Declan was driving in traffic on a busy Belfast street when the car in front braked suddenly. Declan also braked and came to a stop. Unfortunately, the car behind failed to brake and drove into the rear of Declan’s car. The impact pushed Declan’s vehicle into the car in front. The police were called and Declan’s car had to be recovered from the roadside.
He sustained soft tissue injuries to his neck and back. These injuries are all consistent with whiplash. Declan initially self-treated with painkillers but he saw little improvement. He contacted his GP who referred him for physiotherapy. Additionally, he also had significant anxiety when travelling in a vehicle as a driver or passenger.
Whiplash is the name given to soft tissue injuries that result from a sudden jerk of the back and neck. It’s named after the snapping motion required to crack a bullwhip. Whiplash is the most common injury that we see resulting from road traffic accidents.
You can learn more about whiplash in our guide on whiplash claims.
Declan was left understandably frustrated and upset by what had occurred. Injuries aside, he required a vehicle for work purposes which presented a significant challenge now that his car had been written off.
We provided Declan with a free initial consultation in order to determine what had happened and how we could help. He instructed us with his case and was represented by Harry McAleese. He was provided with a credit hire vehicle to help with his work situation in lieu of receiving a replacement car.
Liability was admitted by the at-fault motorist’s insurance company, however the appropriate compensation for his injuries could not be agreed. The insurance company also disputed the credit hire vehicle charges incurred. A settlement offer was made but Declan rejected it on our advice.
Harry arranged for Declan to be medically examined and obtained his relevant medical notes and records. Court proceedings were issued and the case proceeded to a Court hearing. On the day of the Court hearing the insurance company made a considerably increased settlement offer. The case settled for £20,000.
If you have been involved in a road traffic accident in the past three years, we can help. Learn how at Road Traffic Accident Claims or Contact Us for a free initial consultation.
