Whiplash Compensation Claims
In a nutshell, whiplash is a specific type of injury that refers to pains, stiffness and discomfort within the neck area, which could be caused for a variety of reasons.
The actual phrase “whiplash” actually only describes the injury sustained from a vehicular accident (usually resulting from a rear end collision). Therefore “whiplash” describes the injury of soft tissue in the neck area, as a result of this type of car accident.
Due to the immense pain that a patient may feel during whiplash, there are many ways to insure oneself against the prospects of this injury. By making a claim against the insurance company, he or she will then be compensated by the third parties policy.
It should be noted that whiplash injuries can also be sustained even when driving at very low speeds. In fact, some of the more serious and long-term injuries were acquired through these types of low impact collisions.
Despite the many television and internet adverts promising a quick settlement for your injury claims, whiplash claims can be laborious and also complicated. These specific claims vary in the amount of money that the insured persons may receive, usually depending on the severity of their condition. This may range from £1,000 to £2,500 if you make a complete recovery within 1 year, £2,500 to £4,250 for recoveries within 2 years, £4,250 to £7,750 for slow recoveries, and £7,750 to £16,000 if you have permanent ongoing symptoms.
How To Successfully Claim Whiplash Compensation
In order to increase the chances of being able to receive compensation for your whiplash injury, make sure that you visit the doctor as it will be extremely hard, if not impossible to prove the insurance claim in court without evidence. If the injury and claim is relatively minor, it will be best to negotiate out of court in order to save money and time. If the claim however is large, it is best to hire a legal professional experienced in this field to help you.
It should be noted that a person only has three years by which they are able to put forward a claim for whiplash injuries. If a person decides that he or she does not wish to proceed with their own individual whiplash claim through legal proceedings, they will have to reach an agreed settlement with the third parties insurance provider. When this happens, the injured party must make sure they understand the full legalities of the settlement, and that they read all documentation carefully before signing. Most insurance companies will include specific provisions, such as how much is to be paid, and whether this amount is to be paid in one full amount, or split across various payments (and the frequency of those payments).
What Can I Get Whiplash Compensation For?
When you put forward your whiplash claim, whether you are looking to agree out of court, or go for full legal proceedings, your claim should include any and all medical bills for the injury, as well as any damages to your vehicle and property, and loss of income from being unable to work. You may also be able to claim for “pain and suffering”, which is the term used in whiplash claims where the injured party has also suffered emotionally, and been unable to enjoy life as they would normally. However, in these cases it is always best to seek the professional advice of a whiplash claim solicitor – as they will be able to put forward your claim effectively, and ensure you receive the full amount of compensation based on your own individual circumstances.