If you have suffered a whiplash injury in Mansfield, understanding your rights and options for compensation is essential. Whether your injury occurred in a road traffic accident or another type of incident, seeking legal advice as early as possible can help protect your interests.
At Marley Solicitors, we help people across Mansfield and the surrounding areas pursue fair compensation for whiplash injuries. This guide covers what whiplash is, how claims work, and what to expect throughout the process.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is a type of neck injury caused when the head is suddenly thrown forward, backwards or sideways. This sudden motion can strain muscles, ligaments and tendons in the neck. The most common cause of whiplash is rear-end collisions, although it can also result from falls, sports injuries, or physical assaults.
Symptoms can vary in severity but often include:
- Reduced range of motion
- Headaches
- Neck pain and dizziness
- Shoulder or upper back pain
- Dizziness or fatigue
These symptoms might not appear immediately, which is why it is important to seek medical attention after any incident that might have caused neck trauma.
Can I claim compensation for whiplash?
You may be eligible to claim compensation if your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. In Mansfield, most whiplash claims arise from road traffic accidents where another driver was at fault.
To succeed in a claim, you must prove:
- The accident was caused by another party
- The accident directly led to your injury
- You suffered financial losses or pain and suffering as a result
Our team at Marley Solicitors can help assess your eligibility during an initial consultation.
Recent changes to whiplash claims in the UK
As of May 2021, new rules had been introduced under the Whiplash Reform Program. These changes were designed to reduce the number of fraudulent claims and allow insurers to resolve genuine cases more efficiently.
Key changes include:
- A fixed tariff system for certain types of whiplash injuries
- Most minor whiplash claims (lasting less than 2 years) must be made through an online portal
- Legal fees are not recoverable for claims under £5,000
These changes mainly affect claims made by drivers and passengers over the age of 18. However, the rules can be complex, so speaking to a solicitor remains a smart decision.
How much compensation can I receive?
The amount of compensation you can receive depends on the severity of your injury and how long symptoms persist. The government’s tariff system for minor whiplash injuries includes the following figures (as of 2025):
- Injuries lasting up to 3 months: £240
- Injuries lasting 3–6 months: £495
- Injuries lasting 6–9 months: £840
- Injuries lasting 9–12 months: £1,320
- Injuries lasting 12–15 months: £2,040
- Injuries lasting 15–18 months: £3,005
- Injuries lasting 18–24 months: £4,215
If your injury has caused longer-term problems or includes psychological trauma, you may be able to claim more outside the tariff system. Our solicitors in Mansfield will evaluate your case to determine the right approach.
What can whiplash compensation cover?
In addition to damages for pain and suffering, compensation may also cover:
- Loss of earnings if you were unable to work
- Medical treatment or rehabilitation expenses
- Travel expenses related to treatment
- Costs for care and assistance at home
- Future loss of income if your injury leads to long-term disability
Our team works hard to ensure all aspects of your loss are fully calculated and included in your claim.
Why choose Marley Solicitors in Mansfield?
We understand how disruptive a whiplash injury can be. That’s why we focus on delivering personal, professional legal support tailored to your situation. At Marley Solicitors, we offer:
- Local expertise in Mansfield and surrounding areas
- Clear and honest advice from experienced solicitors
- No win, no fee arrangements where applicable
- Support with gathering medical evidence and completing forms
- A dedicated team committed to getting the best outcome for you
Our goal is to make the legal process as smooth as possible, while helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
What should I do after a whiplash injury?
If you suspect you have whiplash, take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention – even if symptoms are mild
- Report the incident to the police and your insurer (for road traffic accidents)
- Gather evidence – photos, witness details, medical records
- Keep track of expenses related to your injury
- Contact a solicitor as soon as possible
Acting quickly not only strengthens your case but ensures important deadlines are met.
How long do I have to make a claim?
In the UK, the general time limit for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident or the date you became aware of your injury. For minors, the three-year period begins when they turn 18.
There can be exceptions in certain cases, such as those involving mental capacity or late-emerging symptoms. If you are unsure about your eligibility, speak to one of our attorneys for personalised guidance.
Speak to Marley Solicitors about whiplash compensation in Mansfield
If you are suffering from whiplash after an accident in Mansfield, let Marley Solicitors help you take the next steps. Our legal team is here to offer clear advice, practical support and strong representation to secure the compensation you are entitled to.
Contact our Mansfield office today to book a consultation. You can reach us by phone, email, or our online inquiry form.
Let us help you move forward with confidence.
