If you have been injured in a rear-end collision in the UK, you can usually make a rear-end collision claim for compensation. In the vast majority of cases, the driver who hits the vehicle in front is at fault — Highway Code Rule 126 requires every driver to maintain a safe stopping distance. The most common injury is whiplash, which is now subject to a fixed tariff under the Civil Liability Act 2018: from £275 (up to 3 months) to £4,830 (18–24 months) for accidents from 31 May 2025. More serious injuries are assessed under the Judicial College Guidelines. You have three years to claim.
Being rear-ended is one of the most common road accidents in the UK. The impact often causes whiplash — a soft-tissue neck injury from the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head — but can also cause fractures, disc injuries, concussion and psychological harm. This guide explains who is at fault, what the whiplash tariff means for your claim, the evidence you should gather and how the process works. We are an independent information service, not a law firm.
Who is at fault?
There is a strong presumption that the rear driver is at fault. The reasoning is simple: every driver must keep enough distance to stop safely if the car in front brakes suddenly (Highway Code Rule 126). If you hit the car in front, you were almost certainly too close or not paying attention.
This presumption can be rebutted in limited circumstances:
- The front vehicle reversed into you
- The front vehicle had defective or non-functioning brake lights
- The front vehicle cut in suddenly from another lane, leaving no time to react
- Split liability — both drivers contributed (for example, you were following too closely but the front driver braked without reason on a motorway). The court divides fault as a percentage.
The whiplash tariff (from 31 May 2025)
The Civil Liability Act 2018 introduced a fixed tariff for whiplash and minor soft-tissue injuries lasting up to two years, arising from road traffic accidents. The Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025 uprated the tariff by approximately 15% from 31 May 2025. The current figures are:
| Injury duration | Tariff amount |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 months | £275 |
| 3–6 months | £565 |
| 6–9 months | £965 |
| 9–12 months | £1,510 |
| 12–15 months | £2,335 |
| 15–18 months | £3,445 |
| 18–24 months | £4,830 |
A judge can award up to 20% above the tariff in exceptional circumstances. If your injury lasts longer than two years, or involves damage beyond soft tissue (a fracture, disc herniation, nerve injury or psychological harm), the tariff does not apply — compensation is assessed under the Judicial College Guidelines and can be substantially higher.
The Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal
For whiplash and soft-tissue RTA claims valued at £5,000 or less, the government-run Official Injury Claim portal is the expected route. You can use it yourself without a solicitor. It guides you through submitting your claim, getting a medical report and negotiating with the insurer. For claims above £5,000 or involving more serious injuries, a solicitor manages the claim outside the portal. See our OIC portal guide for a full walkthrough.
Evidence to gather
After a rear-end collision:
- Exchange insurance details and note registration numbers
- Take photographs of vehicle damage, the road layout and your injuries
- Preserve dashcam footage — particularly valuable in fault disputes
- Get medical attention promptly, even if symptoms develop later (whiplash often appears 24–48 hours after impact)
- Note witness details
- Report the accident to your insurer
Time limits
Three years from the date of the collision under the Limitation Act 1980 (England and Wales). Scotland and Northern Ireland each have their own three-year limits. For children, the three years starts at 18. See our time limits guide.
Getting help
We are not a law firm. For small whiplash-only claims you may be able to use the OIC portal yourself. For anything more serious, use the SRA register and Law Society "Find a Solicitor" to find a personal injury solicitor. Citizens Advice provides free initial guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Who is at fault in a rear-end collision?
In most cases, the driver who hits the vehicle in front is at fault. Highway Code Rule 126 requires every driver to keep enough distance to stop safely if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly. Exceptions can arise if the front vehicle reversed into you, had defective brake lights or braked without any reason on a motorway. Fault can also be split if both drivers contributed.
How much compensation for a rear-end collision?
It depends on your injury. For whiplash-only claims lasting up to 2 years, the fixed tariff under the Civil Liability Act 2018 applies, ranging from 275 pounds (up to 3 months) to 4,830 pounds (18 to 24 months) for accidents from 31 May 2025. For more serious injuries such as fractures, disc damage or psychological injury, compensation is assessed under Judicial College Guidelines and can be substantially higher. Special damages for lost earnings and treatment are added on top.
Do I have to use the Official Injury Claim portal?
If your whiplash or soft tissue injury claim is valued at 5,000 pounds or less and arose from a road traffic accident, you are expected to use the Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal. You can use it yourself without a solicitor. For claims above 5,000 pounds or involving injuries beyond whiplash, a solicitor handles the claim outside the portal.
Can I claim if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Contributory negligence reduces your compensation by your share of fault but does not eliminate the claim entirely. For example, if you were 20 percent at fault because you braked sharply without warning, your award would be reduced by 20 percent.
How long do I have to claim?
Three years from the date of the accident under the Limitation Act 1980 in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland each have their own three-year limit. For children, time does not start until they turn 18.
What evidence do I need?
Exchange insurance details at the scene. Take photographs of vehicle damage, the road layout and any injuries. Get medical attention promptly and keep records of all treatment. Dashcam footage is particularly valuable in rear-end cases. Report the accident to your insurer and note the names and contact details of any witnesses.
Get help from official, free sources
- Official Injury Claim (OIC) — the government portal for small RTA claims
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) — check a solicitor is regulated
- Citizens Advice — free, impartial guidance on your rights
Related guides: road traffic accident claims, whiplash claims, passenger injury claims, taxi accident claims, the OIC portal explained, and no win, no fee explained.