UK WHIPLASH CLAIM ADVICE

Among the most common legal actions relating to road traffic accidents is a whiplash claim. Many thousands of damages payments are made in relation to this type of injury every year in the UK. Road traffic accidents are responsible for many different injuries but this injury is by far the most common.

The classic cause is when a vehicle is hit from behind although many similar injuries occurr in side impact collisions. About one in five people involved in road traffic accidents suffer injuries to the neck. When someone crashes into your car from behind, the car is pushed forward by the sudden impact. This injury occurs due to sudden acceleration and deceleration of the head which causes stretching of the muscles and ligaments of the neck which in turn impacts on the nerves. Occasionally there is more severe damage relating to discs and bones.

The amount of compensation awarded in a whiplash claim varies greatly. Victims suffering very minor injuries may be awarded up to £2,000 in compensation, whereas those affected by more severe injuries may receive up to £250,000 to compensate for their pain and suffering plus lost earnings. The amount of compensation depends on the type and severity of the injury and the recovery period. Vulnerable individuals including those with a previous neck injury and the elderly may have chronic long term neck problems as a result of an accident and damages awarded can be very substantial. It is rare that there is disc damage and extremely rare for bone damage to occur however when it does occur there may be need for surgical intervention which can increase damages substantially especially where it is necessary to fuse the vertebrae of the neck to facilitate pain reduction.

Following a road traffic accident, it is very important you seek medical advice from a doctor who can assess the extent of your injury. If your injury is properly diagnosed, it will help the treatment and you can make a speedier recovery. The doctor will normally base diagnosis on your past medical records and your detailed description of symptoms. If the doctor believes your neck is seriously injured, you may need a full physical and neurological examination, involving tests such as CAT scans or MRI scans. X-rays are sometimes needed if the doctor suspects there are fractures in the vertebrae.

Our solicitors are accident specialists and are all members of the Law Society Panel of personal injury experts. They have a wealth of experience in handling whiplash claim settlements. We represent all of our clients on a no win no fee basis and it is not necessary to fund or finance your case in any respect. Compensation is paid in full with no deductions. Win or lose there is no charge.

If you feel that talking with an expert solicitor might be helpful then there is no better time to do so. Our experts talk only in plain English and do not use any complicated legal jargon. We will answer your questions and provide you with the information you need to make your decision. Our advice is completely free and there is no obligation to use our services further. Just complete the claim form or use the helpline and a specialist personal injury solicitor will give you free advice.