subject: All You Need To Know About Whiplash Compensation [print this page] Unfortunately whiplash is a common condition suffered by hundreds of thousands of people in the UK every year. It is thought that 1 in 5 people involved in a car crash in which their car is hit from behind suffers from a whiplash injury from one degree to another. The effects vary greatly from mild to severe and can be painful and distressing for any sufferer. But how does whiplash injury occur?
Whiplash is most commonly caused by car accidents in which a car is hit from behind. Injury happens as the impact forces the body forward, while the head and neck fall backwards. This forces the neck muscles into hyperextension (overstretched position). As the seat-belt abruptly stops the bodys forward motion, the unrestrained head whips forward. This causes the muscles in the neck into a hyperflexed position. Finally as the vehicle stops all movement completely the neck returns into an upright position. This violent movement of the neck and shoulders causes a whiplash injury.
Although it is impossible to completely prevent whiplash, advancements in car technology have helped reduce the number and severity of injuries. If headrests are used properly (at head height) they can prevent the neck from being forced back by the impact. Similarly modern cars with air bags can prevent the neck moving too far forward. Despite the fact that methods like these can reduce the risk to drivers and passengers, unfortunately, the injury can still occur.
Sometimes the symptoms of whiplash are not apparent immediately, they may take a day or two to show themselves fully. When they do however, the pain can be extremely distressing. Sufferers usually report neck and/or shoulder pain and stiffness. There can be associated symptoms such as headaches and dizziness as well. Treatment however usually just involves rest and painkillers as well as gradually bringing movement back to the neck. Not moving the neck at all is generally considered bad treatment as it encourages stiffness. Symptoms generally dont last too long except in exceptional circumstances.
If someone has suffered whiplash by being hit by a car from behind, then there is a very high possibility that the accident was not their fault. Whiplash compensation is available to people in such circumstances as a measure to help them with their rehabilitation. In the UK it is available from the insurers of the other party involved and can be claimed with the help of a solicitor and a claims management company. In the UK it is also customary that such cases are undertook on a no win no fee basis. This is a marketed way of saying that whatever the result is of the cases you will not have to pay the solicitor a penny. This works because legal fees are claimed from the other side. If someone decides that they wish to make a claim, they should always check that they will receive one hundred percent of the compensation that is awarded. All reputable firms will ensure that you receive every single penny of the money you are entitled to.
