What is a whiplash injury?

The word 'whiplash' is very accurate. It describes the movement of the neck, when a sudden jolt or impact stretches ligaments and muscles far beyond the limits they can handle. Think of how a whip moves suddenly forwards and backwards when it is 'lashed' and then imagine that happening to your neck.

Slater and Gordon have years of experience working on road traffic accident claims, many of which have involved whiplash, along with other injuries, so you know your in trusted hands when going through this difficult time with Slater and Gordon.

How long can whiplash last?

The answer varies depending on the seriousness of the injury. In some cases you may require a physiotherapy for whiplash – Slater and Gordon can make sure you get the whiplash compensation you deserve to cover the costs.

What are the symptoms of whiplash?

The first symptoms usually appear a few hours after a car crash or fall, and may begin with a headache, and feelings of stiffness and even a burning sensation in the rear of the neck.

These symptoms may prevent you from turning your head from side to side, and may even spread to your arms and shoulders. In any event, it is worth talking to us about claiming whiplash compensation.

Do I need to see a doctor about whiplash?

Whiplash symptoms develop over the first few hours and may continue to get worse for some days after an accident. If, at any time you are worried, the whiplash page on the NHS website is a very useful place to start.

You should then call your GP or go to A&E if you become concerned about your own or someone else's whiplash injury.

Start your whiplash claim today.

How do I make a claim for whiplash compensation?

Once you've spoken to our personal injury team we'll begin the claims process. For this we'll need some information from you to help with your claim this includes:

• both your insurance information, and the insurance information of the other parties involved.
• photographs of the scene (if possible).
• an injury report from your doctor, noting all injuries from the accident
• you will also need to get in contact with your insurance company and inform them about the accident
• once you have this information, the claims process can begin, but depending on the nature of your injuries and the traffic accident, more information may be needed throughout the process.

What is my whiplash injury compensation claim worth?

Compensation comes in two parts.

Pain, suffering and loss of amenity: when you suffer an injury such as a whiplash injury, you'll be compensated for the pain and suffering you've had as a result of the injury together with loss of amenity - which is your enjoyment and quality of life. There are fixed compensation amounts for pain, suffering and loss of amenity that you can receive for a whiplash injury.

These amounts range from £240 to £4,215 depending on how long your injury lasts. You may also be entitled to an amount between £260 to £4,345 if you also have minor psychological injuries. In exceptional circumstances, these amounts can be increased.

Out of pocket expenses: In addition to your compensation for pain suffering and loss of amenity, you can also claim compensation for any financial losses you've incurred. For example, if your injuries meant that you were unable to work for several weeks and you received statutory meaning your lost income; if you had to pay for medication, such as prescription charges and over the counter medicine; if there was damage to property, such as clothes or personal items.

Any financial losses you've had as a result of the accident can be claimed as part of your out of pocket expenses. It's important to note that evidence of out of pocket expenses will be required.

How long does whiplash compensation take?

It's difficult to predict how long a claim for whiplash will take as every case is different. It depends upon the circumstances of the accident and whether the insurer of the driver you believe was at fault admits responsibility, and also depends on your injuries and how long your symptoms last.

If the insurer of driver you believe was at fault for the accident admits responsibility straightaway and your symptoms only last a few weeks, the process will be finalised quickly.

However, the insurer of the driver you believe was at fault for the accident may not admit fault and after several attempts to negotiate, may end up having to go to court for a judge to decide.

Your symptoms may also last longer than expected further medical evidence may be required. In these situations, your claim will obviously take longer.

However, our team of experts will ensure that the claim is dealt with as quickly and as efficiently as possible, whilst also ensuring you get the best possible outcome to your compensation claim.

Contact our experts

To get expert legal advice and representation contact one of whiplash specialists at 0330 041 5869 or online.