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Can I Make a Claim For Whiplash?
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is the term given to injuries caused by a sudden, sharp jolt to the head or body which damages the muscles, ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues in the neck.
Whiplash is synonymous with road traffic accidents. However it can be caused due to many different types of accident including slips, trips and falls, sports injuries and even assaults.
What are the symptoms of whiplash?
The following symptoms are associated with whiplash:
- Neck pain and stiffness.
- Trouble moving your head.
- Pain and muscle spasms in the arms and shoulders.
After your accident, whiplash symptoms may start a few hours later (around 6 to 12 hours) with any additional inflammation or bruising taking perhaps 24 to 48 hours to develop.
How can a whiplash injury be treated?
Minor whiplash injuries can be treated with paracetamol. However some injuries may need medical attention. It may be necessary for your GP to prescribe stronger painkillers such as codeine. If pain persists for more than a couple of weeks, you may need rehabilitation treatment such as physiotherapy.
How much compensation for whiplash?
The amount of compensation that you could get for a whiplash injury varies depending on the circumstances of each individual case. Some people may experience minor whiplash injuries and will be back to their normal way of life within weeks of the accident. Whereas others may experience ongoing neck and back pain which will need physiotherapy to put right. The amount of compensation for people with long term injuries is therefore often higher than for those who experience a quick recovery time.
Use our compensation calculator to find out what your physical injuries could be worth:
What can I claim for?
Your solicitor will factor in the different ways in which the accident has had an impact on your life when calculating the value of your claim, including:
- Loss of earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Care and rehabilitation
- Travel expenses to and from medical appointments
Should I make a claim through my insurance company?
If you’re the driver of the vehicle involved in a collision, you have to inform your insurance company of the accident, failure to do so could invalidate your policy. When you contact your insurer, they may try and offer you a pre-medical settlement offer, in order to encourage you to settle your claim earlier. Insurers do this as it means that they will have to pay out a considerably lower amount that you could be entitled to.
It is therefore recommended to instruct a solicitor to handle your claim in order to get the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to.
How to claim for whiplash?
If you would like to make whiplash claim, you should instruct a solicitor as soon after the accident as possible, when your recollection of events is fresh to mind. True Solicitors handle whiplash claims on a no win, no fee basis and you can contact us on 0344 854 7000 or submit your enquiry online. The process for making a claim involves:
1. Gathering evidence
Your solicitor will start the process by gathering evidence to support your claim and establish who is responsible for your injuries. Evidence includes witness statements, medical records and police reports.
2. Medical assessment
If your injuries are ongoing it may be necessary to attend an independent medical assessment to evaluate the exact impact of your injuries. This will allow your solicitor to calculate the appropriate amount of compensation for the extent of your injuries.
3. Settlement and negotiation
The final stage of the claims process involves concluding the settlement amount, presenting this to the third party and settling the claim. If the third party neglect the settlement offer, negotiations will begin.
