Road traffic collisions can cause a wide range of physical injuries, but for many people, it isn’t the fractures or cuts that have the longest-lasting impact. Instead, it’s the invisible injuries: nerve pain, soft-tissue damage, and musculoskeletal trauma that evolve into chronic conditions such as Chronic Pain Syndrome, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), and fibromyalgia.
Even “minor” collisions can create significant internal trauma. Common mechanisms include:
1. Whiplash and soft-tissue trauma: Sudden acceleration–deceleration forces strain muscles, ligaments, and joints in the neck, back, and shoulders. Although many people recover, others experience persistent pain due to deeper soft-tissue or nerve involvement.
2. Direct nerve injury: Impact forces, seatbelt pressure, or disc herniation can damage nerves. Symptoms might include:
- Burning or electric-shock pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness
- Heightened sensitivity to touch or temperature
These symptoms can become long-term if the nerve does not heal or if the body develops maladaptive pain responses.
3. Central sensitisation: After trauma, the nervous system can become hypersensitive, amplifying pain signals. This mechanism is strongly associated with CRPS and fibromyalgia.
Chronic pain occurs when discomfort lasts longer than three months, often without a clear structural cause. This can be frustrating for clients because scans or tests may appear “normal”, yet the pain is life-altering. Symptoms often include chronic neck or back pain, neuropathic pain (nerve-related), widespread musculoskeletal pain, loss of mobility, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and sleep disturbance.
Chronic pain is real, debilitating, and often poorly understood by insurers. Trauma, including car accidents, is a recognised trigger, and for many clients, symptoms develop gradually after the initial injury.
Chronic pain claims are complex. Insurers often argue the pain is unrelated to the accident, exaggerated, or pre-existing. It is vital your solicitor builds a strong case using
- Expert medical evidence from leading chronic pain specialists
- Testimony from neurologists, rheumatologists, and pain consultants
- Psychological assessments
- Detailed accounts of functional limitations
- Occupational and care expert evidence, and
- Analysis of long-term financial losses and future treatment needs
Due to the fact that chronic pain may last a lifetime, accurately assessing future losses is critical. At Brian Barr Solicitors we ensure that clients receive the full compensation they deserve, not just a short-term quick settlement.
