Whiplash Claims in Northern Ireland: Understanding the Process

Whiplash is a common injury sustained in road traffic accidents, particularly in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. If you’ve suffered whiplash in a road traffic accident in Northern Ireland, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Injured? Let Us Take It From Here. Begin your claim today and experience professional care at every step.

 

What should I do if I have sustained a Whiplash injury following a Road Traffic Accident?

  • Seek Medical Attention: If required you seek medical attention. We understand the difficulties clients are experiencing getting an appointment with their General Practitioner but efforts should be made to at least contact your GP to receive telephone advice.
  • Contact Us: We will assess the circumstances of your accident and advise you on whether you have a valid claim.
  • Gather Evidence: You should make efforts to gather witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and any other relevant documentation.
  • Assessment of Damages: We instruct Consultant Surgeons who specialise in Emergency Medicine. Your solicitor will assess the full extent of your injury and depending on the “prognosis” I,e, how long the Consultant thinks it will take you to recover. Your prognosis and level of compensation are linker – the longer you are in pain the higher your level of damages. Aside from that we claim for lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses you’ve incurred as a result of the accident.
  • Negotiation: We will negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf to seek a fair settlement. Ensuring maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
  • Court Proceedings (if required): If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we may recommend taking your case to court. Clients tend to be apprehensive about giving evidence in Court however most personal injury claims settle out of Court.

Whiplash Claim FAQs

How long do I have to start a whiplash claim in Northern Ireland?

In Northern Ireland, the general time limit for issuing Court Proceedings in a personal injury claim, including whiplash claims, is three years from the date of the accident or from the date you became aware of your injuries. It is important that you contact us well in advance of 3 years so we can properly advise.

Do I need to prove fault to make a whiplash claim?

Yes, to make a whiplash claim, you typically need to prove that another party was at fault for the accident. This may involve providing evidence that the other driver was negligent or breached their duty of care on the road.

Do I need a solicitor to make a whiplash claim?

Having a solicitor on your side can significantly increase your chances of success. A solicitor can navigate the complexities of the claims process, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Often insurers will try to contact you directly and pay “pre medical offers” which tend to be much less than the potential value of your case.

If you’ve suffered a whiplash injury in a road traffic accident in Northern Ireland, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case with one of our experienced solicitors.

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Your Road Traffic Accident Claim Specialists

Director

Liam McDonald
Solicitor

Lucy Kelly
Paralegal

Gemma McCashin
Paralegal

Aine O’Kane
Paralegal

Amber Looney
Paralegal

Cathy Hillen
Paralegal

Michelle Hamilton

Director

Liam McDonald

Liam, our Director and head of our Litigation and Family Department. Liam is an expert in catastrophic injury claims, with a focus on Brain Injury, Amputation, Spinal Injury, and Burn Claims. Liam has successfully secured significant compensation for clients across Northern Ireland. Link to case studies

In addition to catastrophic injury claims, Liam advises clients on all aspects of personal injury law, including Road Traffic Accidents, accidents at work, and accidents in public places. 

Beyond his work in general litigation, Liam leads our Damp and Mould claims team, representing tenants who have suffered loss and personal injury due to inadequate housing conditions. Holding Social Housing Landlords to account by applying for Court injunctions compelling the Landlord to fix the property defects, to securing compensation for associated injury like eczema, asthma, cardiovascular issues and related psychological injury. 

In addition to his litigation work, Liam is an accredited member of the Children Order Panel. He is recognised as one of the few expert solicitors in Northern Ireland capable of advising on Care Orders, Child Abduction cases, Freeing for Adoption, and Child Relocation applications. 

Expert:Serious Injury Claims

Expert:Road Traffic Accidents

Expert:Damp and Mould Claims

Expert:Personal Injury Claims

Expert:Family and Children Law

Solicitor

Lucy Kelly

Lucy studied Law at Queen’s University Belfast, where she graduated with her LLB (Hons) in Law. Following graduation, Lucy gained experience working in a City centre firm for two years before joining our team in early 2021.

Lucy is an experienced member of our personal injury litigation team, with a special focus on Road Traffic Accidents, Accidents at Work and Medical Negligence.

Lucy has obtained significant compensation for clients who have been involved in serious Road Traffic Accidents and accidents at work. She also represents clients who have had the misfortune of being involved in birthing injuries and missed medical diagnoses.  She is ready to advocate for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact Lucy today to schedule a consultation.

