Section 1 of the Civil Liability Act 1998 defines a whiplash injury as: “a soft tissue injury in the neck, back or shoulder” which is a “sprain strain tear rupture or lesser damage of a muscle tendon or ligament in the neck back or shoulder” or a soft tissue injury which is “associated with a muscle tendon or ligament in the neck back or shoulder”.
Whiplash is caused when the head suddenly moves forwards, backwards or sideways. It’s a common injury in car accidents where there’s a sudden, unexpected impact. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, reduced movement, and headaches. While in most cases whiplash isn’t a serious injury, it can be very painful and debilitating. In severe cases, it can last for six months or more. If you think you might have whiplash, it’s important to seek medical advice immediately to make sure more serious damage hasn’t been done to your neck and spine. Please visit the NHS website for more information on whiplash.