Scientists have discovered...

Scientists have discovered a hi-tech scan can reveal if neck muscles really have been damaged in a collision. It will deter swindlers, cut premiums and help genuine victims get the best treatment.

"It"s a win-win situation," said Mandy Roshier, a PhD student at Nottingham University who is heading the research. "Car insurance companies want to see evidence of injury before paying out, and those suffering want answers."

Whiplash after a shunt costs Britain billions of pounds a year in lost work and treatment. It accounts for the vast majority of injury claims following accidents, and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) reckons one in every 200 drivers has hurt their neck in some way.

However, accurate diagnosis is difficult, and insurers suspect cheats have made millions from false claims, receiving payouts of up to н‚бЈ10,000 each.

"Fraud pushes up premiums for honest motorists, and makes it harder for genuine sufferers to get help," said ABI spokesman Malcolm Tarling. "Anything that aids diagnosis is good for those with real muscle damage."

Roshier hopes insurers will help to fund her research. She"s working with experts at Nottingham"s Queen"s Medical Centre to prove the test is accurate enough for medics to use it as soon as possible. "Whiplash is a condition that can linger and cause pain for some time," she added. "I have a friend who has suffered for four years. An early diagnosis may speed up recovery."