a private member’s bill tabled by Jack Straw, the Justice Secretary under the previous Labour Government, Mr Cameron aims to make the production of more medical evidence relating to injuries following a road traffic accident a requirement for all low velocity impact claims.  He also wants to reduce the fees paid to lawyers who work to gain compensation for people sustaining whiplash injuries following a low speed road accident.

All this ignores the significant impact a whiplash injury can have on a victim’s life. The soft tissue damage to the over-stretched neck ligaments can result in chronic pain and a limitation in neck movement often resulting in time off work and physiotherapy bills.

Biomechanical studies have shown that whiplash can occur at as little as 5mph.  While there may be no visible damage to either the car or victim, whiplash injuries can be determined by studying the cars’ masses, the flexibility of the bumper and the relative speed of both cars at the time of impact.

Breens’ personal injury department has successfully run many whiplash injury claims and has recovered thousands of pounds worth in compensation for victims of low velocity impact road accidents.

For more information on how to make a no win, no fee whiplash injury claim visit: www.breensonline.co.uk/site/for_individuals/services_personal_injury/no_win_no_fee/