How Long Does Whiplash Last?

How Long Does Whiplash Usually Last For?

Are you suffering from Whiplash? Have you been in an Accident?

A whiplash injury can be extremely sore and very upsetting. Being in an accident can cause pain, anxiety and leave you traumatised.

We are Expert Whiplash Claims Solicitors Belfast & Derry and we will help you claim Compensation at no cost to you.

We will remove any stress after an Accident and help you obtain the highest amount of compensation available.

Call us now on  028 9002 5511 or 028 71 229 343 or click here for a >FREE ENQUIRY< 

“You will be treated with the utmost care and respect and have a great result. I would highly recommend McGee Solicitors.” Client Review

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is often caused by car accidents when the head is snapped backwards, forwards or sideways suddenly causing injury. The spine is jolted sharply, causing soft-tissue injuries and, on occasion, fractures.

It can also occur if you slip or fall or during sports or other high-impact activities. Damage can be caused to ligaments, muscles and nerves and you could experience a range of symptoms.

The length of time whiplash will last depends on how severe the impact was and how bad your initial injuries are. While mild whiplash may only last from a few days to a few weeks, for many people it can unfortunately be much longer-lasting.

Many people will have mostly recovered within 18-24 months, but a large proportion will still have symptoms years later.

“Michael was absolutely amazing through my time with him, constantly checking on my mental and physical state as well as keeping me updated regularly. I couldn’t recommend a better team to work with in any legal situation.” Client Review

Why Choose Us?

You will be met with a friendly face and positive attitude by a team that really wants to see the best outcome for you and the legal issue you have encountered. You will know we are on your side.

We are experts at representing clients who have suffered whiplash and other injuries in accidents. We offer a free initial consultation so that you can talk to us about the incident and ask us any questions you may have.

We have in-depth experience of personal injury claims and a high level of success in securing the best possible compensation payments for our clients.

We realise that your legal issue is extremely important to you. That means that it is also extremely important to us, because we care about our client’s and we want to see the best possible outcome for you.

If you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault and you believe you have experienced whiplash, you are advised to speak to a solicitor immediately.

You are likely to be entitled to claim compensation for the pain and suffering you are experiencing as well as for any financial losses, for example, if you have had to miss work.

If you would like to take up our offer of a free initial consultation with one of our expert personal injury lawyers, call us on  028 9002 5511 or fill in our no-obligation Free Enquiry Form.

Do I Have Whiplash?

Whiplash symptoms can be varied and are not just confined to the neck. They include:

• Neck pain
• Neck stiffness and reduced range of movement
• Arm, shoulder and upper back pain
• A tingling sensation in the arms
• Headaches, in particular at the base of the skull
• Dizziness
• Disrupted sleep
• Poor concentration and memory
• Irritability
• Problems with vision

Some people are more at risk of whiplash than others, including those with an existing back or neck condition, people who have suffered whiplash previously and those whose injury was more violent, for example, where a car was travelling relatively quickly when the impact occurred.

If you are in an accident and you believe you may have suffered whiplash, you should seek medical treatment straightaway. This will give you the best chance of recovery and also ensure that there are records available to support your legal claim, if you choose to make one. You should also attend any recommended follow-up appointments.

Claiming Compensation For Whiplash

If the accident was not your fault or only partially your fault, you could be entitled to a compensation payment. This will have two elements to it:

• Compensation for your pain and suffering and loss of amenity, known as general damages; and
• Compensation for your financial losses, known as special damages

This means that you are entitled to be paid for any ongoing medical help that you need that is not provided by the NHS.

Long-term Help For Whiplash

Your medical team could recommend a number of treatments for whiplash if it is likely to last more than a few weeks. It is important to keep going to the recommended sessions to give yourself the best possible chance of recovery.

Possible treatment that could be recommended includes:

• Physiotherapy appointments, to help reduce the pain you are experiencing by improving strength and flexibility
• Chiropractic help to manually adjust the spine
• Massage
• Acupuncture to reduce ongoing pain
• Medication, such as muscle relaxants and, if necessary, painkillers

In some cases, help with mental health may also be needed if you have suffered psychological trauma as a result of the accident or your ongoing symptoms.

Your legal claim for compensation can include a claim for payment for all of the necessary treatments that you need that are not offered by the NHS.

Whiplash FAQs

We are happy to speak to you and answer any questions you may have in respect of your potential whiplash claim. Below are the responses to some of the points we are most commonly asked.

Will I have to go to court for a whiplash claim?

If you ask us to represent you in your claim, we will contact the insurance company for the at-fault driver or other at-fault party and advise them that you intend to seek compensation. If they admit liability, we will have medical reports prepared on your behalf and try to negotiate the right amount of compensation.

Our personal injury team are expert negotiators and deal with large insurers and their legal teams every day. We are usually able to resolve cases in this way so that it is not necessary to go to court.

If your case does go to court, we will arrange for you to be represented by an expert Barrister and ensure you have the support and preparation you need.

How much compensation is paid for whiplash?

The amount of compensation for whiplash will vary, depending on the severity of your injuries. If you ring to speak to one of our personal injury solicitors, we can discuss your particular case with you and give you an idea of the amount you might expect to receive.

Alternatively, you can fill in our whiplash claim calculator.

How long do I have to make a whiplash claim?

You will generally have three years from the date on which you were injured in which to start a claim for compensation. However, if you were not immediately aware of your injuries, the three-year period runs from the date on which you should reasonably have been aware that you had suffered harm.

How long does a whiplash claim take?

The length of time taken to obtain compensation for whiplash will depend on the severity of your injuries. If they are relatively mild, your claim could be settled within a few months or a year. For more severe cases, you may be advised to wait and see how well you heal before agreeing on a final payment.

“From the very first phone call I felt at ease and was kept up to date with everything. Amazing help at every step, very friendly and reliable service. Also settled and sorted quickly with no hassles. Polite and professional.” Client Review

Contact Our Whiplash Solicitors

We have a high level of experience in dealing with whiplash claims and are known for being friendly, approachable and supportive. If you have been injured in an accident and you believe you may have a claim for whiplash, speak to one of our personal injury experts.   We will be able to tell you about the first steps to be taken in securing compensation.

To take up our offer of a free initial consultation, call us on 028 9002 5511 or fill in our no-obligation Free Enquiry Form and one of our expert whiplash solicitors in Belfast will be happy to help you.