What is whiplash?
Whiplash is the term used to describe the motion of the head and neck when the body is subjected to a sudden jolt. This motion can cause damage to both muscle tissue and in severe cases, the spinal vertebrae and the nerve tissues within it.
This injury is commonly associated with road accident collisions where the vehicles are brought suddenly to halt due to the impact of one or more vehicles. If the driver and passengers are wearing their seatbelts their bodies will be restrained, but their heads will not, and so they will be thrown violently backwards and forwards in the classic 'whiplash' motion.
At the moment of impact
Assume for a moment that someone is in a stationary vehicle and they are struck from behind by another vehicle. The car will be suddenly shunted forward causing the head of it's occupant to be whipped backwards. This causes 'hyperextension' of the front neck muscles and ligaments, which means that they are extended beyond their normal, comfortable and safe range of movement.The occupants head will then whip forwards when their vehicle stops moving causing hyperextension once again, but this time to those at the back of the neck.
Physical injuries resulting from whiplash
The type and severity of the injury will generally depend on the speed of impact and the extent of the hyperextension - for example whether or not the occupant had a correctly adjusted head rest.A mild whiplash injury may result in soreness and stiffness of the neck which appears over the hours or days following the collision. This typically go's away in 3 to 4 weeks with little or no treatment except for rest and a prescription for strong pain killers.
More severe damage may involve one or more of the conditions below.
- Headaches and sleeplessness
- Damage to the neck vertebrae, such as a fracture
- Torn ligaments in the neck
- Damaged or 'herniated' discs. This can cause a sharp neck pain and/or tingling sensations in the limbs due to pressure on nerves in the spine
Depending on their severity, the above conditions can in some cases cause pain and discomfort that lasts for months or even years following the accident.
Psychlogical effects of a whiplash injury
The prolonged pain and discomfort of a severe whiplash injury combined with the stress and trauma of the accident itself can have long term effects on the sufferer's mental health.They may suffer from a number associated mental health problems such as depression, sleeplessness and 'flashbacks' - also known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
These issues can persist long after the physical issues have been resolved.
If you have sustained a whiplash injury or any injury following a road accident that was not your fault, you may be able to claim compensation. You can either claim online using the button below or call us now on 02392 484 244 for help and advice from one of our experienced claims advisors.
No need to claim on your insurance
Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.
However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.
We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.
However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.
We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.
No excess to pay
Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.
This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.
By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.
This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.
By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.
Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle
Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.
Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.
Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.
So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.
Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.
Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.
So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.
Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs
If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.
Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.
Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.
Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.
Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.
Legal Assistance
Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.
They issues they can assist you with include:
They issues they can assist you with include:
- Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
- Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
- Recovery of all repair costs
- Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
- Seeking financial compensation for an injury
