Whiplash Claims and Compensation Solicitors in Northern Ireland
Paschal O’Hare Solicitors are whiplash claims specialists who have helped people in Belfast and across Northern Ireland for over 50 years. We understand how upsetting and painful it can be. Our whiplash solicitors are here to take care of the claims process for you, making sure you receive the whiplash injury compensation you deserve.
We work hard to help alleviate stress and ensure victims receive fair compensation so they can focus on healing and moving forward with their lives. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, our expert whiplash claims and compensation solicitors are standing by to help.
Whiplash Injury Compensation Solicitors in Belfast & Northern Ireland
Our whiplash solicitors are specialists who pride themselves on being able to seamlessly guide our clients through the entire claims process. For over 50 years, we have successfully helped thousands of whiplash injury victims recover compensation. We use our considerable experience to pursue the best possible outcome for every client.
Our whiplash accident solicitors provide an empathetic ear and expert advice. After providing you with a free initial consultation to discuss your specific situation, we will guide you through the whole claims process. Our team will always fight in your corner and provide you with the best legal advice in Northern Ireland.
If you’re suffering from neck pain resulting from a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, please know that we are ready to help. Our solicitors are here for you.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is an injury that occurs when your neck is forcefully and quickly thrust backward or forward. The force of the head movement stretches and sometimes tears muscles and ligaments in your neck, causing significant pain and discomfort. The injury causes substantial pain, soreness, and impaired mobility.
It’s an exceedingly common injury suffered by many people across Northern Ireland. It’s often associated with road traffic accidents, typically occurring when a car is rear-ended by another vehicle. However, the impact can come from any direction. It’s common for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists to suffer from these injuries.
Whiplash can also result from low-impact incidents. These types of injuries can be sustained while taking part in contact sports, horse riding, and even slips or trips.
It’s important to speak to a doctor if you are feeling symptoms of whiplash. They will be able to advise on the best way forward to deal with your pain.
What are some common symptoms of whiplash?
There are many symptoms associated with whiplash, the most common being:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Pain when moving your head
- Headaches
- Dizziness or nausea
- Ringing in the ears
- Muscle spasms
- Back pain
Symptoms can be severe. A whiplash injury can often impact your ability to drive, work, and sleep for many months.
Whiplash injuries can also sometimes lead to long term chronic pain and disability if not properly diagnosed and treated. Complications are more likely with more severe injuries or if symptoms worsen or persist over time.
Sometimes the pain can be immediate, but it is often the case that pain and discomfort is felt days after the accident. Swelling or bruising may not be immediately apparent as well.
It is essential to seek medical attention if you suspect you have sustained an injury. Early diagnosis, physical therapy and other treatments are important to managing whiplash.
How long do I have to make a whiplash claim in Northern Ireland?
You have up to 3 years from the date of the accident to bring a whiplash claim in Northern Ireland. There are certain exceptions to the rule, like if the injury happened to a child or if you are claiming on behalf of someone who doesn’t have the mental capacity to handle their own case.
If you have any questions related to this or any other aspect of your accident or injury, please feel free to stop by our offices in Belfast, Glengormley, and Carrickfergus or call our whiplash solicitors today.
How does the whiplash claim process work in Northern Ireland?
If you’ve suffered from a whiplash injury in Northern Ireland that wasn’t your fault and want to make a claim, here is how the process usually works:
1. Contact Paschal O’Hare
Reach out to our whiplash specialists solicitors if you sustained a whiplash injury within the past 3 years in Northern Ireland. Early legal advice can help ensure that you take the necessary steps to protect your claim and receive the compensation you deserve.
2. Gather evidence
Our solicitors will gather evidence related to the accident and assess your injuries. We will gather as much information as possible including photos of the scene, witness details, and the other driver’s insurance and information. This evidence will be important in supporting your whiplash injury compensation claim.
3. Medical Examination
Our solicitors will send you to get examined by medical professionals who will determine the extent of your injuries. This evidence will establish the level of compensation you could receive.
4. Negotiations
Once all evidence is gathered, our solicitors will typically begin negotiations with an insurer to reach a settlement that you’re happy with. We will keep you informed and we will advise on when you should accept their offer.
5. Compensation
Once you accept the offer from an insurer, you will typically get 100% of the compensation that you are owed.
Please feel free to reach out to our solicitors if you have any questions about the whiplash claims process. We are standing by to listen and give you the advice that you deserve.
How long will my whiplash claim take?
The length of time it takes to resolve a whiplash injury claim can vary significantly depending on the complexity and severity of your specific case. Claims that involve relatively minor injuries with limited impact on the claimant’s daily activities may be settled quickly. However, more severe cases, especially those involving serious neck strains, will take longer to resolve.
Once you have discussed your injuries with our solicitors, they will be able to advise you on the next steps. We are here to to guide you every step of the way. If you have been involved in a car accident in Belfast or anywhere in Northern Ireland, don’t suffer in silence. We’re here to help.
Types of whiplash compensation
Whiplash injuries typically result in two types of compensation:
General Damages
This covers the pain, suffering and reduced quality of life caused by your whiplash. The settlement amount depends on the severity of your condition and how it has impacted you. More serious, long-lasting injuries generally mean higher general damages.
Special Damages
This reimburses your out-of-pocket costs directly resulting from the accident. Things like medical costs, car hire, and loss of income fall into this category.
Together, general and special damages make up your total whiplash injury compensation. We fight to get you every penny you are entitled to for all damages caused by this traumatic experience.
