Whiplash injuries can have serious and long lasting effects. If you have suffered a whiplash injury in a road traffic accident, Slater and Gordon may be able to help you claim compensation. Most of our whiplash injury compensation claims are handled on a no win no fee basis – so there is no financial risk.
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.
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.
How long does a claim 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.