The Civil Liability Bill – April 2019

There are some major reforms coming within the personal injury sector. The Civil Liability Bill is set to be implemented in April 2019 bringing with it some major changes to the way personal injury claims are handled. It is thought that the aim of such changes is to reduce the number of ‘exaggerated’ and sometimes fraudulent whiplash injuries being brought against Defendant drivers. The hope is that by insurance companies saving money from a reduction in minor injury claims they can, in turn, reduce insurance premiums for all drivers.

One of the major changes will be that the small claims limit for road traffic accidents (RTA’s) will rise from £1,000 to £5,000 meaning any RTA claims worth under £5,000 will leave the Claimant solicitors unable to recover any costs from the Defendants. Similarly, for any other personal injury claims (such as employers liability and occupiers liability claims) the small claims limit will rise from £1,000 to £2,000.

Another change to the law which will be introduced when the Civil Liability Bill comes in to force will be that a Claimant who suffers whiplash injuries which last no longer than 2 years will have any compensation limited due to a new tariff scheme.

If you or someone you know have had a road traffic accident or any other accident which you feel you deserve to be compensated for then please contact our team of experts on 0845 658 6115.