Expert:Accidents at Work

Expert:Accident in a Public Place

Expert:Road Traffic Accidents

Expert:Serious Injury Claims

Paralegal

Gemma McCashin

Gemma has been with us since early 2018 and is a highly specialised personal injury Paralegal. Assisting on catastrophic injury claims, road traffic accidents, and accidents at work, Gemma brings a wealth of experience and competence to her practice.

Gemma’s passion for personal injury law has made her an integral part of our team. She has worked in significant personal injury settlements making a huge difference in the lives of those who have been injured due to the negligence of others. Her compassionate approach and unwavering dedication to her clients set her apart in the field.

Whether you’ve suffered a life-altering injury, been involved in a road traffic accident, or experienced harm in the workplace, you can rely on our team.

Expert:Road Traffic Accidents

Expert:Accidents at Work

Expert:Accident in a Public Place

Expert:Serious Injury Claims

Paralegal

Aine O’Kane

Introducing Aine, our paralegal with a diverse skill set that spans personal injury claims to assisting partners in preparing criminal cases for trial. Aine has vast experience in personal injury law, particularly Road Traffic Accidents. She assists clients with the personal injury side of their claims, gathering medical notes and records, ensuring the appropriate experts are instructed and ensuring the best medical evidence is gathered to maximise compensation for the clients. 

In addition to her work in personal injury law, Aine also plays a crucial role in assisting our Criminal team with preparing cases for trial. Her attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and dedication to thorough preparation contribute to the success of our criminal defence team.

Expert:Accidents at Work

Expert:Accident in a Public Place

Expert:Criminal Law

Expert:Road Traffic Accidents

Paralegal

Amber Looney

Amber is a paralegal specialising in personal injury law with a focus on Credit Hire Law and Road Traffic Accidents. Amber graduated with a First Class Honours in Law from Queen’s University Belfast.

With her strong academic background and client centred approach, Amber is dedicated to assisting clients who have been affected by road traffic accidents to obtain the compensation they deserve.

Amber understands the challenges that individuals face after being involved in accidents, and she is here to provide compassionate support and expert guidance every step of the way. Whether that involves arranging a replacement car, arranging repairs or seeking compensation for personal injuries, Amber will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Expert:Road Traffic Accidents

Expert:Serious Injury Claims

Paralegal

Cathy Hillen

Introducing Cathy, a dedicated paralegal specialising in personal injury law, with a focus on Credit Hire Law and Road Traffic Accidents. Cathy is a graduate of Ulster University Belfast, holding a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

With a passion for helping clients navigate the complexities of personal injury claims, Cathy goes above and beyond to ensure our clients receive the support and compensation they deserve. Cathy assists clients in arranging immediate vehicle replacement, getting them back on the road swiftly after an accident. She also handles the process of obtaining compensation for vehicle damage, ensuring that each vehicle is expertly assessed, and (if applicable) authorising repairs promptly.

Furthermore, Cathy understands the importance of maximising compensation in personal injury claims. She works diligently to arrange medical consultations with experts, ensuring that her clients receive the necessary care and attention to secure the maximum compensation available for their injuries.

Cathy’s compassionate approach, coupled with her expertise in personal injury law, makes her an invaluable asset to our team. If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident and need assistance with vehicle replacement, compensation for damages, or navigating the personal injury claims process, don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Expert:Road Traffic Accidents

Paralegal

Michelle Hamilton

Meet Michelle, our paralegal who specialises in personal injury law with a focus on representing clients in Road Traffic Accidents and Damp and Mould claims. Michelle studied Law at Birmingham City University (2015-2018), where she graduated with a 2:1 in Law. She furthered her legal education by completing the Bar Professional Training Course, qualifying as a Barrister in England in 2019.

Michelle moved back to Northern Ireland gaining valuable experience working for the Courts Service before transitioning to a City Centre Personal Injury firm in November 2021, where she honed her skills and deepened her expertise in personal injury law. In March 2024, Michelle joined our team, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to advocating for the rights of her clients.

Michelle’s practice encompasses a diverse range of cases, including Road Traffic Accidents and Damp and Mould Claims against Social Housing providers, notably the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. She assists clients in seeking injunctive relief to address defective homes, as well as claims for compensation for property damage and personal injury caused by inadequate living conditions.

Expert:Damp and Mould Claims

Expert:Road Traffic Accidents