British drivers most likely to claim for whiplash

British drivers make more claims for whiplash per car collision than any other western European country, according to research this month.

Almost 80% of road traffic collisions where one driver admits liability will lead to a claim whiplash claim compared to 35 per cent in the Netherlands and 30 per cent in France found the report by LV. The injury occurs when sudden movement causes damage to soft tissues ion the neck, and is linked to road traffic collisions in which a car has been hit from behind.

The number of people suffering whiplash has increased dramatically in recent years. In 2007, more than 430,000 people claimed for whiplash, a figure up by a quarter over the preceding five year period.

In a bid to reduce to reduce the number of claims for whiplash, from 1 April 2015 those wishing to submit compensation claim for whiplash will have to get a medical report from a specially certified doctor.

Protecting yourself from whiplash

As a drivers or car passenger, you can reduce the likelihood of whiplash by adjusting head rests so the top is level with the top of your head. Ideally, you should allow your head to rest against the restraint at all times. Leaving a safe gap between your car and the vehicle in front helps avoid the type of shunt that causes whiplash.

Motorists with breakdown cover from the ETA are entitled to free legal advice from a specialist team.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.

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