A motorist has been ordered to pay €14,763.48 in damages to a woman who suffered whiplash and a resultant slipped disc in a car crash 12 years ago.

The collision, described as bumper to bumper, took place in Manwel Dimech Street, Qormi. 

Catherine Mifsud was a passenger in her father's Skoda when another car, an Isuzu Elf driven by Josef Vella crashed into them. 

The on-site evidence, including the 8 metre long brake marks caused by the respondent’s van, indicated that the driver was going at some 45km/hour.

Criminal proceedings were instituted against the driver for dangerous reckless driving.

A separate case was filed for civil damages by the woman, a part-time hair dresser, who ended up with a 17% permanent disability after suffering a slipped disc as a result of the whiplash injury incurred upon impact.

The First Hall, Civil Court, presided over by Mr Justice Toni Abela, upheld the woman’s claim concluding that Mr Vella was solely responsible for the accident.

In view of the fact that the applicant had been 37 years of age at the time of the accident, 28 years to pensionable age, and in view of the 17% permanent disability certified by medical experts, the court calculated damages at €10,276.84.

Adding a further €4,486.64 spent by way of expenses after the accident, including pain killers and pain relief therapy, the court brought up the total to €14,763.48 which the respondent was to fork out by way of damages.