Common scenarios
Rear-End Shunt Accident Claims
Stopped at lights or in traffic and hit from behind? Liability usually sits with the driver behind. With a rear-end shunt claim you could be owed compensation for your injuries and your vehicle.
Last reviewed: Reviewed by the Auto Crash Claims editorial team
What happened
A rear-end shunt is one of the most common collisions on UK roads. You slow or stop for a red light, queuing traffic or a hazard, and the driver behind does not 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, which is a second impact
Why rear-end shunts are usually clear-cut
A rear-end shunt is one of the few accidents where fault is often straightforward, because the driver behind is expected to leave enough room to stop. That is why a rear-end shunt claim tends to be more clear-cut than most. Even so, dashcam footage and photos of the damage are worth keeping, as they settle any argument that you stopped without reason.
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 in a rear-end shunt claim.
It was only a low-speed bump. Is it worth claiming?
If it was not your fault and you were hurt, yes. Whiplash and vehicle damage are common even at low speed.
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Find out what you could be owed
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