Taxi driver settles whiplash claim for £42,500

Posted 16/07/2015

Tom Ranson, a personal injury specialist at Ashtons Legal, represented Mr R in a claim arising out of a road accident in 2011. Mr R suffered a whiplash injury to his back and required specialist medical treatment.

The insurers did not accept that Mr R had suffered any significant injury in the accident, instead, trying to blame his symptoms on a pre-existing medical condition.

Having been unable to negotiate settlement with the insurer, Mr R instructed us to issue Court proceedings on his behalf. After proceedings were issued, the insurer initially offered £12,500, before increasing to £15,000 and then to £25,000, trying to tempt Mr R to compromise his claim at a level which we knew to be less than the amount he should receive given the nature of his injuries.

Mr R followed our advice not to accept and with the case due to go to trial in August, the Defendant insurer finally saw sense and accepted Mr R’s offer of £42,500.

Tom Ranson comments: “It is vital that people who have been injured, and their lawyers, are robust and have the courage of their convictions and refuse to settle for less than they should receive given the nature of their injuries and the effect these have on their life. Early and ongoing assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of a case is key and enables clients to understand what level of settlement is appropriate and achievable.”