What amount of whiplash compensation could I receive in Northern Ireland?
We understand that not all injuries are the same, and they impact different people in different ways. As a general guide, the amount of whiplash compensation you could receive is:
Minor whiplash injuries | Up to £12,500
These injuries are associated with a protracted period of recovery.
Moderate whiplash injuries | £12,500 to £30,000
Symptoms can be moderate & recovery usually takes place within a 2-year period.
Severe whiplash injuries | £30,000 to £60,000
Severe whiplash injuries result in serious limitation of movement and are usually associated with permanent pain.
We have developed a helpful whiplash compensation calculator in order to provide you with additional guidance on an average whiplash claim settlement.
If you suffered an injury in Belfast or anywhere in Northern Ireland, please feel free to speak with one of our expert whiplash solicitors. We are here to answer any questions about your car accident and injury claim.
How to deal with untraced or uninsured drivers
If you have been involved in a road traffic accident caused by an untraced or uninsured driver, you may still be able to claim whiplash compensation. In Northern Ireland, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) is responsible for compensating victims of accidents caused by uninsured or untraced drivers.
To make a claim through the MIB, you must:
- Report the road traffic accident to the police as soon as reasonably possible.
- Provide the MIB with as much information as possible about the accident, including the vehicle registration number, details of the accident, and any relevant evidence.
- Cooperate with any investigations or requests for information from the MIB.
It is essential to seek legal advice when making a claim through the MIB, as the process can be complex and time-consuming. At Paschal O’Hare Solicitors, our experienced solicitors can guide you through the process, ensuring that you receive the whiplash injury compensation you deserve. Start the process by reaching out to our teams in Belfast, Carrickfergus, and Glengormley.
Most Trusted Whiplash Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland
Choosing the right solicitor is crucial to the success of your whiplash claim. At Paschal O’Hare Solicitors, we pride ourselves on our:
- Legal expertise: With over 50 years of experience in personal injury claims, our team has the knowledge and skills necessary to handle even the most complicated whiplash and road traffic accident cases.
- Compassionate approach: We understand that injuries can be physically and emotionally challenging. Our compassionate approach ensures that you will be treated with empathy and respect throughout the claims process.
- Client care: Our commitment to client care has earned us the title of the most highly rated personal injury firm on Trustpilot in Northern Ireland. We work tirelessly to ensure that your needs are met and your questions are answered throughout your whiplash compensation claim.
Our team will fight to get you the maximum settlement your case deserves. We specialise in pursuing whiplash compensation and special damages such as loss of earnings and, when applicable, car repair or replacement. Furthermore, we use our extensive knowledge of the legal system to help you determine the right course of action.
Choose the best whiplash claims solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland
For decades, Paschal O’Hare Solicitors has successfully pursued whiplash claims in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland. We know how upsetting and debilitating neck pain can be. That is why our expert whiplash solicitors guide clients through the complex claims process.
It is important that you seek legal advice after a car accident because there is a time limit for making a claim. By contacting us, we will ensure that you get the right advice as quickly as possible so that you can begin to get your life back on track.
You don’t have to face this alone. We have extensive experience dealing with whiplash compensation claims that resulted from road traffic accidents in Northern Ireland. If you’ve been involved in a car accident and you’re experiencing whiplash, contact Paschal O’Hare Solicitors by calling 0800 020 9311 or complete our enquiry form to find out how we can help. Alternatively, speak with our team in person by visiting our offices in Belfast, Glengormley, and Carrickfergus.
Seymour Major
“We have dealt with tens of thousands of whiplash claims over the past 50 years and we’re ready to use that experience to progress your case in the best possible way.”
Real Whiplash Cases
Christopher’s whiplash claim settles for £7,000 (Belfast)
Christopher was a passenger in his friend’s car whilst they sat stationary at lights during a journey to the gym. Another driver crashed into the
Ryan’s car accident claim settles for £8,000 (Belfast)
Ryan was driving down a main road in Belfast when another car pulled out from a side road and crashed into him. As a result
Marcus’ road traffic accident claim settles for £4,000 (Belfast)
Marcus was waiting to pull out at a junction in his car when another motorist crashed into his rear. The impact left him with injuries
Whiplash Claims in Belfast and Northern Ireland FAQs
If you were injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you’re suffering from whiplash, you are likely able to claim compensation for your injuries. Our solicitors have helped many people who have suffered from these sorts of injuries in road traffic accidents in particular.
No Win No Fee is not allowed in Northern Ireland. In the event that you win your whiplash claim, all of your fees are usually paid by the opposing side’s insurer.
If you win your whiplash claim, you don’t pay a penny. The defendant’s insurer typically pays your compensation as well as solicitors fees.
Unfortunately, we specialise in whiplash claims that take place in Northern Ireland. We would not be able to assist you if the injury was sustained in another country.
In May 2021, the British government introduced sweeping changes that impacted the whiplash claims process. However, these changes do not apply to Northern Ireland.
It is unlikely that your case will go to trial, as most whiplash claims settle out of court. In the event that it does, rest assured that we will represent you every step of the way. We are here to ensure the best possible outcome for you.
When making a whiplash claim, you need to prove that your injuries were someone else’s fault. Our solicitors will gather evidence in order to determine this. It is important that you provide us with as much information as possible, including photographs and statements, in order to help with this process.
You will usually use evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical examination reports when making a claim. But don’t worry, our solicitors will help with this and guide you every step of the way.
