How to Claim Compensation for Whiplash After a Car Accident in Pedro Bernardo (Download Template)
If you have been involved in a traffic accident in or near Pedro Bernardo and are suffering from neck pain, stiffness, or headaches, you may be entitled to compensation for "whiplash" (known in Spain as latigazo cervical). This injury occurs when the neck is forcefully jerked backward and then forward. Because this is a soft-tissue injury that often doesn't show up on X-rays, you must follow strict legal procedures to ensure your claim is processed by the insurance company.
Instructions on how and where to submit your claim in Pedro Bernardo
To initiate your claim, you must formally notify the insurance company of the at-fault driver. In Spain, you have a legal deadline of 72 hours from the accident to seek medical attention at an emergency room to establish a "nexo causal" (causal link) between the crash and your injury. Once you have your initial medical report, follow these steps:
- Download and complete the template provided below.
- Send the document via Burofax (with acknowledgment of receipt and content certification) to the insurance company's claims department. This is the only way to ensure legal proof of delivery.
- If the accident occurred on local roads in Pedro Bernardo, keep a copy of the police report (Atestado) filed by the Guardia Civil.
- Ensure you keep all medical receipts and documentation of your rehabilitation sessions.
A/A Departamento de Siniestros de [Nombre de la Aseguradora contraria]
Ref: Siniestro número [Número de expediente]
En Pedro Bernardo, a [Día] de [Mes] de 202X
Muy señores míos,
Por medio de la presente, y en mi calidad de perjudicado en el accidente de tráfico ocurrido el día [Fecha del accidente] en [Lugar exacto del accidente en Pedro Bernardo], les comunico formalmente mi intención de reclamar la indemnización que legalmente me corresponde por las lesiones sufridas (latigazo cervical/cervicalgia postraumática).
Tal y como consta en el informe médico de urgencias adjunto, emitido en las primeras 72 horas tras el siniestro, dichas lesiones son consecuencia directa del impacto causado por el vehículo asegurado por su compañía, con matrícula [Matrícula del vehículo contrario].
Por lo expuesto, solicito que se pongan en contacto conmigo para facilitar el tratamiento rehabilitador necesario y proceder a la cuantificación de la indemnización conforme al Baremo de Accidentes de Tráfico vigente.
Quedo a la espera de sus noticias en el plazo de 15 días.
Atentamente,
[Tu Nombre y Apellidos]
DNI: [Tu número de DNI/NIE]
Teléfono: [Tu número de teléfono]
Email: [Tu correo electrónico]
Additional documentation required
To strengthen your case, you must attach the following documents to your claim:
- Copy of the Parte Amistoso de Accidente (European Accident Statement) if signed.
- The initial emergency medical report (Informe de Urgencias).
- Subsequent follow-up reports from your doctor or physiotherapist.
- Proof of any out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury (medications, travel to clinics, etc.).
- A copy of your ID (DNI or NIE).
Expert Tip: Do not sign any "settlement offer" (finiquito) from the insurance company until you have fully recovered and have been discharged by your doctor. Insurance companies often try to settle early for a low amount; once you sign a release, you lose your right to claim for any future complications or chronic pain that may arise from the whiplash. If the insurer refuses to cover your rehabilitation, consult with a specialized lawyer in the Ávila province immediately.