| Whiplash injuries are caused by | | | | in fact patients are actively encouraged to |
| hyperextension of the neck both forwards and | | | | follow their normal routines as much as |
| backwards in quick succession; people | | | | possible, to prevent the neck muscles and |
| commonly experience whiplash injuries in | | | | surrounding area from stiffening up even |
| circumstances where a collision causes rapid | | | | further. Obviously, painkillers such as |
| acceleration or deceleration. Often this is | | | | paracetamol and ibuprofen are often |
| as a result of a road traffic accident, but | | | | prescribed to relieve the pain of the |
| in some contact sports people are susceptible | | | | symptoms, but otherwise treatment is very |
| to whiplash injuries. | | | | straightforward. Neck braces are nowadays |
| | | | only ever used in extreme circumstances, as |
| Whiplash injury symptoms include the | | | | they are considered restrictive to the |
| following; | | | | recuperation process. |
| | | | |
| Neck pain/stiffness | | | | If you are unfortunate enough to have |
| | | | suffered a whiplash injury, either on the |
| Shoulder pain/stiffness | | | | road or on the sports field, you may be |
| | | | entitled to a no win, no fee, compensation |
| Lower back pain/stiffness | | | | claim - provided it can be proved that |
| | | | someone else was at least partly to blame. |
| Headaches | | | | You will also be able to take advantage of a |
| | | | free first consultation, where your case will |
| Tingling/numbness in arms/hands/fingers | | | | be assessed on a no obligation basis, to make |
| | | | sure both parties are happy to take the case |
| Dizziness | | | | forward. A no win, no fee claim is |
| | | | advantageous to the client because it means |
| Fatigue | | | | that you get to keep every penny of the |
| | | | compensation you are awarded - your lawyer |
| Blurred vision | | | | will collect their court fees and legal costs |
| | | | from the defending party. |
| Insomnia | | | | |
| | | | It is very important to make sure you shop |
| Concentration problems/short term memory loss | | | | around for the best company, as there are |
| | | | many accident lawyers around who will all |
| Symptoms can be experienced for a number of | | | | offer no win, no fee claims. The key is to |
| weeks after the accident, but your GP should | | | | work with one who also offers a wealth of |
| be consulted immediately, to rule out any | | | | experience, and can show you legitimate |
| serious damage. Diagnosis is difficult since | | | | testimonies from people who have achieved |
| doctors cannot use MRI scans, X rays or CAT | | | | success with them in the past. If you have |
| scans to determine the extent of the | | | | been involved in an accident which you think |
| injuries, instead having to make a judgement | | | | you are entitled to claim on, then get in |
| based on the patients description of their | | | | touch with the lawyers at Accident Consult, a |
| symptoms. Immediately after the injury | | | | trustworthy company who will handle your |
| victims should apply some form of ice pack, | | | | claim in an honest and efficient manner, |
| to help reduce the chance of swelling around | | | | which is why they are the first choice for |
| the affected area. The best way to treat a | | | | thousands of accident victims every year. |
| whiplash injury is not to wear a neck brace; | | | | |