This question, or varieties such as:
- How much for an average whiplash payout?
- What is the whiplash payout scale?
- How much do you get for whiplash injuries?
- What is standard whiplash compensation?
is the most common query that we receive.
Unfortunately, following the introduction of fixed tariffs for Whiplash injury in May 2021 the short answer is “Not as much as you used to“.
The fixed tariff means that claimants receive a set amount of money for their injuries, depending upon the duration of their symptoms.
The Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021 sets the tariffs as follows:
| Duration of injury | Standard Whiplash | Whiplash + minor Psychological injury |
| Not more than 3 months | £240 | £260 |
| More than 3 months, but not more than 6 months | £495 | £520 |
| More than 6 months, but not more than 9 months | £840 | £895 |
| More than 9 months, but not more than 12 months | £1,320 | £1,390 |
| More than 12 months, but not more than 15 months | £2,040 | £2,125 |
| More than 15 months, but not more than 18 months | £3,005 | £3,100 |
| More than 18 months, but not more than 24 months | £4,215 | £4,345 |
You cannot receive compensation for whiplash without undergoing an examination from a specially instructed medical expert. The doctor that examines you will prepare a report upon your injuries. In the “Prognosis” section will be an opinion as to how long after the accident you will recover. This period from accident date to recovery date is the “Duration”.
You receive the amount listed in the column that corresponds with the duration provided by the doctor. If the doctor advises you also have minor psychological injury such as travel anxiety you receive the amount in the 2nd column instead.
For example, a whiplash injury with travel anxiety that will fully resolve within 12 months of the accident is awarded £1,390.00.
These figures apply to whiplash injuries only that resolve within 2 years. If you have more serious symptoms or additional injuries you are entitled to further compensation which is assessed upon an individual basis.
If you convince a Judge that “exceptional circumstances” apply to your injuries you may be awarded an additional 20%. It is not yet clear in what situations this applies.
Whilst this table gives you an idea of what your whiplash claim is worth there are many other factors that could increase the value of your claim. For example further medical evidence may suggest your injuries will last longer or you could claim for additional items such as loss of earnings. At HW Solicitors we are specialists in pursuing whiplash claims and are able to offer advice and assistance to ensure that you receive the correct amount of compensation for your whiplash claim.
For a free, no obligation discussion about how much you should receive for your whiplash claim please ring us on 01484 518356 or email info@hwsolicitors.co.uk.
All the ways to contact us can be found here.