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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Re wanting to claim about this accident?

171 replies

Shehz21 · 13/12/2018 20:59

I was involved in a minor accident today. Me, DH and 9 month old were in the car heading back home when another car crashed into us from behind. The car had a "New Driver" sticker on it.
Thankfully none involved were badly injured though I knocked my head pretty hard against the headrest and saw black spots for couple of seconds. Baby was fine, just seemed a bit shocked and flushed.
The other driver and myself were extremely distraught,she had her DD aged 5/6 maybe in the front seat belted.
We both were understandably very worried for our respective children.
An hour after the accident I went to the A&E as I was feeling extremely lightheaded and nauseous. I started having a horrible headache and my muscles were in "spasm" as described by the doctor who saw me. He prescribed Naproxen and told me the pain would eventually go away.
Now hours after the accident,the headache is the worst I ever experienced in my life. My shoulders and neck are absolutely killing me.
Should I be claiming whiplash and which agencies would you recommend please?
I am so sorry for the long post, my thoughts are all over the place and I feel so sickSad

OP posts:
Original poster
Shehz21 · 13/12/2018 21:24

I find this so weird that some posters are only posting to tell me to get off MN with my headache...
Thank Goodness I wasn't told the same thing when puking my guts out with hyperemesis and having a constant headache for 9 months of my life.

Thank you to the posters advising about what to do in such situations as I have never been involved in an accident before.

OP posts:
user1466690252 · 13/12/2018 21:25

If you have been diagnosed with whiplash you can claim. But they are Vigerous and you will have to see the insurers dr, physio and other people to prove it is a legitimate case. Also, if you file a complaint for whiplash and it is found (by their insurer) you don’t you are liable for all costs. I wouldn’t risk it for a few quid unless you have lost money because it’s so bad you can’t work. The government really cracked down on it

Original poster
Shehz21 · 13/12/2018 21:25

Wondertweek They believe I need to take the painkillers and give it couple of days. I am guessing a headache might be normal in case of whiplash hence why the advice?

OP posts:
gamerchick · 13/12/2018 21:29

You've been diagnosed with whiplash and now are asking while describing your symptoms whether you should claim for whiplash? Why describe your symptoms if you've already been diagnosed?

You need to tighten your story if you're rubbing your hands together at the thought of coin. Insurance is going to see straight through you.

Twickerhun · 13/12/2018 21:29

You might want to delay a claim until you know how debilitating your case is. You may need to claim for costs for domestic help or physio or similar. If your whiplash is genuine the pain could get worse before it gets better

popcornwizard · 13/12/2018 21:30

I think you're misunderstanding - they want you to get off mumsnet and seek further medical advice about your headache - it sounds as if it's getting worse rather than better even with the painkillers. I'd maybe call 111 and tell them what's happening - they'll decide if you need medical assistance.

busybarbara · 13/12/2018 21:30

I find this so weird that some posters are only posting to tell me to get off MN with my headache...

"Worst headache of my life" is a phrase any medical professional will instantly recognise as being a cause for concern particularly after banging your head! But it's your life so crack on.

Original poster
Shehz21 · 13/12/2018 21:32

gamerchick I am not here to argue with you. I only asked whether it would be unreasonable of me to claim and most posters thankfully are giving me the advice I actually need.
Thank you and goodnight Smile

OP posts:
Soontobe60 · 13/12/2018 21:32

OP, it is extremely unusual for only 1 passenger in a car to get whiplash! If the prang was bad enough to cause you whiplash, then it should also have been equally as bad for the others in your car.

BackforGood · 13/12/2018 21:33

So your headache is the worse in a long time and first thing you do is to go to MN asking about compensation? I’d get it check again by a doctor rather than being on the net

This ^

Original poster
Shehz21 · 13/12/2018 21:34

popcorn As mentioned above,I did. And they told me to crack on witht the Naproxen as a headache is normal following a whiplash it seems?
I was also told(at the A&E) an MRI scan or xray would do more bad than good.

OP posts:
Claw001 · 13/12/2018 21:34

You cannot claim whiplash after just a few hours. Only if it persists. You would be claiming for pain. Pain and suffering for a few hours wouldn’t amount to much.

You just need to visit GP, if symptoms persist.

Original poster
Shehz21 · 13/12/2018 21:35

soontobe my exact same situation applied to DH. Baby was fortunately okay.

OP posts:
Original poster
Shehz21 · 13/12/2018 21:37

Claw Thank you. Will see how it goes over the weekend and will ring GP on Monday if it doesn't get any better.

As another poster also mentioned that whiplash can get a lot worse before it gets better, I guess the right thing to do would be to wait.

OP posts:
dippledorus · 13/12/2018 21:39

I didn’t think whiplash would be diagnosed immediately following an accident?

irnbruforlife · 13/12/2018 21:40

just google compensation solicitors and you will find many free ones. Or your own insurers can provide you with one. Ignore the judgers, they are just idiots. If someone crashes into you going at speed you are more than likely to get whiplash, and are entitled to claim for your physical suffering. You will be assessed by a Dr from the insurers and that is it although i would recommend seeing your own gp. Am currently going through the process myself and this is the third time in about 7 years that I have had to make a claim for whiplash so many shitty drivers on the road

Oysterbabe · 13/12/2018 21:40

OP, it is extremely unusual for only 1 passenger in a car to get whiplash

Actually it's not. Children in car seats are usually ok. It depends a lot on the position you were in and also your own physiology.
For example the driver may see the car coming in the rear view mirror and brace for impact while the passenger is leaning forward rummaging through their bag or something. Women usually suffer more than men as they are often smaller and lighter with less muscle mass.

These threads are always overwhelmed with people implying the op is lying or they should just brush it off. If you are injured there's nothing wrong with claiming from insurance, it's what it's for.

gamerchick · 13/12/2018 21:41

Well I think we can guarantee it'll get worse before it gets better now Grin

irnbruforlife · 13/12/2018 21:41

i went to my gp within 24 hours of my crash who confirmed that I had whiplash. Its not rocket science and fairly easy for gps to diagnose. Dont know why you would think a gp couldnt diagnose it after 24 hours.

TheRugbyValkyrie · 13/12/2018 21:42

As a medic dealing with head injuries 5/7, the first question I want to ask is did the hospital discuss head injury and any "red flags" you should look out for?
A worsening headache, despite painkillers, is one to look out for. You really should be calling 111 to discuss.

TheLittlestLightOnTheTree · 13/12/2018 21:43

Jeez!! Anything for a quick buck!!

Cath2907 · 13/12/2018 21:44

I had whiplash 20 yrs ago. I hurt myself on day 1 and the following morning I couldn’t move my head. It was days before I had free movement of my head and the muscles ached for a week. Be aware you may be worse tomorrow!

irnbruforlife · 13/12/2018 21:45

Its hardly a quick buck. It will take months for a solicitor to sort it out. And the op didnt do anything, other than be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

twoheaped · 13/12/2018 21:46

Whiplash is horrendous, I couldn't lift my head off the pillow in the morning, I had to roll out of bed.
Sadly, I did it falling off my horse and it was pointless suing him. 15 years on, I still suffer the after effects.

I hope yours ends up not being too severe.

Schuyler · 13/12/2018 21:47

You hit your head and have a severe headache. You need to seek medical attention before worrying about anything else,

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