Whiplash, also called neck sprain or neck strain, is a soft tissue injury to the neck. It is characterized by a collection of symptoms that occur following damage to the neck, usually because of sudden extension and flexion (bending).
How fast do you have to be going to claim whiplash?
While there’s no minimum speed for a whiplash claim, the severity of your injuries will dictate which route the claim is made through. One of our advisors can speak with you about your injuries and give you a valuation of the worth of your claim. They’ll then be able to let you know how much your injuries are worth.
Can you claim for mild whiplash?
If you think you have whiplash or related injuries after being in a car accident, even if your symptoms are mild, the law says you are entitled to financial compensation because of the pain and suffering you have experienced.
How long does whiplash claim take?
Most whiplash claims are settled within a 6 month period, however this is dependent upon a number of different factors including: Liability being accepted by the third party insurers. The medical prognosis and expected recovery time.
How do you describe whiplash injury Related Questions
Does whiplash show up on xray?
The difficulty with diagnosing whiplash is that it does not really show up on an X-ray, CT scan or an MRI scan. The diagnosis is usually made by asking the patient how they feel and then proceeding from there. People usually have pain in the back of their neck and they find that the pain is worse when they move.
What category of back pain is whiplash?
The pain often spreads into the upper back, between the shoulder blades, or down the arm. Neck pain that goes down the arm is called radiculopathy. Low back pain (LBP) can occur as a result of a whiplash injury.
How do I start a whiplash claim?
Seek Medical Care Immediately. You should always seek medical attention immediately, even if you are not experiencing any signs of whiplash. Follow Your Treatment Plan. File an Insurance Claim. Collect Evidence. Seek Legal Assistance.
Is it harder to claim for whiplash?
Is it hard to claim whiplash? Minor whiplash injuries can be difficult to prove, as in the majority of cases they cannot be seen on medical examinations, also, some symptoms may occur immediately after the incident, however, some symptoms may develop later on.
Can I claim for whiplash if it wasn’t my fault?
The answer is yes. If you get whiplash after being in an accident that wasn’t your fault, either as a driver or a passenger, you can make a whiplash claim on the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Should I accept first whiplash offer?
Unless you have taken independent legal advice on the whole value of your claim, you should not accept a first offer from an insurance company.
Is it OK to drive with whiplash?
Can I drive with whiplash? You should not drive if: the motion of the car aggravates your pain. you are unable to turn your neck sufficiently to be safe.
How much compensation for anxiety after car accident?
There is no set compensation payout that’s awarded for a personal injury, including anxiety. Instead, compensation is calculated based on the type of injury and how severe it is, and the impact on the claimant’s life. Also taken into account is if the injury has cost you financially.
What is Grade 1 whiplash?
Grade I: Neck complaint of pain, stiffness or tenderness only. No physical sign(s). Grade II: Neck complaint AND musculoskeletal sign(s). Musculoskeletal signs include decreased range of motion and point tenderness. Grade III: Neck complaint AND neurological sign(s).
What does neck whiplash feel like?
Pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of whiplash. You may experience a constant, aching pain, and pain that worsens when you move your head side-to-side or up and down. Pain and stiffness may be accompanied by tense, knotted muscles, muscle spasms, and limited range of motion for moving your neck.
What does a whiplash headache feel like?
What are the symptoms of whiplash headache? Patients with headache after a whiplash injury will typically experience pain in the back of the head where the head meets the neck. This pain may radiate to the temples, the top of the head, the front of the head or down the neck. The pain may be intermittent or constant.
What are the red flags for whiplash?
Signs and symptoms of whiplash usually develop within days of the injury, and may include: Neck pain and stiffness. Worsening of pain with neck movement. Loss of range of motion in the neck.
How do doctors test for whiplash?
There are several possible tests, most of them imaging scans, that can help a provider rule out other conditions or issues and diagnose whiplash, including: X-rays. Computerized tomography (CT) scans. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Can a chiropractor tell if you have whiplash?
A chiropractor can evaluate your spine with a thorough examination if you have/think you may have whiplash. They will feel for tenderness and tightness and perform chiropractic adjustments to help reduce inflammation caused by the irritation of the nerves.
What not to do after whiplash?
Avoid lifting, sports, or other activities that might strain your neck. Try sleeping on a special neck pillow. Place it under your neck, not under your head. Placing a tightly rolled-up towel under your neck while you sleep will also work.
Is whiplash seen on MRI?
While whiplash does not have a definitive appearance in MRIs, they are useful for diagnosis. First, MRIs can rule out things like fractures, slipped discs, or other severe injuries that may cause pain, allowing doctors to determine whiplash as the primary injury to treat.