Are you suffering lasting neck and back pain from an accident that wasn’t your fault? Claim the whiplash compensation that’s rightfully yours with the support of our experienced solicitors.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is when ligaments, muscles and nerves in the neck and back are damaged by the body being violently thrust forward, then immediately back again in the opposite direction. This is usually the result of a sudden or unexpected movement or impact.
Some of the main causes of whiplash are:
- Rear-end car crashes
- Sports accidents
- Assaults
- Trips and falls
Whiplash is very common in Northern Ireland. There are more than 6,500 minor injuries sustained in road traffic collisions on our roads every year — many of them involving whiplash injuries.
Making a Whiplash Claim in Northern Ireland
If you’re experiencing neck and back pain after an accident, you’re probably asking yourself: “Can I make a whiplash claim?” The answer is yes, you are eligible to make a whiplash claim in Northern Ireland if:
- The accident wasn’t your fault (or was at least partly somebody else’s fault)
- You’re experiencing whiplash symptoms as a result of the accident
- The accident happened within the last three years
That means you can claim compensation if you were a driver injured because another motorist was driving dangerously or carelessly. If you were a passenger injured in any road accident, including while travelling in a car, bus or taxi. Or if you’re a pedestrian who was hit by a vehicle that was speeding, driving dangerously or carelessly.
If you sustained whiplash injuries in those or any similar circumstances, you are entitled to make a claim.
Common Symptoms of Whiplash
Whiplash symptoms usually develop in the hours or days after an accident. In addition to causing pain, discomfort and disruption in the short term, whiplash symptoms may also develop into long-term chronic pain or disability.
Some of the most common physical symptoms of whiplash include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea
- Tinnitus or ringing in your ears
- Tingling or numbness in your arms
Whiplash and the trauma of being involved in an accident that caused whiplash can also have a devastating emotional impact. Psychological symptoms that are common alongside physical whiplash injuries include:
- Depression
- Anxiety driving or travelling in road vehicles
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) related to the accident
- Sleep problems due to whiplash physical pain and headaches
- Memory problems and forgetfulness
We will help you to show the full physical and mental impact on your life to strengthen your whiplash claim and ensure you receive the maximum compensation to which you’re entitled.
Claiming Whiplash Compensation in Northern Ireland
Whiplash compensation is awarded based on the extent and seriousness of your whiplash injury, and therefore hinges on the unique circumstances of each case.
In Northern Ireland, The Green Book provides the following Whiplash Compensation Guidelines to help determine a fair payout for whiplash injury claims:
Minor Whiplash
Up to £5,000 for recovery in 6 months, up to £7,500 for recovery within 6-12 months and up to £17,500 for recovery within 12-24 months.
Moderate Whiplash
£15,000 – £40,000 for recovery that takes longer than 24 months, where the whiplash injury makes you more vulnerable to future injury.
Severe Whiplash
£37,500 – £75,000 for whiplash that causes long-term issues like neck problems, ongoing pain, limited movement, and a higher chance of future injury, possibly requiring surgery.
*These figures are guidelines only and relate to general damages for the pain and suffering you’re enduring because of whiplash. You will also be entitled to an additional payout for special damages, which covers any expenses or loss of earnings you’ve incurred because of your injuries.
The exact amount of whiplash compensation you’re entitled to will depend on your specific injuries. Contact us for a free consultation and a more precise compensation estimate.
How Our Solicitors Help You Make a Whiplash Claim
Drawing on our experience of settling whiplash claims in Northern Ireland since 1989, we will help you claim the compensation that is rightfully yours.Our whiplash claim solicitors are skilled negotiators with specialist knowledge of whiplash legislation and the full compensation payout you’re due — we won’t settle for less.
We offer an efficient and hassle-free process to support you through every step of making a whiplash claim in Northern Ireland.
- Contact us for free initial legal advice on your whiplash claim.
- We’ll gather all the evidence we need to strengthen your claim, including medical reports, eyewitness accounts, dash cam or CCTV footage and police reports.
- Our experienced whiplash claims solicitors will assess how much compensation you’re entitled to based on all the evidence.
- We will negotiate directly with the at-fault party’s insurer to secure the maximum payout you deserve.
- We will continue to support you and make sure your compensation payment is made as quickly as possible.
Garret McCann – Specialist Whiplash Claims Solicitor
- Garret qualified as a Solicitor in 2010 after graduating from Queens University Belfast in Law.
- Garret also has gained significant experience in the area of Personal Injury Law and has secured millions in damages for clients.
- For expert legal advice call Garret on 028 9446 1509
FAQs
What is the average whiplash claim in Northern Ireland?
The average whiplash claim in Northern Ireland is less than £5,000. That is because the majority of whiplash claims involve minor symptoms and a recovery period of less than six months.
The average whiplash payout for more serious whiplash symptoms and longer recovery periods is much higher. Contact us to discuss your claim and get guidance on how much compensation you can expect.
How long does a whiplash claim take to settle?
Most whiplash claims are settled relatively quickly. In more complex cases, such as when the person who caused your injury or their insurance company refuses to accept liability, or when your whiplash injuries are disputed, it might take longer to settle a claim.
Can I claim for whiplash as a passenger?
Yes, any vehicle passenger who has suffered whiplash in a road accident in Northern Ireland is eligible to claim. Since you weren’t driving the vehicle, the accident can’t have been your fault and you’re entitled to compensation.
This is true whether you were a passenger in a car, bus or taxi, or riding pillion on a motorcycle.
What happens if someone claims whiplash against you?
In most cases, including after a road accident, if someone claims you caused their whiplash injuries the case will be handled by your insurance company. Your insurer will handle the claim and payout.
The only circumstances in which you personally might be sued is if somebody claims you caused them to sustain whiplash in a place or situation that is not covered by any insurance policy.
Are whiplash claims capped?
The most serious whiplash injuries, including those involving serious limitation of movement, permanent or recurring pain and the potential for further surgery have a maximum compensation guideline of £75,000 in Northern Ireland.
You might be eligible for more compensation if you also sustained other injuries or if the whiplash injury has caused you additional financial hardship, such as loss of earnings, medical fees and travel expenses.
Who pays for whiplash claims?
The at-fault party’s insurer is responsible for paying whiplash claims in the overwhelming majority of cases. We will help you to claim your legal fees from the insurance company in addition to the compensation you receive.
Do all whiplash claims go to court?
No, most whiplash claims are settled before they go to court. Your whiplash claim will only go to court if the at-fault party and their insurer fail to accept they were responsible for your injuries, if the existence or seriousness of your whiplash injuries is disputed, or if we believe you’re entitled to more compensation than the insurer is offering.
Contact Our Whiplash Claims Solicitors Today
If you’re suffering from whiplash following an accident that wasn’t your fault, contact our specialist solicitors for a free whiplash claim consultation.
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