Car accidents can often have unpleasant consequences. A whiplash is a common injury to the neck and/or back as a result of an accident. In such cases, the head makes a sudden, forceful movement forward, backward, or sideways, stretching the muscles and ligaments. Whiplash symptoms can persist for a long time and can hinder both your daily life and your work situation.

Symptoms resulting from a whiplash

A painful, stiff neck is the most common complaint in cases of whiplash. However, additional symptoms may also occur, such as sleep problems, depression, and reduced concentration. The symptoms do not always appear immediately; it is quite possible that you will only experience symptoms hours or days after the accident. It is also important to know that there does not have to be a proportional relationship between the severity of the accident and the symptoms it causes. For example, a relatively minor accident can result in long-lasting symptoms. In any case, it is advisable to visit your general practitioner as soon as possible.

Holding the other party liable for damages

It is often unclear in advance how long your symptoms will persist and how long you will therefore suffer physical and/or psychological harm. For the damage already suffered and yet to be suffered, you want to hold the other party who caused the accident liable. In order to obtain compensation, the liability of the other party must first be acknowledged. To this end, the causal link between the accident and the damage suffered must be demonstrated. It must therefore be established that the symptoms as well as the damage would not have arisen if the accident had not occurred.

Compensation

There are many types of losses that may be eligible for compensation. Consider, for example, medical expenses not covered by your insurer, travel expenses you have to incur to go to the hospital, and the damage you suffered to your car, clothing, and other belongings as a result of the accident. Losses due to study delay and lost income can also be compensated. In short, all costs that you would not have had to incur if the accident had not occurred are eligible for compensation.

In addition to material damage, as described above, non-material damage you suffer can also be compensated. This is also called compensation for pain and suffering. The symptoms resulting from a whiplash can, in certain cases, cause serious psychological harm. The victim’s enjoyment of life is then taken away because they are hindered in their daily activities. A long hospital stay and recovery period can also be emotionally very difficult for the victim. The amount of compensation for pain and suffering depends on various factors, including the age of the victim and the severity of the whiplash.

Have you sustained a whiplash as a result of a car accident and therefore suffered material and/or emotional damage? Then you can recover the damages from the other party. Our experienced personal injury lawyers and legal experts can advise and guide you in obtaining the highest compensation!