RTA Claims Over and Under £5,000 – Mixed Injuries, Compensation & Your Legal Options
If you’ve been injured in a road traffic accident (RTA), your entitlement to compensation depends on the value and complexity of your injuries. Since 2021, major legal reforms have divided injury claims into two main categories: those under £5,000 and those over £5,000. Understanding the difference is essential—especially if you’ve suffered multiple or mixed injuries.
At Phoenix Legal, we specialise in helping clients recover the maximum compensation they deserve—whether your claim is large or small, straightforward or complex. And we work on a No Win, No Fee basis, with a competitive 20% success fee only payable if we win your case.
New RTA Claim Thresholds Explained
Under the Whiplash Reforms (Civil Liability Act 2018), the claims process now depends on the value and type of injuries:
Claims Under £5,000:
Road traffic accident claims valued under £5,000 are:
- Made through the Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal
- Primarily for whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Subject to fixed tariff compensation
- Not eligible for legal fee recovery, except in limited circumstances
Claims Over £5,000:
Claims valued over £5,000 are:
- Handled outside the OIC portal
- Include more serious or multiple injuries, such as fractures and psychological harm
- Eligible for legal representation with recoverable legal costs
- Valued based on Judicial College Guidelines and supporting medical evidence
Mixed Injury Claims: What Are They?
A mixed injury claim involves a combination of:
- A tariff injury (whiplash), and
- A non-tariff injury (such as a fractured bone, back injury, or mental trauma)
These are legally complex. Courts must now decide how to fairly award compensation for both without overlap, as per recent case law (e.g., Rabot v Hassam). Many insurers try to settle such cases under the lower whiplash tariff—potentially undervaluing your claim.
Our solicitors at Phoenix Legal are trained to fight for proper compensation in mixed injury claims and understand how to present both elements of your injury clearly and persuasively.
Example RTA Claim Values
| Injury type | Estimated values | Claims process |
| Whiplash 3 to 6 months | £240 – £495.00 (tariff) | OIC Portal |
| Whiplash 6 to 9 months | £495 – £840.00 (tariff) | OIC Portal |
| Whiplash 6 months + 6 months knee injury | £2870.00 to £3270.00
(Mixed injuries) |
OIC Portal |
| Fractured hand and whiplash injury | Exceeds £5k threshold | Outside of OIC |
| PTSD 12 months + soft tissue injuries | Exceeds £5k threshold | Outside of OIC |
No Win, No Fee – With 20% Success Fee
At Phoenix Legal, we work on a No Win, No Fee basis, giving you access to justice without upfront costs.
If your claim is unsuccessful – you pay nothing.
If your claim is successful – we deduct a 20% success fee from your compensation, which is agreed at the outset and never hidden.
This fee covers the cost of legal work carried out on your behalf and ensures there are no unexpected surprises at the end of your case.
Why You Need a Specialist RTA Solicitor
The rules around whiplash, tariffs, and mixed injuries are now more complicated than ever. Insurers are quick to settle for less—and many injured clients don’t realise they’re entitled to more.
Our expert team will:
- Provide you with a free case assessment
- Determine whether your claim qualifies for the higher-value process
- Arrange medical reports and documentation
- Negotiate with insurers to maximise your payout
- Handle all paperwork, updates, and deadlines professionally
Start Your RTA Claim
If you’ve been injured in a road traffic accident—whether it’s a simple whiplash or a complex mix of injuries—you don’t have to face insurers alone. Let our expert team protect your rights and secure the compensation you’re entitled to.
Call us now on 0151 306 3694 or email ab@phoenixlegalsolicitors.co.uk to get started.
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