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Whiplash
is the physical injury resulting from a car accident. A whiplash
compensation claim often arises from a low impact collision and
is not uncommon for the front vehicle to be stationery at the time of
the accident. Whiplash is not only caused by road accidents but may
be the result of a fall, a sporting injury or even an assault.
Whiplash is soft tissue injury to the
neck caused by a sudden jolt forwards and upwards. In a car accident,
the body is restrained in a seatbelt and so the head moves more than
the rest of the body. In some cases, the pain is immediate but for
many, the extent of the symptoms are not realised for a day or two.
In most instances the pain lasts several days, but it can last for
years. In extreme situations, the victim will wear a collar support
and take anti-inflammatory medication and some whiplash injuries even
require surgery. Fortunately, the majority of people make a full
recovery.
No
win no fee solicitors will offer a free consultation for those
looking to start a claim. They will assess the circumstances and
advise if there is a valid claim for whiplash compensation. There is
no obligation to proceed with the claim. No win no fee means that if
successful, the claimant will receive 100% of the compensation and
the successful claimant's solicitors will seek to recover their fees
from the opposing party. If the case is lost, there is insurance in
place to cover the costs and no fees are payable.
It
is important to obtain medical assistance as quickly as possible
following an injury to the neck. Symptoms of whiplash include
headaches and dizziness. If unable to obtain NHS treatment, seek
private medical assistance, as the costs incurred can be claimed back
from the opposing party. An experienced claims solicitors will be
able to offer advice regarding ongoing medical care.
A
compensation claim
is made in respect of the physical injury, which includes emotional
pain and loss of enjoyment of life. A claim may also be made in
respect of costs and medical expenses which have been incurred. This
can include any loss of earnings and any future financial deficit as
a result of the injury. If a replacement vehicle is hired, the costs
of this can often be retrieved and also the repair of the damaged
vehicle. It is important to keep all receipts as evidence of payment.
Provided
there is medical support, it is relatively straightforward for an
experienced solicitor to bring a compensation claim. The length of
time a claim takes to settle will vary. When the accident occurs,
take the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses.
Photographs may also assist a claim. Many vehicle insurance policies
include legal assistance, so the injured party will have the option
to choose the solicitor appointed by their insurance or choose their
own expert.
No
win no fee solicitors are incredibly experienced when it comes to
dealing with a whiplash compensation claim. The opposing insurer will
tend to offer a settlement amount immediately if there is no dispute
as to liability. Seek legal advice before accepting the offer,
because often it is less than acceptable levels of compensation.
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