Whiplash Claims

This site is owned and operated by Macks Solicitors a Specialist Personal Injury and Related Solicitors Negligence Practice.

If you have suffered a whiplash injury in an accident that was caused by another person Macks Solicitors can help you bring a claim for compensation against those responsible. And, because we do not take referrals or act on behalf of insurance companies you can be sure that we will act in your best interest at all times.

Contacting us is simple and won’t cost you a penny, call us direct on Freephone 0800 9809387 or simply complete the Online Claim form by clicking on the Contact Us button at the bottom of the page and one of our solicitors will contact you as quickly as possible.

What is Whiplash Injury?

Whiplash is the term used to describe the violent backwards and forwards movement of the head often experienced by people involved in road traffic accidents. The injury is to the muscles, ligaments or tendons in the neck, some of which have been stretched as a result of this whiplash motion.

Although whiplash is one of the most common causes of injury in road traffic accidents it can also occur as a result of a fall, slip or trip, a sports injury or even following an assault.

If you have suffered a whiplash injury in an incident caused by the actions or negligence of someone else, or as a result of an assault, you may be able to bring a claim for personal injury compensation.

Contact Macks Solicitors on Freephone 0800 9809387 for advice without obligation.

Road Traffic Accidents

As a driver, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian injured in an accident on the roads you may claim against the other person involved if it can be proved that the accident was caused as a result of their actions.

Passengers in vehicles, including taxis and buses, involved in a road traffic accident may make a claim against the insurers of the driver responsible for causing the accident. This may be the driver of the other vehicle or the driver of the vehicle in which you were a passenger if he was at fault.

Even if the driver of the other vehicle (or motorcyclist) is uninsured, gave false details or left the scene it may be possible to make a claim. The Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) was set up to compensate the victims of untraced or uninsured drivers but the incident must have been reported to the police straight away for them to accept an application.

Falls, Trips or Slips

If you have fallen, tripped or slipped and suffered a whiplash injury because of a badly maintained surface, whether it was outside on a pavement or road, or inside a public building or shop, you may be able to claim from the body responsible for maintaining the site in which the accident happened.

Sports Injury

Whilst it is generally accepted that certain sports carry an element of risk there are circumstances where it may be possible to make a claim for compensation. If, for example, a whiplash injury is caused by the irresponsible behaviour of an opponent, faulty equipment or a substandard playing surface, a claim may be made against the person or body accountable.

Criminal Assault

A punch to the head or an awkward fall following a blow can cause the head to snap back violently causing whiplash injury. Even if the person who committed the assault is never identified, caught or convicted, victims of criminal violence are able to make a claim for compensation through the Criminal Injury Compensation Authority. Whatever caused you to sustain a whiplash injury, if you believe that someone else was responsible you should be able to make a claim for personal injury compensation.

Symptoms of Whiplash Injury

The severity of symptoms following whiplash are dependent on a number of factors. The speed and angle of impact in a collision, how awkward or heavy a fall, trip or slip, and the age and fitness of the sufferer may all have a bearing on the whiplash injury and the length of time it takes to recover from it.

Symptoms of whiplash injury may include pain when turning the head, looking up or down, or when moving the neck. It can in some cases cause muscle spasms and pain to radiate into the shoulder and upper back, headaches and pins and needles in the arms, hands and fingers.

Symptoms may take a day or two to develop and then worsen over a period of time before easing and getting better. Recovery may take a few weeks for some people whilst others are left with pain and other symptoms for many years. It is because recovery periods are so hard to predict without the benefit of a medical report that you should take advice from a personal injury solicitor who may refer you to a specialist Consultant. The Consultant will be asked for an expert opinion not only on the injury but any long term consequences it is likely to have. His prognosis will be taken into consideration when it comes to settling any award.

Treatment of Whiplash

There is no specific treatment for injury caused by whiplash but painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs may help. However, it is always advisable to check with your GP or at the Accident & Emergency department before you take any medication.

Cold packs may also ease the inflammation which is the cause of pain and whilst you may need to rest your neck initially your GP may suggest some gentle exercises to try to regain mobility and ease the symptoms.

If it would be beneficial to your recovery you may be referred for Physiotherapy Treatment. You should undergo any treatment offered, not only will it help you make a full and speedy recovery but it may harm your claim if you are not seen to be doing everything possible to assist your recuperation.

Making a Claim

It is always advisable to contact a specialist solicitor for advice as it is not always possible to predict the nature of recovery from a whiplash injury. Some people make a relatively speedy recovery while others suffer long lasting, and in some cases lifelong symptoms of pain and restricted movement.

The insurers may try to make an early offer of compensation but without independent medical diagnosis of the extent of the injury and the time recovery is likely to take their offer may not represent the true value of your claim for compensation.

Any settlement should take into account your pain and suffering but should also include damages for loss of earnings now and likely wage loss in the future, cost of travel for treatment, cost of any treatment such as physiotherapy etc. cost of any care while you recover (this includes any care given by family members).

Macks Solicitors will ensure that you are awarded the maximum compensation available and that you receive the full amount of the award without any deductions. If you would like advice on a Personal Injury claim contact us by Freephone on 0800 980 9387 or Contact Us online and one of our specialist solicitors will call you as soon as possible.