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Common scenarios

Rear-End Shunt Accident Claims

Stopped at lights or in traffic and hit from behind? Liability usually sits with the driver behind. You could be owed compensation for your injuries and your vehicle.

What happened

It's one of the most common collisions on UK roads. You slow or stop — for a red light, queuing traffic, a hazard — and the driver behind doesn't stop in time and runs into the back of you. The sudden jolt is exactly why rear-end shunts are the classic cause of whiplash, and even a low-speed knock can leave you with a sore neck and a damaged car.

Who's usually at fault

In most rear-end collisions, the following driver is held responsible, because drivers are expected to leave enough room to stop safely. Drivers who hit you will sometimes claim you 'stopped suddenly', but stopping for a hazard is not your fault.

Evidence that helps

  • Dashcam footage, if you have it
  • The other driver's details and insurer
  • Photos of both vehicles and the damage
  • Details of any independent witnesses
  • A note of road and traffic conditions

Common complications

  • The other driver claiming you braked without reason
  • An insurer trying to play down a genuine whiplash injury
  • Being pushed into the car in front (a second impact)

Making a claim is simpler than you think

  1. Tell us what happened

    Answer a few quick questions about your accident. It takes a couple of minutes and there’s no obligation.

  2. We connect you with specialists

    We pass your details to the regulated specialists we work with, who’ll look at whether you have a claim.

  3. They handle the rest

    If you have a case, the specialists can pursue your compensation and keep you updated — while you get back to normal.

Frequently asked questions

The driver says I stopped suddenly — does that ruin my claim?

Usually not. Drivers are expected to keep enough distance to stop safely. Dashcam footage and the damage pattern often settle the argument.

It was only a low-speed bump — is it worth claiming?

If it wasn't your fault and you were hurt, yes. Whiplash and vehicle damage are common even at low speed.

Find out what you could be owed

It takes a couple of minutes, it’s free, and there’s no obligation.

Check if you can claim