Whiplash is a common injury that can be sustained in a car accident, fall, or other traumatic event. It is a type of neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully thrown forward and then backward, causing the neck to be strained and stretched beyond its normal range of motion. This can result in pain, stiffness, and a range of other symptoms.
When it comes to whiplash claims, the amount of time it takes to settle them can vary significantly. Most whiplash claims are settled within a 6 month period, however this is dependent upon a number of different factors including: Liability being accepted by the third party insurers, the medical prognosis and expected recovery time, and the amount of compensation being sought.
When it comes to liability, the third party insurers will need to accept that their policyholder was at fault for the accident. This can take some time, as the insurers will need to review the evidence and decide if they are liable. If liability is accepted, the process of settling the claim can begin.
The medical prognosis and expected recovery time is also a key factor in determining how long a whiplash claim will take to settle. If the injury is more serious, the recovery time is likely to be longer, which can delay the settlement process. In some cases, the settlement process may be delayed until the claimant has made a full recovery.
The amount of compensation being sought is also a factor in how long a whiplash claim will take to settle. If the claimant is seeking a large amount of compensation, the insurers may take longer to make a decision. This is because they will need to review the evidence and decide if the amount being sought is reasonable.
In some cases, the settlement process can be expedited if the claimant and the third party insurers can agree on a reasonable amount of compensation. This is often the case when the claimant is seeking a smaller amount of compensation.
Whiplash claims can take a long time to settle, depending on the factors mentioned above. It is important to be patient and to follow the advice of your solicitor or claims handler throughout the process. If you have any questions or concerns, it is important to raise them with your solicitor or claims handler as soon as possible.
