Road traffic accidents make up a sizeable proportion of all personal injury claims and the most common injury sustained after a car crash is whiplash.

Figures released by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) in 2011 have shown just how frequent cases of whiplash are as around 1,200 whiplash claims are made each day in the UK.

While road traffic accidents are responsible for a high number of the amount of people laid low by whiplash, there are countless other ways of sustaining the nasty neck injury, including sporting accidents and suffering a slip, trip or fall.

What exactly is whiplash?

Whiplash is a type of injury caused by a sudden jolt of the head either backwards, forwards or sideways that causes ligament and tendon damage in the neck. The stretching and straining of the soft tissue in the spine can be extremely painful and it can take months and even years to recover fully from severe cases of whiplash. Common symptoms include a feeling of stiffness in the neck and back of the head and a spate of headaches. Muscle spasms can also occur as well as shoulder pains.

What should I do if I think I have whiplash?

If a slip, trip or fall or being involved in a road traffic accident has left you nursing the symptoms of whiplash then apply some ice to the neck as soon as possible to reduce the inflammation and numb the area. Taking paracetamol and painkillers will help to ease the pain in the short term, but if the symptoms persist or get worse than it’s important to seek medical attention without delay. Not only will the medical experts be able to treat you, the medical records will also come in handy when the times arrives to make your personal injury claim if the whiplash occurred as a result of the actions of somebody else.

As a whiplash sufferer how much compensation could I be entitled to?

The exact level of compensation differs from one personal injury claim to the next as no two cases are ever the same. As a rough estimate, though, a minor whiplash injury could result in compensation of up £4,250, a moderate case of whiplash up to £7,750 and a severe neck injury up to £82,000. These figures are based on the amount of compensation commonly awarded for similar injuries.

Is it really No Win No Fee?

At First4lawyers, we pride ourselves on being honest and trustworthy. That’s why when we offer a No Win No Fee agreement, it’s precisely as it seems as you only pay your solicitor’s fee if your personal injury claim is successful.

Start Your Claim

First4Lawyers retain a specialist panel of experienced no win no fee solicitors. To find out if you can make a personal injury claim, call us now on 0800 567 7866 or request a call back for free advice. If you wish to leave more details about your claim, then fill out our Online Claim Form and one of our specialist advisors will telephone you without obligation to discuss your claim further.