For a whiplash claim, you will need as much evidence that you can provide, this could include photos, witnesses’ details from the incident or statements, as well as any medical evidence your injuries. Medical reports will be vital when it comes to your whiplash compensation claim.
How bad does whiplash have to be to claim?
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 compensation 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.
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.
What evidence do you need for a whiplash claim Related Questions
Does a doctor have to diagnose whiplash?
Your doctor can diagnose whiplash during a clinic visit. In most cases, your doctor will take a medical history and perform an exam to determine the cause of your symptoms. During the physical exam, your doctor will check your range of motion, reflexes, and tenderness in the neck and shoulders.
Does whiplash show up on imaging?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), however, is able to assess different types of soft-tissue lesions related to whiplash injuries. Dynamic imaging may show functional disturbances.
Do insurance companies pay out for whiplash?
The insurance provider will make a compensation offer based on the circumstances of your claim, including the medical report and any other losses you’ve included. If you have a whiplash injury, this will be based on a fixed tariff (see below).
What happens if you lose a whiplash claim?
If your claim is not successful If you don’t win your claim and receive no compensation, the defendant will seek to recover their costs from you. These, and any other costs payable, would be paid by an After the Event (ATE) insurance policy.
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.
What does whiplash look like on an 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.
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).
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 stage 4 whiplash?
Whiplash Phase 4: This results in a violent forward-bending motion of your neck, straining the muscles and ligaments, tearing fibers in the spinal discs, and forcing vertebrae out of their normal position.
How are whiplash symptoms diagnosed?
Neck pain. Neck stiffness. Shoulder pain. Low back pain. Dizziness. Pain in your arm or hand. Numbness in your arm or hand. Ringing in your ears.
What is classed as serious whiplash?
If you suffered significant losses, such as costly medical bills or missed time at work, your whiplash injury may qualify as serious. If so, you may need to take your claim to court for fair compensation. Whiplash can inflict painful and disabling symptoms on a victim for days, weeks or months after an accident.
Who checks for whiplash?
Diagnosing whiplash In order for whiplash to be diagnosed you’ll need an assessment from a healthcare professional. They’ll ask you questions about your neck issue and then carry out a physical examination. This may include checking your range of movement and strength.
Do you need an MRI after whiplash?
Some whiplash injuries heal on their own with minimal treatment. However, such injuries can develop long-term problems. MRIs can help predict whether an injury is severe enough, and can help you receive the right treatment from the start to prevent future complications.
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.
Where does whiplash usually hurt?
Whiplash most often happens after a traffic accident or a slip or fall. Common symptoms of whiplash include: neck pain. neck stiffness and difficulty moving your head.
What part of the body does whiplash affect?
What is whiplash? 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).