Whiplash injuries can be severely debilitating, impacting everything from your mobility, your sleep, and your ability to work. If you have suffered a whiplash injury in a road traffic accident, Slater and Gordon may be able to help you claim compensation.
Our expert whiplash injury solicitors are considered industry leader, with a significant amount of expertise in handling all manner of road traffic accident claims
The term ‘whiplash’ is used to describe an injury to the neck or back, caused by the head being forcibly jerked forward, back, or sideways; imagine a whip suddenly ‘lashing’ back and forth.
It is a very common injury in road traffic accidents, though whiplash can occur in any circumstance in which the muscles and ligaments in the neck move too rapidly due to force. For example, any sudden impact or certain sport injuries can cause whiplash.
Whiplash is often considered to be a minor injury, but it can often have serious, sometimes life-changing, consequences and no one should have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence. If you’ve sustained a whiplash injury in an accident on the road that wasn’t your fault, our industry leading solicitors are here to help you access the financial support and rehabilitation you need to get back on your feet.
Symptoms of whiplash
The symptoms of whiplash can vary significantly from person-to-person and accident-to-accident. While there are some who may only experience minor symptoms, including stiffness and headaches, others may suffer more serious symptoms that significantly impact their day-to-day life.
Symptoms of whiplash include:
Pain or stiffness in the neck
A loss of range of movement in the neck
Tenderness of pain in the shoulders, upper back or arms
Tingling or numbness in the arms
Headaches
Tiredness or fatigue
Dizziness
It can take several hours after an accident for the first symptoms of whiplash to appear. In more minor cases, the symptoms will resolve on their own within a few days, though more severe cases can take month, or even years, to heal. In rare cases, people can be affected for the rest of their lives.
If you’ve been in an accident and believe you may have whiplash, you should visit your GP. If your injury has left you unable to work, or you are struggling to access the rehabilitation or treatment you need, speak to one of our expert whiplash solicitors to learn how we can help you.
It may seem daunting to take legal action after you’ve been injured in a road accident, but it doesn’t need to be. Our friendly, compassionate whiplash solicitors are here to support you every step of the way, providing expert legal advice tailored to your circumstances.
To help us with your claim, we will need the following information (it can be very useful to have this to hand when you first reach out to us, but don’t worry if you are unable to provide it straight away):
Insurance information for you and any other parties involved in the accident
Evidence from the scene, such as photographs of the location of the accident (including any road markings or traffic signals) and damage to vehicles
Medical reports from your doctor, noting all injuries that occurred due to the accident
It is vital that you contact your insurance company to inform them of the accident as well. Once we have the information above, we can begin the claims process. We may need to collect further information as your claim progresses, but your solicitor will let you know and can help you collect any further evidence needed.
Thank you so very much to Shuiken Chan for her outstanding professionalism in bringing my injury claim to an excellent conclusion. Shuiken has been amazing in every part of this process and has provided every support to keep me informed, advice and worry free throughout. I would definitely come to Slater and Gordon if ever need be and would highly recommend both them and Shuiken for excellent legal support.
Client testimonial (for Shuiken Chan)
Very Professional, personable company who constantly communicated regularly with updates and were very quick in sorting out any problems. Great Company. Highly recommend them.
Client testimonial for (Laura Frizzel)
David at Slater & Gordon lawyers kept me up to date at every turn. His advice and professionalism was 2nd to none and I would have no hesitation with going back to him should the need arise.
Client testimonial for (David Cunningham)
The amount of compensation you could be entitled to will vary depending upon the extent of your injuries, how long the symptoms you experience persist, the type of medical treatment or rehabilitation you require, and how much time you may need to take out of work to recover.
As each case can vary substantially, we will only be able to give you an estimate of how much compensation you could be owed when we review the circumstances of your case. It is strongly advised, therefore, that you speak with one of our specialist whiplash solicitors.
Injuries caused on the road have the potential to change lives, and the support you access in the wake of a road traffic accident can make all the difference in your recovery. It’s crucial you have a trusted and expert personal injury lawyer by your side.
Our specialised team of road traffic accident solicitors are some of the most trusted and experienced lawyers in the country, with many receiving high rankings and acclaim in independent legal guides such as Chambers and Partners, and the Legal 500. Many also hold positions with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
At Slater and Gordon Scotland, we take a holistic and empathetic approach to every case we pursue, prioritising the early access of rehabilitation and privately funded treatment from a full range of experts to give you the best possible chance at a full recovery. Where injuries have affected your mobility, we can also provide support and advise on the suitability of your accommodation, adaptions that can help improve your quality of life, and how to deal with the impact of severe injuries on your employment.
We know that the consequences of injuries can go far beyond the initial accident. We’ll be by your side every step of the way, working tirelessly to get the best outcome possible so you can move forward with your life.
We offer 'No Win No Fee' funding on accident cases, meaning there's no financial risk to you.
Talk to the experts
We have teams of legal experts who specialise in representing those who’ve suffered injuries due to accidents at work, in public, on the road and more.
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As specialists in accidents at work and public places, we'll ensure your case is dealt with swiftly, whilst ensuring you receive the maximum compensation.
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Speak to one of our personal injury solicitors today
To make a claim for whiplash, you’ll need to provide evidence of the accident and medical reports of your injuries. This could include:
Medical information from your GP or hospital
Photographs from the scene of the accident
Witness statements
CCTV footage, if available
Can a whiplash claim be refused?
If you cannot provide the necessary evidence to prove that the accident occurred because of someone else’s negligence, thereby causing your injuries, your claim could be refused.
If you are at all worried about whether you have a claim for whiplash, you should speak to our team on 0330 041 5869 or reach out to us online and we’ll be happy to discuss the circumstances of your claim.
How long does a whiplash claim take?
It can be difficult to predict how long a whiplash claim might take before reviewing the circumstances of the case, as there are several factors that can affect the timeline. For instance, if the other party denies liability, it can add a significant amount of time while liability is established. It is therefore recommended to speak to a specialist whiplash lawyer about your case, as they will be able to discuss the legal issues of your case in more detail.
Can I make a whiplash claim if I was a passenger?
Yes. It does not matter where you were in the vehicle at the time of the crash – either a passenger seat or the driving seat – anyone injured in the accident is entitled to make a claim for their injuries.
What is the time limit to make a whiplash claim in Scotland?
To make a claim for whiplash in Scotland, you must do so within three years of the date of the accident. If you were a child at the time of the accident – or are claiming on behalf of a child – you had until the child’s 19th birthday to make a claim.
That said, we strongly advise that you reach out to our whiplash lawyers as soon as you feel able, as evidence such as witness statements are much more reliable the less time has passed.
Thank you so very much to Shuiken Chan for her outstanding professionalism in bringing my injury claim to an excellent conclusion. Shuiken has been amazing in every part of this process and has provided every support to keep me informed, advice and worry free throughout. I would definitely come to Slater and Gordon if ever need be and would highly recommend both them and Shuiken for excellent legal support. Client testimonial (for Shuiken Chan)
Very Professional, personable company who constantly communicated regularly with updates and were very quick in sorting out any problems. Great Company. Highly recommend them. Client testimonial for (Laura Frizzel)
David at Slater & Gordon lawyers kept me up to date at every turn. His advice and professionalism was 2nd to none and I would have no hesitation with going back to him should the need arise. Client testimonial for (David Cunningham)