Whiplash injury

The term *whiplash* was originally used in 1928 to describe the movement in which the neck is jerked forwards and backwards very quickly in a car accident. However, it soon came to mean the neck injury that is sustained as a result of this movement.

Whiplash injuries are most likely to be sustained in car accidents or motorcycle accidents as these often involve a significant impact. However, whiplash can occur in accidents that happen at just 5mph, so it does not necessarily have to involve a great deal of force for injury to occur.

Other common ways in which a whiplash injury can be sustained include horse riding, contact sports, and as a result of a slip or fall.

Symptoms of a whiplash injury
The tell-tale signs of a whiplash injury often do not present themselves until 24-48 hours after the accident happened. The most common symptoms include:

In more severe types of whiplash injury, other symptoms can be present, such as tingling in the arms, dizziness, and poor concentration.

Treatment for a whiplash injury
It is important to get medical advice on a whiplash injury as soon as possible so that the injury can be assessed and any more serious symptoms dealt with.

The most usual treatment for a whiplash injury is that of gentle neck exercises coupled with painkillers. It used to be that a neck brace should be worn, but findings have shown that keeping the neck mobile is more beneficial as it is less likely to stiffen up.

Prognosis for a whiplash injury
Most people recover within 3 months of sustaining their whiplash injury, and of these most are free of symptoms after a month. However, around 40% continue to suffer neck pain and other symptoms, and although many of these cases clear up, around 18% of people with whiplash are still suffering 2 years after their accident.

Whiplash injuries that last longer than 6 months are called *Chronic Whiplash Syndrome*. It is often people who suffer immediate symptoms of a whiplash injury after an accident who go on to suffer long term pain from their injuries, although the reason why is unknown.

Had a whiplash injury?
If you have suffered a whiplash injury in a car accident that was not your fault, you may well be entitled to compensation. You will be able to claim for the pain and suffering the whiplash injury has caused you, as well as claim back any loss of earnings, treatment costs and prescription costs incurred by the accident.

The first step to making a compensation claim is to get free, no obligation legal advice from whiplash injury specialists so that you can make an informed decision on whether to proceed with your claim.