How To Claim For Whiplash In Edinburgh

With around 1,200 whiplash claims processed everyday, whiplash accounts for nearly £2 billion worth of payouts by insurance companies in the UK every year. So if you are one of the many people that has suffered whiplash as a result of an accident that was not your fault, how exactly do you make a claim?

Whiplash and Road Traffic Accidents

Whiplash that occurs during a road traffic accident does so because something has forced the neck to move violently away from a body. For example, if a vehicle is shunted from behind, the passengers will suddenly have their heads thrown forwards and backwards at a rapid pace. The impact of this will damage the tendons and ligaments in both the neck and shoulders. This in turn will cause a stiff and painful neck, with significantly reduced mobility.

What To Do After The Accident

The first step after seeking medical attention is to take details of the accident. This includes notes on the circumstances of the accident, as well as certain information from the other driver, such as:-

• Name;
• Insurance company;
• Contact details;
• Registration number;
• How much damage has been sustained to both vehicles.

It is often around 6-12 hours after an accident that someone begins to develop symptoms of whiplash. If you have not already attended your GP or A&E, do so immediately. Should you then be diagnosed with whiplash, your next step is deciding whether or not you would like to pursue a personal injury claim.

Speak To Legal Experts in Edinburgh

A solicitor will be able to offer their professional opinion, advising you on the best possible course of action. This may either be a solicitor recommended to you by your insurance company, or it may be one that you have contacted yourself.

If you decide to go ahead and make a claim against the person responsible for causing your injury, it is more than likely a medical report will be necessary. Your solicitor will arrange this on your behalf, finding an appropriate time and location for a specialist to assess your injuries. This will help to verify your claim, proving the extent of your whiplash, and how this will affect you in the long-term.

Once a medical report has been obtained, your solicitor will then be responsible for putting forward a claim to the other side (which will usually be the other driver’s insurance company). They will negotiate a settlement, which will include a sum for compensation. The amount of this will depend upon the level of damage caused, but will cover your pain and suffering, as well as financial expenses directly related to your injury (such as the cost of medical treatment, travel and a loss of earnings).

Want To Make A Whiplash Claim In Edinburgh?

If you have suffered whiplash as a result of an accident that was not your fault, then you might want to consider making a personal injury claim. To discuss this possibility further, contact Edinburgh-based law firm McKay Norwell. We are happy to explain your options to you, from different types of funding to how the claims process works. But remember, personal injury claims must be made within three years of the accident, so do not delay in speaking to one of our legal experts.

Simply call us for a free assessment immediately on 0131 222 8000 or complete the enquiry form on the right of this page and we will be delighted to help you.

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