What makes car accident whiplash
injuries more likely?
There are many reasons why someone may sustain a whiplash injury if they are involved in a car accident. Whiplash can be sustained in car accidents of any kind regardless of the speed or direction of the impact.
There are however some factors that can make you more prone to this type of injury than others.
Is your gender a factor?
Studies have shown that female drivers are twice as likely to sustain whiplash injuries and related complications than male drivers.There are no firm conclusions as to why this appears to be the case although it is believed that because women's neck muscles tend not to be as strong as their male counterparts they are less resilient to the stresses caused by a sudden impact.
This unfortunately means that women are more likely to sustain injuries to their neck muscles and ligaments and may in turn go on to develop other Whiplash Associated Disorders like headaches or tingling sensations in the limbs from damaged nerves.
Headrests
If your vehicle is fitted with headrests they can significantly reduce the chances of sustaining a severe whiplash injury in a collision. Unfortunately however, it is estimated that more than 70% of car drivers fail to adjust them correctly, which means that they will fail to get the full potential benefit of this simple safety device.Your headrest should be high enough so that back of your head is against the middle of the head rest, rather than the back of your neck.
Some vehicle manufacturers are now introducing 'active' head restraints which are specifically designed to absorb the energy from the whiplash motion and reduce the chances of sustaining an injury.
Who's more at risk, drivers or passengers?
It is believed that the passengers in a vehicle are more vulnerable to whiplash injuries than the driver. This is due the fact that the driver is more likely to be aware of the impending impact and instinctively tightens their neck muscles as they brace themselves for the collision.If someone is relaxed their head will be thrown backwards and forwards in the classic 'whiplash motion' much more easily and suffer a more severe injury as a result.
Many cars are only fitted with headrests on the front seats and so the rear seat passengers will be even more susceptible to severe whiplash than those in the front.
Direction of impact
As mentioned earlier whiplash can be sustained from an impact at any angle, but there is evidence to suggest that rear end 'shunts' cause more whiplash injuries than from other directions. This is probably for the reason outlined above where the occupants are unaware of the impending impact and so they are not braced for the collision.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
