Whiplash
Neck Injuries
The most common form of injury in motoring and road traffic accidents is a whiplash injury.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is a term used to describe injuries to the neck caused by sudden movement of the head either backward, sideways or forwards. This movement takes the framework of the spine beyond its normal limits with the vertebrae being forced out of normal position and function. This can reduce the range of motion.
The violent movement can cause the muscles, ligaments and tendons supporting the spine and head to be overstretched and torn. The shock absorbers of the spine, the discs, can bulge, tear or rupture.
The symptoms that can arise from a whiplash injury are as follows:
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Pain, pins and needles, numbness or muscle spasm in the shoulder
- Pain, pins and needles, numbness or muscle spasm in the arm
- Pain, pins and needles, numbness or muscle spasm in the hands
- Reduced ability to turn and bend
- Low back problems
Symptoms may not appear for weeks or even months, as the body attempts to adapt to the changes that have taken place.
Compensation for whiplash injuries
Every injury to every person is different, and two people put into exactly the same car crash would react completely differently. Generally if you suffer pain and discomfort for more than 3 or 4 weeks, or there is any possibility of long term problems, then it will be worth pursuing your whiplash claim through one of our specialist whiplash solicitors. You can get a free assessment of your particular case from a special solicitor by clicking here.
Any claim which is worth in excess of £1,000 can be pursued using a solicitor in the knowledge that if you win your case then your legal costs should be met by the other party. If your claim is for less than £1,000 then the court cannot award you costs even if you win your case, so you would have to pay for your own legal representation.