Can I claim compensation for whiplash as a passenger in a car accident?

[Caitlin]

I was riding the passenger seat of my friends car when we got into a road traffic accident.
We crashed into another car making a turn on a junction and they are arguing over who was at fault still, do I have to wait for liability to be established before I can claim?
I have been suffering severe back pain and I have had to take time off work but will claim affect my friends insurance?