Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD), known simply as 'whiplash', is one of the most common injures to suffer from in a car accident. A sudden impact or abrupt stop can cause the neck and head to suffer a jolt, or rapid movement, usually as the result of a collision. This jolt can cause ligaments in the neck to be stretched and torn or the spine itself to be damaged. It can be caused at low speeds of around 15-20 miles per hour, and the resultant injury can persist for up to 6 months. Although most common in car accidents, whiplash can be caused in other situations such as whilst playing sports. If you suffer whiplash in an accident that is no fault of your own, you may want to consider making a claim for compensation. If this is the case then here are five simple steps that will make the whiplash claim process easier.



Whiplash Claim - Step 1

The first thing that you need to do is take the names and address of any witnesses who will be able to verify the events that have occurred. You should take the details of anyone present who may be able to help, such as passers by, other car drivers and other witnesses. Please be aware that anyone whose details you take may need to write a statement for the Police as well as for your potential claim.

Whiplash Claim - Step 2

It is extremely helpful to take pictures of the scene of the accident. In the past this may have been difficult to do but today, with most mobile phones having cameras built in, this is relatively easy. The photos that you take do not need to be prize-winning shots, but just simple photographs showing the essential points of the accident such as any skid marks on the road, damage to the vehicle and so on. It is easy to forget to do this; taking photographs isn't something that you immediately think of in an accident situation, but it can help to preserve evidence of exactly what happened.

Whiplash Claim - Step 3

You should also call the Police. This is required by law in the event of any injury to a pedestrian, driver or passenger involved in a road traffic incident. Most people will remember to do this straight away. This is vitally important in car accidents, especially when a driver involved in an accident decides to leave the scene without notifying the authorities or exchanging details. The Police will be able to track down the driver, perhaps with the use of CCTV, as failure to stop at the scene of an accident is a criminal offence.

Whiplash Claim - Step 4

You should also keep any receipts of costs accrued as a result of the accident. If you make a claim you may be able to get these expenses back as part of your claim. For example if you need to take a bus or taxi from the scene of the accident, keep the ticket. Any bills for medication or medical treatment should also be kept.

Whiplash Claim - Step 5

Finally, you need to call a personal injury solicitor who can help you make a claim. Approach a specialist in the accident area that you are claiming for, example road traffic accidents as they will be able to provide better advice and will generally have more experience. You should also look out for no win, no fee solicitors so that you don't have the added worry of legal costs.

If you follow these five basic steps then your claim should run smoothly and the chance of success should be improved. These steps will also help to reduce the hassle involved in making a claim and make things as stress-free as possible.

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