The Whiplash Claims Process
If you have been involved in a road accident and suffered a grievous injury as a result, you should read this simple and straightforward guide on making whiplash claims.
Listed below is a step by step description of how to make a successful whiplash claim. Depending on the severity of the injury suffered by you, you could stand to gain any amount between £1000 and £8,000.
The first symptoms of whiplash
Whiplash injuries come to light a day after the accident. The following symptoms are most commonly associated with whiplash injuries:
Minor discomfort or pain following the accident - this may emerge a few hours after the accident.
Pain in the back and shoulder region along with immobilising pain. - In severe cases such pain prevents the person from getting out of bed the following day.
If you identify with any of these symptoms after a car accident that was not your fault, you are eligible to make a whiplash claim.
After these symptoms have been confirmed, you should take the following steps:
Take pictures and collect evidence from the site of the accident. You can take pictures of: damage to other vehicles involved, damage to your own vehicle and evidence of the accident on the surface of the road.
If possible, place an object of reference in the dents in your car. An object like a ruler or any other object that can provide a frame of reference will be appropriate.
Taking steps to a successful claim
If there are witnesses around the site of the accident, it is recommended that you get all the details of the people and third parties involved. These details could include names and address, vehicle plate numbers involved, descriptions of the accident, weather conditions and witness statements.
By law, it is necessary for everyone involved in a police accident to supply details on request. If people do not supply their contact and other important details, you should involve the police. When you have involved the police make a note of the PC number, name and the rank of the officer involved.
If you suffer from severe pains or even minor discomfort, you should go to a doctor. A doctor will give you receipts for your treatment. These receipts and bills can be presented in a court of law at a later date and will strengthen your case greatly.
If you feel dizzy after the accident refrain from driving a vehicle. If you are working, excuse yourself and report the incident to a superior. If your company has a record book have the incident recorded. This will also contribute as evidence in making a stronger case.
You should find yourself a reputable no win no fee solicitor. With solicitors of this variety you do not have to pay for access to justice. In case you win, the entire sum you receive in compensation will be yours. No percentage will go to the solicitor or his organisation. Your solicitor will be compensated by the third party.
You should follow these steps in order to make a successful whiplash claim. It is your right to make a whiplash claim if you are not at fault to compensate for the discomfort you suffer.
Updated on 11/11/2009