New technology that detects whether whiplash claims are genuine could represent a “great step forward” in the industry's battle against fraud, according to the RAC.
Researchers at Nottingham University have developed a hi-tech scan that reveals whether neck muscles have actually been damaged as a result of an accident.
RAC head of legal
services Jonathan Gulliford said the scan could deter fraudsters from making false whiplash claims.
“If the technology is proven, it would be a great step forward for the industry as it could reduce the potential for fraud and spurious claims,” he said.
Gulliford added that it was difficult to assess how many whiplash claims were genuine because whiplash was “difficult to prove”.
About 80% of all injury claims (including non-motor claims) relate to whiplash injuries.
‘ Allianz Cornhill said that millions of motorists could be adjusting their car head restraints to a position that actually increases their chance of suffering from a whiplash injury.
More than 50% of motorists surveyed admitted they did not know the best position for the head restraint in their vehicle to help protect them from whiplash.
