A whiplash injury occurs when the soft tissue in the neck and spine is stretched as a result of the body being thrown in a sudden or forceful movement. The most commonly affected areas of the body with a whiplash injury are the neck, back and shoulders. Symptoms of whiplash may include pain, dizziness, nausea, headaches and a feeling of pins and needles radiating down the arms or legs. Whiplash injuries are most commonly caused by road traffic accidents. It is important to note though that a whiplash injury can be sustained in a very low impact collision, with speeds of only a few miles per hour. The law now defines Whiplash as a soft tissue in the neck, back or shoulder; namely a sprain, strain, tear, or rupture or lesser damage of a muscle, tendon or ligament except if it is part of or connected to another injury i.e. broken bone.

Forbes Solicitors can help you claim for whiplash you have sustained in an accident that wasn't your fault, as long as it has happened in the last three years. If successful, your whiplash compensation usually comes from the insurance policy of the other party involved.

• Step 1 - Exchange details with all parties involved

• Step 2 - Gather evidence of the incident using photographs and even contact details of witnesses

• Step 3 - Seek medical attention as soon as possible and the medical records of your injury will also be used as evidence

• Step 4 - Seek legal advice. On the basis that your whiplash claim is accepted by our solicitors, we will then file a claim to the third party's insurance company on your behalf. Once an admission of liability is obtained, we will then arrange a medical appointment with one of our specialist panel experts to prepare a report detailing the injuries you have sustained. On the basis of the information in that report, we will value your claim and arrange for you to attend to any rehabilitation recommended.

Details are set in the table above. If your symptoms last longer than 2 years, the amounts increase in line with a guide called the Judicial Studies Board Guidelines, which helps us to assess how much whiplash compensation should be awarded to you. We will then negotiate a settlement on your behalf with the third-party insurers or solicitors. Once your whiplash injury claim is settled you will receive your compensation. It also important to keep a note of any out-of-pocket expenses you have incurred as a result of your accident as these can be claimed back from the insurers also. They may include such things as lost earnings, policy excess, prescription or medical expenses and travelling expenses.