Whiplash Compensation Claim

Whiplash affects the soft tissue in the neck, and is a common injury most associated with road traffic accidents. It is estimated that around 20 per cent of car accident victims suffer from whiplash.

Whiplash occurs when the neck has been jerked violently one way, and then rapidly the other way. If a vehicle suddenly decelerates (like in an emergency stop) or hits something, the sudden jerk can cause the soft tissue in the spine to stretch and strain, and the muscles, nerves and tendons of the neck to stretch.

Other causes of whiplash injury include a violent blow to the head (as in during an assault) or repetitive damage to the muscles and vertebrae in the neck.

Common symptoms of whiplash injury include; pain in the neck, shoulders and arms; tingling in the arms; headaches; dizziness; tinnitus; temporary memory loss; stiffness; muscle spasms and nausea. Whiplash injury is not always obvious straight away, so if you have recently been involved in a car accident, you should seek medical attention even if you are not in any pain.

Whiplash can vary from short-term discomfort to long-term problems, or even disability. If you have suffered whiplash as a result of a car accident that wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to personal injury compensation.