Whiplash can well be one of the most common injuries sustained when someone is in a car accident or other type of road traffic accident. In the UK alone, thousands of individuals suffer every year from various forms of whiplash, from the more minor to the most severe. But what you should know is that even though this type of injury may be very common, you can still claim compensation for it if the accident is through no fault of your own.
The definition of whiplash
First of all, you should be aware that whiplash is a common or standard term used for injuries related to the neck, often sustained from a sudden or abrupt movement of someone’s neck or head. If you are in a car, for example, and your head suddenly moves forward, backward, or sideways due to a collision with another car, then your neck’s tendons and ligaments may become temporarily damaged or strained.
Whiplash injuries most often occur in car accidents and other accidents on the road, but they can also be the result of a fall or slip which causes one’s head to jerk abruptly in a particular direction.
The symptoms associated with whiplash
There are a number of symptoms associated with whiplash, but not all symptoms are experienced by everyone. One thing to remember, though, is that whiplash symptoms can take a while to surface, usually around six to twelve hours (even more) after the accident. These whiplash symptoms can also worsen for a period of several days, and may even last for a few months.
Some common whiplash symptoms include neck stiffness and pain, headaches or dizziness, reduced neck movements and a noticeable tenderness or swelling of the muscles on the neck, a pins and needles feeling, a shooting or throbbing pain on the hands or arms, hand or arm numbness, and even blurred or fuzzy vision.
The facts on claims for compensation for whiplash
Each claim for whiplash injuries is different because of the simple fact that everyone exhibits whiplash symptoms in various ways. The severity of your whiplash injury may also have an effect on your quality or enjoyment of life, and this can also affect how much compensation you can expect.
When planning to file a claim for a whiplash injury, it is best to consult an experienced solicitor such as those from http://shireslaw.com. When you meet with a solicitor, let them know all the details including whatever losses and expenses you have sustained. If you have any further problems or issues related to your whiplash injury, you should mention these as well.
Making your whiplash compensation claim
It is important for you to meet personally with a solicitor as they are the ones who can best determine whether you have actual grounds for a claim or not. The good thing is that the initial consultation is usually free, and most solicitors, like those from http://shireslaw.com, also work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis, which means that you will not be charged for any professional or legal fees until or unless your claim is successful.
Once you have found the right solicitor, they will also give you all the information you need on how you can claim compensation for your whiplash injury. The solicitor will also be able to arrange the gathering of evidence for you, including an examination from an independent medical specialist if necessary. All other paperwork related to your case can also be dealt with by an efficient solicitor, so make sure you have a good legal professional by your side.
