After a traffic accident – especially a rear-end collision – whiplash injury compensation. The symptoms can turn your daily life completely upside down. Sometimes you notice the symptoms immediately after the accident, but they often only develop in the days or weeks afterwards.

In this article, we explain what a whiplash is, what symptoms are associated with it, what treatments are possible, and how you can recover your whiplash injury compensation from the liable party. The personal injury lawyers at Arslan Advocaten will help you with this free of charge.

What is a whiplash after a traffic accident?

A whiplash usually occurs due to a sudden, forceful movement of the head relative to the torso, for example when your car is hit from behind. The neck and spine then make a rapid whipping motion, resulting in:

• stretching or tearing of muscles and ligaments;

• the joints in the neck become overstrained;

• nerves can become irritated.

Whiplash is often referred to as whiplash associated disorder (WAD). It does not only involve physical symptoms, but also cognitive and psychological symptoms. This whiplash-related injury may be short-term, but can also persist for a long time.

Common symptoms of whiplash-related injury

Whiplash symptoms vary widely. Not everyone has the same symptoms, and symptoms are by no means always noticeable immediately after the accident.

1. Neck symptoms

• Pain in the neck

• Stiffness and limited mobility

• Nagging or stabbing sensation when turning or bending the head

Many victims indicate that they hardly dare to or are able to move their head.

2. Shoulder and back pain

The neck complaints can radiate to:

• shoulders

• upper back

• sometimes middle or lower back

This can lead to a feeling of tension and overload in the muscles.

3. Headache

Headache is a common part of whiplash injury:

• often starting in the neck and radiating up into the head

• can resemble migraine

• worsens with exertion, screens, or stress

4. Fatigue and sleep problems

Due to pain, tension, and stress:

• you often sleep poorly;

• you feel exhausted during the day;

• you have less energy to keep up with work or family.

5. Concentration and memory problems

Cognitive symptoms may include:

• difficulty focusing

• reduced ability to remember what was just said or read

• becoming overstimulated more easily

This can have a major impact on your work and daily functioning.

6. Psychological symptoms and anxiety

In addition to physical symptoms, psychological consequences often play a role:

• fear of driving or traffic

• low mood or depressive feelings

• frustration and helplessness due to lasting limitations

Other possible symptoms

• Dizziness or balance problems

• Tingling in arms or hands

• Blurred vision or light sensitivity

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

• Lower back pain

Long-term consequences of whiplash personal injury

Some people recover within a few weeks or months. In others, however, symptoms persist for a long time. Then we often speak of chronic whiplash symptoms.

Long-term whiplash injury can lead to:

• persistent pain and stiffness

• limitations in work and household activities

• fewer social activities

• tensions in relationships and family

• loss of income or career opportunities

That is precisely why it is important to take your symptoms seriously, document them properly medically, and have your damages legally assessed.

Whiplash treatment

The treatment depends on the severity and duration of your symptoms. In practice, a combination is often used of:

• Physiotherapy – to strengthen the muscles, improve posture, and increase neck mobility.

• Pain management – ranging from paracetamol and anti-inflammatory drugs to, if necessary, stronger prescription medication from a doctor.

• Manual therapy – aimed at reducing muscle tension and improving the movements of the neck and back.

• Psychological or cognitive therapy – to better cope with pain, stress, anxiety, and any symptoms resulting from the accident.

If symptoms persist, it is advisable to draw up a treatment plan under the guidance of a doctor or specialist. Good medical documentation is also important for your whiplash personal injury claim.

(For medical information we refer you to your treating physician and for example https://www.thuisarts.nl/whiplash)

Compensation for whiplash personal injury after a collision

If your whiplash resulted from a traffic accident that was (partly) caused by another party, you are in many cases entitled to compensation. This concerns both:

• Material damage

• Non-material damage (pain and suffering)

Examples of damage items

• Medical costs (treatments, medications, physiotherapy)

• Travel expenses to doctors and therapists

• Loss of income due to disability or reduced hours

• Loss of future earning capacity

• Costs for household help or informal care

• Assistive devices or home modifications

• Study delay or missed career opportunities

• Compensation for pain and suffering for pain, grief, anxiety and loss of enjoyment of life

Our personal injury lawyers ensure that all items of damage be mapped out, so that you do not leave money on the table.

How do you claim whiplash compensation after a traffic accident?

1. Obtain medical evidence

• Go to your GP or a doctor as soon as possible

• Have your symptoms and the accident clearly documented

• Follow the treatment advice and keep medical correspondence

2. Gather evidence of the accident

• Accident report form

• Details of the other party

• Names and contact details of witnesses

• Photos of vehicles and accident location

3. Keep track of your damages

• Keep receipts and invoices

• Record missed work hours or income

• Make an overview of additional costs (home help, childcare, etc.)

4. Hire a personal injury lawyer

The other party’s insurer is not there for you, but for the insured. Our lawyers represent your interests and ensure that the liable party pays what you are entitled to.

Free legal assistance for whiplash personal injury

At Arslan Advocaten we exclusively assist victims of traffic accidents. We:

• hold the other party liable;

• handle all communication with the insurer;

• safeguard your rights and deadlines;

• ensure that your whiplash personal injury is fully compensated.

Our assistance is for victims free of charge, because we recover our costs from the liable party.

Why choose Arslan Advocaten for whiplash injury compensation?

• Always free of charge for victims – we recover the costs from the liable party.

• Many years of experience with whiplash and traffic accidents.

• Maximum compensation – we account for all damages, now and in the future.

• Personal support – you have direct contact with your own lawyer.

Contact us to pursue compensation for your whiplash injury

Have you suffered whiplash due to a collision and would you like to claim your whiplash compensation? Then contact Arslan Advocaten. We ensure that you get what you are entitled to, at no cost to you.