Scheme designed to cut waiting time for compensation

The Ministry of Justice has unveiled the details of its new fast-track process for minor road traffic accident personal injury claims.

The scheme introduces fixed stages and costs with set deadlines for both claimants’ and defendants’ solicitors, according to how many stages a case has to go through before it is settled.

It will apply to road traffic accident personal injury compensation claims valued between £1,000 and £10,000, therefore covering the vast majority of claims, and will come into effect on April 30th.

The new process is split into three stages

  • the claimant solicitor completes the claim notification form and send it to the insurer who may admit/deny liability.
  • if liability is admitted, the claimant obtains a medical report and the process continues with offers and negotiation of a settlement to a strict timetable.
  • where the parties cannot agree a settlement an application is made to court for a quantum hearing.

Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said: ‘People do not need any more stress after being involved in a road accident. This scheme will mean that everyone knows in advance what the costs will be and it will be simpler and quicker to complete a claim

A spokesman for the Association of British Insurers said: “We support the introduction of this new process, as the ABI has long argued for reform of the personal injury compensation system to ensure that claimants receive compensation much more quickly, as well as cutting down on the high level of legal costs.”