Information for Insurers

With the introduction of the new Whiplash Reforms from 31 May 2021, there have been significant changes to the claims process for low value road-traffic accident (RTA) claims, including whiplash claims. An increase in the Small Claims Track (SCT) Limit for RTA-related Personal Injury claims to £5,000, means that parties are now responsible for paying their own legal costs. As a result, most of these claims will now be initiated and managed by claimants themselves. This will be done using the Official Injury Claim service, which offers an online portal and telephone support. 

Through use of the Official Injury Claim service, claimants are able to arrange an initial fixed-cost medical report themselves. This will involve prior communication with the compensating insurer to resolve liability issues.

After receiving and agreeing the medical report, the claimant will forward this report to the compensating insurer. Many such initial reports will make recommendations for further reports from different specialists, including Orthopaedics, Psychology and numerous others. Subsequently, some of these specialists, when assessing claimants, may then make recommendations for certain investigations to be carried out, including x-rays, MRI scans, ultrasound scans etc. Other common recommendations on initial reports and further reports include recommendations for physiotherapy and/or other treatments to be undertaken by the claimant. 

As a result of the new changes, it will now be the responsibility of the compensating insurer to arrange the further reports from different specialists. This involves finding a specialist within the relevant field (e.g. Orthopaedics), who carries out work as an expert witness, and is available in a suitable  location and at a convenient date and time for the claimant. It is very obvious that even for a single claim, such work is time-consuming and would place a huge burden on the compensating insurer. Furthermore, arranging relevant investigations and treatments, again with suitably qualified providers, at locations, dates and times suited to claimants, provides the same significant challenges for compensating insurers.

There is a professional and cost-effective solution to these issues! At Injury Claim Reports, we have the knowledge, experience and relevant contacts to manage all parts of the claims process. This includes provision of medical reports and arranging investigations and treatments. 

Using our services means that insurers do not need to employ new staff, or utilise existing staff, to deal with this extra workload. Furthermore, we negotiate reduced costs for medical reports with our highly-qualified specialists, and for investigations and treatments with our reputable providers. This means that we are able to offer these services at a substantially reduced cost and save significant amounts of money for compensating insurers!