Whiplash Compensation Claims

If you've had a car crash and you're experiencing neck pain and stiffness, it's possible that you may have whiplash.

Essentially, whiplash occurs when a sudden movement or jolt damages the ligaments, tendons or muscles in your neck. Whiplash is especially common when a car accident takes place, causing the head to jolt violently. However, it may also occur through long-term damage to the neck or if you've been the victim of a blow to the head.

The symptoms of whiplash may not arise until six to 12 hours after a road traffic accident has occurred or - in some cases - even longer. According to the NHS, the most common symptoms of whiplash include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Neck swelling and tenderness
• Loss of movement in the neck
• Headaches

More severe symptoms of whiplash include pain in the lower back, muscle spasms, dizziness, blurred vision and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). In a few cases, it may lead to loss of memory, poor concentration or even disability.

The effects of whiplash may impact upon both your personal life and your ability to work, especially if your job involves significant physical activity. It's in cases like this that making a whiplash injury claim can be particularly important.

If you've been the victim of a road traffic accident and are suffering from any recognised symptoms of whiplash, consult your GP immediately. To establish whether or not you are suffering from whiplash, doctors may ask how your injury happened and request details of your symptoms.

In certain cases, you may need to undergo a tomography scan, through which X-rays of your body are taken in sections, or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). These will help establish whether the bones in your neck or spine have been fractured through your injury.

If your whiplash injury was caused by a car accident that wasn't your fault, you may be able to apply for whiplash compensation. Call our 24-hour free helpline on 0800 180 4 123 or try our 30-second compensation calculator, which will give you a rough idea of how much you could claim.

You can also submit a full CLAIM ONLINE NOW.