WHIPLASH CLAIM - INJURY COMPENSATION SOLICITOR

Car accidents cause many different types of physical trauma but acceleration/deceleration injuries are by far the most common ensuring that thousands of whiplash claims are made annually by personal injury solicitors.

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Whiplash occurs most frequently when a car is struck from behind by another vehicle, but other traffic incidents can also cause whiplash including a vehicle coming to a very sudden unexpected halt. Both drivers and passengers (front and rear) can experience whiplash. The forces involved jerk the head forward, typically at a high speed, stretching the neck beyond its comfortable range. This is followed by an automatic reflexive reaction, snapping the head back in the reverse direction. This severe back and forth action and re-action tears and strains the soft tissues of the neck and back. The body parts most often damaged by whiplash are the muscles, spinal discs, nerves, ligaments and other soft tissues. The subsequent swelling of the neck tissue puts pressure on the nerves resulting in pain. A whiplash claim includes compensation for the pain and suffering of the injury.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0870 174 0140

The damage caused by whiplash can take a considerable amount of time to heal with the victim experiencing chronic pain. Symptoms include :-

• impaired concentration
• memory loss
• irritability
• insomnia
• chronic fatigue
• depression
• blurred vision
• headaches
• nausea
• dizziness
• burning or prickling or tingling sensations in the back and neck

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0870 174 0140

If you notice any of these symptoms after a motor accident – even up to several weeks after the accident itself – you should consult a doctor immediately. This injury is so common that your GP can often make a speedy diagnosis. Your doctor will take your medical history into account, such as any previous neck, back or spine injuries, as well as your present symptoms. If your doctor suspects that the injury is more severe there may be further tests which can include MRI scans, CAT scans or X-rays. It should be noted that in order to make a whiplash claim there needs to be a medical record of the injury.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0870 174 0140

A range of treatments are available for whiplash and related injuries. Anti-inflammatory medications are often prescribed together with pain relief medication. Physiotherapy is frequently used often in conjunction with heat therapy. The sufferer may need to wear a surgical collar for a short period or require cervical traction. In very rare cases surgery may be performed to remove torn inter-vertebral discs and to fuse the neck vertebrae.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0870 174 0140

A whiplash claim can result in substantial compensation in cases where there is long-term damage. Mild whiplash cases frequently result in award of £2000, while the victims of the most severe whiplash injuries may be awarded sums up to £250,000. The amount of compensation will depend on the extent and severity of the injury, the length of the recovery period and any long-term side-effects of the accident, including disability. In addition financial losses can also be claimed.