These statements are at least 50% fairy tale. I am still living in one of the well-developed West-European countries. There are many countries which are equally developed like Germany or UK:
e.g. Norwegia, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Austria.
In big cities (Germany has 77 cities with more than 100.000 inhabitants), many car owners use public transport as there is a real shortage of parking lots. The total travel time is often much longer when going by car. Using the bike for short distances is optimal, as the bike needs almost no space. In addition, using the bike keeps you fit.
In total, I suffered two whip lashs with a time difference of about 25 years inbetween. Whip lash is very inconvenient, but in less serious cases you forget it after some weeks. Therefore, the compensation for personal suffering is (at least in Germany) generally not very high.
In most cases, a trial is not necessary, as in most cases there is no discussion that the driver of the car striking from the back must pay for the damage and the compensation. A side impact, however, may form a less clear case. In Germany, the insurance company of the injuring party has to pay lawyer's fees, but only up to an amount set by a fee regulation act.
SGH Price at posting:
23.5¢ Sentiment: Hold Disclosure: Held
