Injuries to the neck can be severe and result in long-lasting complications for many. If you think you might be suffering from whiplash, our personal injury team have answered some frequently asked whiplash injury claim questions, to help you to decide on your next step.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is an injury to the soft tissue in your neck, caused by a sudden jolt which moves the neck quickly in a forwards and backwards motion. Whiplash injuries are often perceived as minor but, in many cases, large numbers of people can suffer from serious and long-lasting effects.
Whiplash is one of the most common complaints reported in road traffic accidents, usually when the vehicle you are travelling in is hit from behind. However, you can also sustain whiplash injuries through sporting accidents, accidents at work or from trips and falls in public places.
No matter how you sustained your whiplash injury, it is important to receive medical attention and seek legal advice, as you could be entitled to compensation.
What does whiplash feel like?
Whiplash can be a very painful injury, with common symptoms including neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and shoulder pain. Whiplash can also affect your ability to sleep, causing tiredness and irritability.
You may find your range of mobility is now more limited, which will affect your ability to work and live your life as normal.
How long does a whiplash claim take?
As all accidents are unique, it is impossible to tell how long it could take for your claim to be processed. There are many factors which affect the length of time it takes to settle a whiplash injury claim, such as
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether or not the other party admits fault
Having looked at your case, it is possible that your solicitor may be able to give you a rough timescale, but it’s never set in stone. Our advice is to contact a solicitor as close to the time of your accident as possible, so that they can begin the legal procedure sooner rather than later.
How much compensation for whiplash?
As with all personal injury claims, the amount of compensation you could be awarded for whiplash is totally dependent on the circumstances of your accident, and the severity of your injuries.
The factors which could affect the size of your whiplash claim can include
- The severity of your pain and suffering as a result of the accident
- How much it has cost you, such as lost wages and travel and medical expenses
- The length of time that you have been suffering as a result of your whiplash injury
- Whether you have needed help at home from loved ones during your recovery
Why should I choose Watermans to pursue a claim?
At Watermans, we understand how painful and debilitating whiplash injuries can be, and how daunting the idea of making a claim can be.
We offer straightforward legal advice, so that you can concentrate on your recovery while we handle the legal side of things. We can also organise rehabilitation treatment for you.
We take the hassle out of making a claim, so that your only worry is getting your life back on track again.
To speak to one of our dedicated team, use the contact form below, and start your compensation claim process today.