New process aims to speed up motor injury claims

It also announced that although there would be no change to the small claims limits, the fast-track limit would be increased from £15,000 to £25,000.

Road traffic accident cases comprise about 75% of personal injury claims and the new streamlined procedure provides for early notification of claims valued between £1,000 and £10,000.

The new process promotes early admissions of liability and early settlements, and removes duplication of work from the process. It also introduces fixed-time periods and fixed recoverable costs.

Civil Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said: "If you have been injured in a traffic accident, you want any claim resolved as quickly as possible. This new process encourages people to come to a quick settlement and to resolve any issues without a lengthy court process.

"The Government remains of the view that increasing the small claims limits would deny claimants access to appropriate legal advice to assist them with their claims. But increasing the fast-track limit will provide greater flexibility for the courts to manage cases in the most efficient way."