Causes of whiplash injuries

Whiplash-type injuries are caused when there is a sudden change in speed and the head rapidly snaps backwards and forwards. The most common scenario in which this happens is a car accident, where there is transfer of velocity from one car to the other, exerting strong forces upon the occupants. Read about explanations of Whiplash-Associated Disorders.

Types of car accident
A rear-end car accident is the typical situation in which whiplash injuries occur. 43% of people who attended hospital with a whiplash injury caused by a road accident identified a rear-end crash as the cause. In a rear-end car accident, the car that has been hit will speed up, as will the occupant's body, which is touching the seat. The head and neck, however, is not touching the seat and will be thrown first backwards, then forwards, as it tried to catch up with the body.

Head-on car crashes account for 32% of whiplash-type injuries that happen on the road. The effect of a head-on accident is similar way to that of a rear-end accident, except the whiplash process is reversed. The head of the occupant will be thrown forwards and then backwards due to the velocity transfer happening at the other end of the car. The remaining 35% of road accidents that result in whiplash neck injury are side-on and other types of accidents. In a side on accident, the head will first be thrown towards the side of impact, then away.

Head restraints and other forms of whiplash prevention are not always effective in side-on accidents as the head is not thrown back towards the seat. Read more about whiplash injury prevention.

Other causes of whiplash injuries
Car accidents are not the only way people sustain whiplash-type injuries. Any situation in which there is an abrupt change of velocity and there is little or no protection for the neck opens the possibility of a whiplash injury.

Sportsmen can be prone to sustaining whiplash injuries, especially those involved in contact sports such as rugby and football. In these situations, a whiplash injury can be caused by a tackle at speed or an awkward fall. People taking part in diving and skiing are also particularly vulnerable to whiplash-type injuries.

Claiming compensation
If you have suffered a Whiplash-Associated Disorder in a car accident or in any other situation, you may be able to claim compensation. It will need to be proven that another person's negligence caused your accident and injury in order for your claim to be successful. Our personal injury solicitors are extremely experienced in gathering evidence and help many people in the UK to get life-changing compensation each year.

We ensure that our customers are protected from legal costs and are not liable for fees at any time. We also guarantee that we will not make any deductions from the compensation you are awarded.

If you feel you may be interested in pursuing a compensation claim for a Whiplash-Associated Disorder, please telephone 0800 10 757 95 for more information.