Making a Whiplash Compensation Claim

Whiplash is the term used to describe neck injuries caused by the sudden rapid movement of the neck in either a backwards and forwards or side to side motion. Whiplash is most commonly caused by car accidents but can also be caused by other accidents where the neck is suddenly thrust in a jerking motion.

The sudden whiplash neck movement causes the muscles and soft tissue in the neck to be strained or even torn.The consequences of a whiplash injury can include neck, back and shoulder pain, restricted movement, headaches, blurred vision and a pins and needles sensation.

If you have been diagnosed with a whiplash injury, you could be able to make a whiplash compensation claim. In order to do this the accident which has caused your whiplash injury must have been caused by the negligence of a third party. If the accident was your own fault, you would not be entitled to any personal injury compensation.

Whiplash is most commonly associated with car accident claims. Although any type of car accident can cause a whiplash injury, the most common type of car accident which causes whiplash is rear end shunts. A rear end shunt, or rear end collision is when a third party fails to stop and crashes into the back of the vehicle you are travelling in.

To be eligible for a compensation claim, you must start your claim within three years from the actual date the accident happened. This three year period starts on your 18th birthday, if you were under the age of 18 years old when the accident happened. If it is left longer than three years, it is unlikely a personal injury lawyer would be able to help you claim compensation for your whiplash injury, regardless of the extent of the injury.

If you suffer a whiplash injury and are hoping to make a whiplash compensation claim, it is important to choose the right whiplash injury solicitor that can get you the compensation you are rightfully entitled to. When making your decision, there are a few points you should keep in mind.

Firstly you should make sure you chose a solicitor that specialises in personal injury claims. This is important as by choosing a personal injury specialist to take care of your whiplash injury claim, you will have the best chance possible of not only having a successful outcome to your claim, but also receiving the level of compensation your whiplash injury warrants.

Secondly, does the personal injury solicitor work on a no win no fee basis? Most personal injury lawyers should be able to take your whiplash claim on a no win no fee basis. However, it is important to check before you decide to go ahead, as once you have signed up with your chosen solicitor, if they do not work on a no win no fee basis you will be liable to pay all of the solicitor costs regardless of whether your whiplash compensation claim is successful or not.

Thirdly you should ask whether or not your whiplash injury solicitor can provide a 100% compensation guarantee. This means that if your whiplash injury claim is successful, you will receive 100% of the compensation that is awarded, without any deductions. The costs associated with making the whiplash compensation claim are recovered by your solicitor from the third party.