Whiplash victims ‘ignored by MPs’

The Transport Select Committee is looking at ways of reducing the number and costs of whiplash claims, following up its recent inquiries into the cost of motor insurance.

In a letter to Louise Ellman, chair of the committee, the society, which represents solicitors, said all too often the perspective of only the insurers is heard.

“Such a one-sided debate has the potential to distort the facts, leading to ill-considered and disproportionate policy-making,” said Lucy Scott-Moncrieff, President of the Law Society.

Submitting written evidence to the Transport Select Committee's inquiry into whiplash claims, she asserted that government proposals to increase the small claims limit in personal injury cases largely stem from propaganda, generated by insurers.

Ms Scott-Moncrieff accused the insurance industry of “ruthless lobbying of government” which could result in policies which deny expert legal advice to many thousands of genuine accident victims.

Asking for submissions on the inquiry in March, Ms Ellman said:

“It is vitally important for policymakers to understand the reasons for the very high cost of motor insurance, especially for young drivers, and to take steps to bring that cost down.

“Whiplash claims undoubtedly play a part in driving up the cost of motor insurance, but access to justice for injured people must be preserved.

“We want to hear the arguments on these points and will publish a report in the summer about the best way forward on this difficult issue.”

The Committee intends to hear oral evidence later in the year on the Ministry of Justice consultation paper on reducing the number and costs of whiplash claims.