Whiplash is the most common injury amongst road traffic accidents. An average of 20 per cent of people involved in a car accident sustain whiplash injuries. Whiplash injuries can also be sustained whilst stuck in traffic for instance; the vehicle does not have to be driving fast for whiplash to be caused.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is any injury to the soft tissue, and is usually an injury to the head or neck.

How long to I have to be eligible to make a claim for whiplash?

You can still make a whiplash claim even after other injuries occur such as a head injury as well as repetitive, long term neck damage. There's no set time to whiplash recovery. It could take a long time, and if you've had to be signed off work, or had to pay for any medical expenses, then you should also be compensated for any 'out of pocket' expenses too.

How do you know if you have whiplash?

An X-ray will be able to confirm the symptoms but a medical assessment carried out by your GP will also be able to confirm the symptoms. Neck, arm, shoulder pain, dizziness, headache and even loss of memory, depression, ringing ears and trouble concentrating are all symptoms that your doctor can diagnose as being a whiplash injury.

Any medical notes or certificates that have been written by your GP should be filed with your claim.

What you need to know when filing a claim for whiplash

• Witnesses at the scene of the accident have to be completely neutral to you they can not be a member of your family or friends.
• Make sure you take plenty of rest; whiplash can be quite painful if strained.
• Do not make up a false witness that was not at the scene of the accident. His or her story may not match up with yours and you will be committing an illegal offence. Besides getting yourself into a lot of trouble, you claim will also be denied.

What is required from you when making a claim for whiplash?

In order to support your whiplash compensation claim, your will need to:

• Provide them with date and time the accident happened
• Supply details of any witnesses at the time of the accident - these will go down as evidence to support your claim.
• Explain where and how the accident happened
• Expalin how your quality of life after the accident.
• Provide any photographic evidence you might have that was taken at the scene of the accident, or of any injuries you have sustained.
• Give your solicitor the contact details of your GP and/or hospital address to support of any medical treatment that you have received. You may be entitled to compensation for any medical expenses that you have had to pay out of your own pocket.
• Inform your solicitor of any time you have had to take of work. If you have been signed of work by your GP, you may also be entitled to claim for any financial loss that you have suffered.