Whiplash covers soft tissue injuries of the neck and back, resulting from road traffic accidents. Medical opinion suggests that whiplash injuries occur when a body is jolted or jerked violently as a result of impact, such as when cars are rear-ended by another vehicle. Often this sudden movement means the passenger is thrown forward and backwards again. This can affect the muscles and nerves in the neck, causing pain and discomfort.

It is generally accepted that whiplash injuries don’t come on straightaway, but may develop in the hours and days after an accident. You should seek medical treatment as soon as you are aware of the symptoms. If necessary, x-rays should ensure there are no fractures.

Common symptoms of whiplash include –

• Pain in the neck and upper spine
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Stiffness
• Muscle spasms
• Pain down the arms, even the fingers
• Loss of mobility or restriction in the movements of neck and spinal muscles

Whiplash often clears up within 12 months. Symptoms may settle within weeks or months of the initial impact, and diminish after that.

As in any road traffic accident, there is potential for psychological symptoms such as travel anxiety or adjustment disorders. We can help you seek expert medical opinion to verify these are related to an accident.

Any amount awarded depends on the severity of your injury and how long the symptoms affect your everyday life. Recovery is unique to each individual, therefore medical opinion must substantiate the exact nature of injuries.

As there are uninsured vehicles on our roads, it is not uncommon for drivers to leave the scene of an accident or not to be insured. If you are unlucky enough to be involved in an accident where the driver responsible has either driven off or is uninsured, this does not have to end the matter. We help with claims against the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, for either untraced or uninsured drivers.

We help you complete the relevant forms for the Motor Insurers’ Bureau and guide you through the compensation process.

If you or a loved one suffers a catastrophic injury, such as loss of limb or brain injury, it changes the life not only of the victim, but also their family, forever.

Catastrophic injury claims are extremely complicated and difficult to co-ordinate. It is crucial that you seek advice from solicitors with experience dealing with serious or catastrophic injury cases.

Of course, compensation will never be enough, but our team is here to advise you on issues like –

• Future employment prospects
• Educational needs
• Rehabilitation
• Long-term planning
• Benefits
• Welfare
• House adaptation and care

If you need advice on these issues, please contact us.

The unexpected death of a loved one following an accident has wide-ranging consequences, not only the emotional impact for family members, but also potential financially. Our expert team can help you through every step of the legal process and ensure that any issues are dealt with professionally and efficiently and, most importantly, with our assistance we ensure all issues are dealt with without any further burden or stress to family members at such a difficult time.