Whiplash due to an accident

Types of injuries after an accident: Whiplash

You probably participate in traffic every day. An accident can happen so easily; a driver takes a break, and before you know it, you've been the victim of a traffic accident. A common type of injury from a traffic accident is whiplash.

Here we explain what whiplash is, what complaints you may experience with whiplash and the consequences of whiplash when claiming personal injury damages.

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As your expert partner for personal injury claims, we serve victims nationwide. With offices in Amsterdam and Utrecht, we offer nationwide coverage and will visit you at home if necessary. Our experience in successfully claiming personal injury damages makes us a leading name in the industry.

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Hardt Advocaten was founded with the goal of supporting victims of personal injury and providing the best possible legal help. With our in house lawyers, we can assist you from start to end.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is a common injury that can occur after a car accident. Whiplash often occurs in a rear-end collision, but it can also occur in other accidents. The head of the occupant of the car that was hit initially snaps back violently. As the car comes to a stop, the head snaps forward. The neck then undergoes a whiplash-like motion. If you're waiting at a traffic light and the driver behind you doesn't notice in time, they can hit you with a tremendous force. Whiplash can result because the impact puts a tremendous strain on the neck muscles.

Whiplash can occur in various ways. It often results from a rear-end collision, for example, when you're stuck in traffic or waiting at a red light and the driver behind you hits you from behind. Whiplash can also occur in other car accidents, bicycle accidents, and other traffic accidents, or from a fall.

Complaints about whiplash caused by an accident

Whiplash is a collective term for certain complaints. After an accident, victims often experience neck and/or back pain. When the accident occurs, the head often makes a forceful forward or backward movement. The neck contains many soft tissues and muscles that are damaged and strained by this movement, causing whiplash. Whiplash is not visible on an X-ray and is therefore difficult for a doctor to diagnose. However, as a victim, you may experience neck pain for a long time.

You can recognize whiplash from an accident by many different symptoms. These may include:

• neck pain or stiff neck;
• limited in the movement of the neck;
• radiating pain from the neck to the shoulders, arms and/or the back of the head;
• headache;
• fatigue;
• nausea;
• dizziness;
• forgetfulness;
• concentration problems.

Other symptoms of whiplash include hearing problems (such as tinnitus), tingling in the hands, eye problems, trouble sleeping, and feelings of anxiety and stress. These are certainly many unpleasant symptoms, which can last for quite some time. Recovery is often slow and usually occurs with the help of a physiotherapist. For about half of victims, whiplash symptoms last longer than six months.

Consequences of a whiplash caused by an accident

The consequences of whiplash caused by an accident can be life-changing, especially if the symptoms persist. Symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or a stiff neck can sometimes make it impossible for you to perform many of the activities you could before the accident. For example, you may be limited in your ability to drive, work, and perform other daily activities.

While whiplash is difficult to diagnose, it remains a controversial concept in science. This doesn't mean that whiplash symptoms don't exist, but sometimes you'll be misunderstood by your insurer, employer, or even doctors. Since whiplash caused by an accident can't be diagnosed based on objective injuries, the diagnosis is based on the circumstances of the accident and the symptoms. Your story as the victim is central to this process. We can also use your medical information to support your story.

Recovery from whiplash caused by an accident

Recovering from whiplash caused by an accident can sometimes take a long time, depending on the severity of the injury. It's important to get plenty of rest, do exercises to strengthen your neck muscles, and consult a doctor for (medical) treatment for your whiplash symptoms. Possible treatment options include physiotherapy to strengthen your neck muscles, chiropractic care to reduce pain, and painkillers.

Claiming damages for personal injury after suffering whiplash as a result of an accident

If you've suffered whiplash due to someone else's actions, for example, in a car or bicycle accident, you naturally want compensation for all the damage it causes. To successfully file a personal injury claim, it must be demonstrated that the accident was caused by someone else who can be held liable for your damages. After establishing liability, a comprehensive cost estimate must be prepared for your (and future) personal injury damages.

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The claim process for personal injury after an accident

The process of filing a claim can be complex and the length of time it takes to settle a claim depends on the circumstances of the accident.

Here are some general steps in the personal injury claim process:

• Seek legal assistance; a qualified and experienced personal injury lawyer can help you assess your damages and calculate your compensation.
• Gathering evidence to support your claim; this may include medical records, witness statements, photographs, and other evidence.
• Calculating your compensation and filing the claim; the damages may consist of material and immaterial damages (also called non-pecuniary damages).
• Negotiations with the other party; negotiations can sometimes take some time, depending on the complexity of the case and the other party's willingness to settle.
• If necessary, legal action; if a settlement cannot be reached with the other party's insurer, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit.

For more information about the personal injury process, please contact our personal injury lawyers. We're happy to help!

The role of a personal injury lawyer in personal injury cases

A personal injury case and filing a claim can be time-consuming. If you've suffered personal injury, you're likely already fully occupied with your recovery. An experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can represent your interests throughout the personal injury process.

A personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence, calculate your compensation, and file a claim. They also have the necessary experience and expertise to advise you on your rights. If you have suffered whiplash after an accident, we will work with you to explore your options for (medical) care and compensation. This will help you make the right choices.

Recovery-oriented approach to personal injury

At Hardt Advocaten, the human factor is paramount. We believe that accident victims need not only legal assistance but also social support and assistance. That's why we offer a recovery-oriented approach, working with our dedicated network, where we work with the victim to determine what they need to rebuild their lives within their means. By listening to the client, we can optimally tailor our services to their needs.

Have you suffered personal injury? Our personal injury lawyers are ready to assist you. Our services are completely free.

The importance of a personal injury lawyer in personal injury cases

Filing a personal injury claim and filing a claim can be complicated and time-consuming. If you've suffered a personal injury, you're likely already fully occupied with your recovery. An experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can represent your interests throughout the personal injury process.

A personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence, calculate your compensation, and file a claim. They also have the necessary experience and expertise to advise you on your rights, empowering you to make the right choices.

Costs of an advocate for personal injury after an accident

If you suffer damage caused by someone else, you can claim compensation. To be certain of what you're entitled to, it's important to engage a qualified advocate. At Hardt Advocaten, our services are completely free. We recover our costs from the liable party. For more information, please read our blog post about our free legal assistance.

Free and non-binding advice or a second opinion

Are you unsure about choosing a personal injury lawyer? Contact the personal injury lawyers at Hardt Advocaten for free, no-obligation advice and support.

Do you already have a personal injury lawyer or attorney, but are you dissatisfied with the service or unsure about the amount of your compensation? The experienced and expert lawyers at Hardt Advocaten offer a free second opinion within 48 hours. They will provide you with thorough advice about your personal injury claim, helping you make the right choices.

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The role of Hardt Advocaten in your recovery process

Personal and legal assistance with personal injury

Hardt Advocaten offers more than just legal support; we also provide personalized guidance throughout the entire recovery process. Our approach is holistic, addressing both the physical and emotional impact of the accident. Our goal is not only to seek financial compensation but also to support your recovery and well-being.

Working together towards a new future

At Hardt Advocaten, we believe in building a new future together with our clients. Our team works closely with you to develop a recovery plan focused not only on the present but also on the long term. This includes establishing goals for physical and psychological recovery and finding ways to achieve them, in harmony with your life and ambitions.

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I'm very pleased with Hardt's services after my motorcycle accident. I was kept informed throughout the entire process. Thanks to their dedication, I received the fair compensation I was entitled to, even though I didn't realize I was entitled to it. I recommend Hardt to anyone who needs help with personal injury cases.

Thanks again Team Hardt.