Whiplash news
21/11/2008

Claims for hyperflexion neck injury on the rise

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has claimed that there is a whiplash "epidemic" in the UK, with the rate of motor accident compensation claims for the condition exploding by 25% over the past six years.

Stephen Hadrill, the director general of the ABI, commented, "Whiplash imposes unacceptable costs to individuals, businesses and the state. Insurers want to reduce whiplash, provide fast care and compensation and tackle fraudulent claims.

"Reasons for the rise in whiplash include: motorists tailgating the car in front, and incorrectly adjusted head restraints. In many cases recovery is inhibited by the slow legal process, leading to delays in rehabilitation."

The ABI's president, Edward King, believes motorists can do more to reduce their chances of receiving the neck injury. "Drivers and passengers can help prevent themselves becoming victims of whiplash by adjusting head restraints before they drive off," he said.

Adding, "The top of the head restraint should be level with the top of the driver's head, while the back of the head should be as close as possible to, and ideally touching, the restraint.

"Drivers can avoid inflicting whiplash on themselves and others by keeping a safe distance - at least two seconds - from the vehicle ahead."