Making a whiplash claim: a traffic accident lawyer‘s guide

The Telegraphrecently reported on the Transport Select Committee’s intended measures to deter fraudulent whiplash claims. Such claims potentially add £40 a year to every UK driver’s car insurance, the article tells us. The traffic accident lawyers at Universa would never advocate any attempt to claim for whiplash that is not genuine – and neither would any reputable firm of car accident solicitors. However we also know from extensive experience that genuine cases of whiplash can be extremely painful and affect the victim’s ability to work and pursue their normal life.

If you have been involved in a car accident and suffered whiplash as a result, you are entitled to claim for compensation that may rightfully be yours. That’s where you need a good firm of car accident lawyers to guide you through the process and ensure your claim is valid.

 

What is whiplash and how could it affect me?

Because of the media hype surrounding fraudulent whiplash claims the issue has come to be seen as something of a joke. However our traffic accident lawyers know that this condition really is no laughing matter. Symptoms can include pain in the back, neck and shoulders and sensory symptoms like pins and needles in the limbs. The pain can be very disruptive and can last for anything from a few days or weeks, a few months- or in the most serious cases lead to permanent symtpoms. This is why personal injury solicitors are always willing to pursue a genuine whiplash case to help you achieve the compensation you need to manage this period of ill health.

Whiplash can be hard to identify and diagnose and could manifest itself immediately or over a longer period of days or weeks. It’s vital if you suspect you have whiplash that you visit a doctor as soon as possible. This is important for your welfare, but also in giving your car accident solicitors the evidence they need to pursue your claim.

If you experience severe pain in your head, pins and needles in the shoulders  or a heaviness of the limbs then seek emergency medical attention, as this could be indicative of further damage. Whatever the level of symptoms, an experienced traffic accident lawyer can assess your case individually and help you to claim fair compensation at the correct level for your injury.

 

What causes whiplash and who is responsible?

Whiplash is a physical reaction to sudden stretching of the soft tissue in the spine. It is most typically caused in situations where the head suddenly jerks forward or backwards. Road collisions and sudden braking are the most common scenarios. Our traffic accident lawyers have seen many such accident victims come through Universa’s doors in search of legal help.

As to who is responsible, it’s the job of your personal injury solicitors to establish exactly that. Experienced car accident lawyers will examine your own account of the accident, any witness statements, photographic evidence and information from the emergency services to understand what happened and pursue your claim accordingly.

 

I have suffered whiplash: how do I find a traffic accident lawyer?

If you are considering a whiplash claim you should take great care to instruct a firm of car accident solicitors who operate with accreditation and integrity. This is because, sadly, some less reputable firms are adopting questionable tactics to pursue fraudulent claims. You should never engage with such a company – nor should you respond to cold calling, emails or texts. These firms do not have your best interests at heart and could end up compromising your claim.

Instead, look for a firm of car accident lawyers with demonstrable experience and a track record of proven cases and satisfied clients. At Universa our specialist car accident solicitors are accredited with the Law Society, the Motor Accident Solicitors Society and APIL. We operate to the highest levels of integrity and are supported by years of specialist experience in this area. We operate to a strict customer promise, never take fees upfront and will handle your case on a no fee, win or lose basis. For professional guidance and to help you pursue your claim contact Universa today to talk to car accident lawyers who understand your situation.