Whiplash

Whiplash is an injury that can be sustained after even the most minor road traffic accident, causing lasting pain, discomfort and even financial strain. Caused when your head is thrown back and forth by a sudden impact or jolt forward, whiplash is named after this sudden whipping motion and subsequent strain or pain.

If you’ve been in an accident that you believe wasn’t your fault, you might be owed compensation. At Injury Lawyers 4u, we are experts in all things personal injury, including whiplash injury claims. Ready to make a claim? Get in touch today for a no-obligation discussion.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is an injury to the muscles and ligaments in the neck. It happens when a sharp movement causes them to stretch or tear, causing pain, discomfort and stiffness. The severity of whiplash injuries will vary from person-to-person and accident-to-accident. In fact, you might not know that you are suffering from the condition if your case is subtle or your accident was minor.

Usually tied to a road traffic accident, claims for whiplash pursue compensation for pain, suffering and the financial effects of the injury, no matter how severe.

Common symptoms of whiplash

The symptoms found during whiplash accident claims are varied and range from minor annoyances to severe conditions:

If you believe you are or might have been experiencing whiplash, be sure to visit your GP or A&E for a diagnosis. Once you have this, you can attach your injury to an accident that wasn’t your fault and start a whiplash compensation claim. 

Can I make a whiplash injury claim?

If you are looking for a whiplash payout, UK law states that anyone can make a claim as long as negligence can be proven. In order to do this, and kick off the whiplash claim process, you’ll have to gather as much evidence as possible.

What evidence do I need?

Proving negligence of another party requires evidence, especially if you want your claim to be settled outside of court. As with many soft tissue injury claims, you might not know exactly what to look for to prove negligence. This is our list of the best pieces of evidence to collect:

  • Medical reports — These will officially confirm your whiplash diagnosis.
  • Accident reports — If the emergency services were involved, ask for a copy of their report.
  • Photographic evidence — Photos of the accident scene can help back up your claim.
  • Witness statements — If anyone saw your accident outside of the parties involved, they can be instrumental in supporting your claim.
  • Video evidence — CCTV or dashcam footage will fundamentally prove what happened.
  • Financial records — If you have paperwork that proves any financial losses, like lost earnings and medical costs, this can help boost your special damages compensation amount.

How much compensation could I receive?

Whiplash injury compensation levels are based around how severe your case is and how long it takes for you to fully recover. In May 2021, a new tariff-based system was introduced to give examples of how much compensation might be paid to you, depending on how long your injury lasted.

Estimated whiplash compensation amounts

For injuries lasting up to two years, payouts are based on a set tariff:

Up to 3 months Between £240 – £260

3 to 6 months Between £495 – £520

6 to 9 months Between £840 – £895

9 to 12 months Between £1,320 – £1,390

12 to 15 months Between £2,040 – £2,125

15 to 18 months Between £3,005 – £3,100

18 to 24 months Between £4,215 – £4,345

If your whiplash injury also affected your mental health, you may be awarded more than the above. For a good idea of your general damages*, use our whiplash compensation calculator.

*Compensation is split between general damages, which accounts for the pain and suffering caused by the injury itself, and special damages, which covers any financial woes that come along with your injury.

How do I make a whiplash claim?

At Injury Lawyers 4u, we have whiplash solicitors with decades of experience that will fight in your corner all throughout your case. To get started, simply follow these simple steps:

  1. Get a medical diagnosis — Visit a GP or A&E for an official diagnosis.
  2. Contact a specialist solicitor — Get in touch with Injury Lawyers 4u for expert legal advice and a no-win, no-fee guarantee, meaning no upfront costs or financial risk.
  3. Gather evidence — Collect medical reports, CCTV footage, photos and witness statements to support your claim and prove negligence.

We will contact the responsible party or their insurance company and notify them of the claim against them. Most claims settle out of court, but legal support is available if needed. Ready to start your claim? Contact us today for expert guidance.

No-win, no-fee whiplash claims

If you choose to pursue compensation, our no-win, no-fee whiplash claims agreement will ensure you can afford to fight your battles without fear of financial dismay. We will take on your case and front the costs, and you will only pay us for our services if we win. This is known as a conditional fee agreement in the UK and it is a way to make personal injury claims affordable for all.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to make a whiplash claim?

You will typically have three years from the date of the accident or your diagnosis to make a whiplash injury claim.

Do I need a medical report to claim whiplash compensation?

Yes, you do. We highly recommend you secure a medical record of your diagnosis, as well as other supporting evidence to strengthen your case.

Can I claim for whiplash if I was partly at fault?

You can still claim for a whiplash injury if you were partly at fault. However, compensation might be reduced based on contributory negligence.

What if the other driver was uninsured?

If the driver that caused your whiplash injury was uninsured, you can still make a claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

How long does a whiplash claim take?

As with most personal injury cases, simple whiplash claims can be settled in as little as a few months, while complex cases with multiple people at fault can take much longer.

Start your whiplash claim today

If you or a loved one has experienced the pain and suffering tied to a whiplash injury, it’s time to contact Injury Lawyers 4u. From gathering evidence to negotiating terms, we will handle your case from top to bottom, all using our no-win, no-fee agreement — so you won’t pay a penny unless your case is successful.
Ready to make a claim? Get in touch today to start your journey to justice.