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Primus Solicitors is a national law firm. We act for clients across the UK from our Manchester office, by phone, video or in person. We act for everyone injured on the road: drivers, passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and the families of people killed.
Small claims and the whiplash tariff
For injuries to car occupants valued at under £5,000, the claim goes through the Official Injury Claim portal and legal costs are not recoverable from the insurer, so many people run these claims themselves. Whiplash injuries are valued under a fixed tariff. For injuries on or after 31 May 2025:
| Injury lasting | Whiplash only | Whiplash with minor psychological injury |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 3 months | £275 | £300 |
| 3 to 6 months | £565 | £595 |
| 6 to 9 months | £965 | £1,025 |
| 9 to 12 months | £1,510 | £1,595 |
| 12 to 15 months | £2,335 | £2,435 |
| 15 to 18 months | £3,445 | £3,550 |
| 18 to 24 months | £4,830 | £4,975 |
Other injuries, financial losses such as lost earnings and vehicle costs, and claims by cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and children are outside the tariff. We tell you honestly whether using a solicitor adds value in a small claim.
Claims we take on
- Injuries worth more than £5,000, and all claims by vulnerable road users and children.
- Serious and life-changing injuries, including brain, spinal and orthopaedic injuries.
- Accidents involving uninsured or untraced drivers (through the Motor Insurers' Bureau).
- Fatal accidents: claims for dependants and bereavement.
- Accidents involving foreign-registered vehicles and accidents abroad, where time limits can be short.
What to do now
- Get the other driver's details, registration and insurer, and photographs of the scene and vehicles.
- Report the accident to the police if anyone was injured or the other driver left.
- See a doctor even if the injury seems minor, and keep records of symptoms and expenses.
- Contact us before speaking to the other side's insurer about settlement.
Funding and time limits
Most claims run on a no win no fee basis. Court proceedings must normally be started within three years of the accident.
Questions people ask
The insurer has offered me money already.
Do not accept until you have a medical report and advice. Early offers are often low and final.
My own insurer says they will handle it.
They handle the vehicle; your injury claim is yours, and you can choose your own solicitor.
Ask a question
Not sure where you stand? Ask a solicitor and we will reply by phone or email, or send an enquiry for a free initial assessment.
