I got paid out on my car crash a few years ago- similar thing I suppose, but the offer was off the scale I expected so I went for the first offer.

£1000 does seem a little low for whiplash type injuries but I'd have thought £3000 was the upper limit.

Your solicitor should be able to advise the upper and lower limits for your type of injury so make your descision on what you feel your case is worth from that.

In terms of going to court, yes it gets costly and the court have different powers about where to aportion costs so it could end up screwing you, also they could award more or even less compensation.

With that one - you make your choice and take your chance.