Our Opening Hours:
Mon - Thurs 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 5.30pm
Talk to Thompsons Today. We’re here to listen.
Claim Now

To ensure we give you the most tailored advice regarding your data breach enquiry, we kindly request that you complete our specialised enquiry form. You can access the form
by clicking on the following button: Click here

Click here to return to the previous window

What causes neck sprains and whiplash in car accidents?

In a road traffic accident, acute sprains of the cervical spine may occur when sudden motion bends the spine. The severity of these injuries depends on the relative movement of the head, neck, and body, along with the forces of acceleration during the crash.

Rear-end, front-end, or side impacts can all cause these sudden movements and may result in 'whiplash' type injuries.

How common are neck sprains after car accidents?

Around fifteen to thirty percent of car accident victims, examined soon after the accident, are found to have experienced neck sprain of some sort. About 60% of them are found to be suffering from a neck sprain in the longer term. 

Can neck sprains cause long-term disability?

If the neck sprain is severe, it may even cause permanent disability and all of the below can be indicators of prolonged disability:  

Symptoms such as:

  • Headaches
  • Interscapular pain
  • Abnormal neurological signs
  • Osteoarthritic changes of the cervical spine

Pain, suffering, and disability after acute neck sprains can be reduced if doctors recognise that these injuries, especially those that occur after rear end impacts, may cause long term disability.

 

David Adams
Partner
Partner

"The compensation levels and values are all determined by the extent of the injury." 

How can recovery from whiplash be supported?

Proper care, physiotherapy and exercise can aid recovery, and minimise the negative consequences of the accident. 

How can Thompsons help?

If you have been involved in a road traffic accident and need expert support, our No Win No Fee lawyers are here to assist. Call 0800 0891 331 and we will help you claim the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rear-end collisions are the most common cause, though front-end and side impacts can also lead to whiplash.

Headaches, interscapular pain, abnormal neurological signs, and osteoarthritic changes lasting more than two months may indicate prolonged disability.

Yes, physiotherapy along with exercise and medical care can support recovery and reduce long-term effects.

Legal services for Car Accident 5 1177
Based on 2226 reviews
Excellent
5/5
5 / 5

Car accident injury claim

Jordan and others kept me up to date with every update on my claim progressing and were clear when explaining the process. I was never in the dark with how far along things were. Great communication both through phone calls and email.

Michael G
11 November 2025
5 / 5

Claim against Personal Injury - Thompson, Sjhone

Knowledgeable, Clear, Proactive and understanding approach from Thompsons initially, was only made better by great service, communication and attentiveness throughout the case. I received what I was promised they were going to pursue as a minimum, in just 8 months.

Sjhone Thompson
6 October 2025
5 / 5

Car crash

Thanks to thopsons this case has finally been settled due to the diligence of everyone concerned

Eileen anthony
22 September 2025
5 / 5

Car crash compensation

Very easy to deal with. I had no idea what to do but they kept me right all the way. Thank you.

Anonymous
25 August 2025
5 / 5

Traffic accident claim

I had an accident and had Thompson solicitors represent me on my claim. They were professional through out keeping me updated on everything. Would recommend them to anyone who has the misfortune to have an accident claim. Thank you.

Paul Williams
12 August 2025
5 / 5

Car accident claim

Had a nice experience with this company took a while but was sorted 👌 the people who delt with me had a lot of patience as I am not very good with emails was looked after very well thank you x

Elizabeth
28 July 2025
5 / 5

Excellent service, above and beyond

It all began with a freak cycling accident on my way to work one oct morning in 2023, unbeknown to me was the cause of the accident was a pothole in the road , I have been cycling for 20years plus and had never experienced an incident like this, but needless to say that when I contacted Nicola at Thompsons she was willing to listen and filled me with confidence, subsequently the defendant settled today with what I can only describe as a generous offer , thank you Nicola

James Mcmurray
11 July 2025
5 / 5

Excellent Professional Service

I have been dealing with Scarlett Small who has been excellent throughout the whole process. SHe has answered all questions promptly, given advice where required and guided me through the whole process. She has been thoroughly professional, explaining any jargon etc and fully explaining the process at each stage. I would highly recommend her and Thompsons Solicitors.

Tom
19 June 2025
Injured through no fault of your own?
Call us on
To see how much you could claim
Compensation Specialists
Our offices and meeting places
Talk to Thompsons
Claim Now