Motorist’s £1.2m fake injury claim costs him over £100,000

A motorist has cost himself over £100,000 after pursuing £1.2m in compensation from 1^st Central in a fake injury claim.

The driver claimed to have suffered psychological trauma, dizziness, tinnitus and back pain following a low-speed collision on 6 August 2019.

While he was awarded £5,500 in damages, the case saw the claimant pursue compensation for alleged lifelong injuries.

However, inconsistencies were found in his account, with medical professionals, including 1^st Central’s psychiatric expert, finding no evidence to support claims of ongoing debilitating injuries.

His return to full-time employment – and even a pay rise following the collision – also cast doubt on the legitimacy of his claims.

Court case

The case was taken to court by 1^st Central and legal advisors to the insurance industry HF.

The claimant continued insist that his injuries were the result of the accident, although his claim was deemed to be dishonest and opportunistic.

He is now responsible for 1^st Central’s legal costs of over £100,000.

The judge said: “The claimant’s assertions regarding the severity and long-term impact of his injuries are not credible.

“His evidence was inconsistent and unreliable and it is clear to me that the claimant exaggerated and feigned his symptoms in pursuit of substantial financial compensation.”

Alex Wilkinson, head of the large loss counter fraud team at HF, added: “This case highlights the importance of thorough investigation and the need to hold claimants accountable for fundamentally dishonest claims.

“Our team worked closely with 1st Central to expose the inconsistencies and contradictions in the claimant’s story, ultimately ensuring that justice prevailed.”