Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers | October 24, 2025 | Car Accidents
Neck pain after a car accident is a common occurrence. However, that pain should stop as your neck heals over time. Persistent neck pain may be a sign that something is still wrong with your neck, and you should have it re-examined by medical staff.
In this article, we’ll discuss the common causes of neck pain after a car accident, how long it typically lasts, factors affecting recovery, signs of serious injury, and your options for seeking compensation and filing a personal injury claim.
What Causes Neck Pain After a Car Accident?
Neck pain often develops after a car accident due to the sudden force that moves the head forward and backward. This movement can strain muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck. Even a low-speed collision can cause tissue damage that leads to pain and stiffness.
Whiplash is the most common cause of post-accident neck pain. The force of the crash stretches soft tissue beyond its normal range. This strain may cause small fibers in the neck to tear, leading to inflammation and discomfort.
Other causes include herniated discs, pinched nerves, and misaligned vertebrae. Some people feel sharp or burning pain that spreads into the shoulders or arms. Others notice headaches or dizziness that develop soon after the crash. Every injury varies, so prompt medical attention helps determine the exact cause and extent of the damage.
Duration of Post-Accident Neck Pain
How long your neck pain lasts after a car accident depends on the severity of the injury. Mild strains often improve within a few days to a few weeks. With proper care, symptoms typically subside as the soft tissue heals.
Moderate neck injuries may take several weeks or months to resolve. These cases often require physical therapy, medication, or chiropractic adjustments. Severe injuries, such as herniated discs or nerve compression, may last several months or even become chronic.
Factors That Affect How Long Neck Pain Lasts
Several factors influence recovery time after a neck injury:
- Age
- Overall health
- Physical fitness
- Previous neck, back, or spinal cord injuries
Prompt medical treatment often speeds recovery. Delayed care allows inflammation and stiffness to worsen. Following medical advice, taking prescribed medication, and performing recommended exercises can shorten the healing process.
Signs Your Neck Injury May Be More Serious
Severe or persistent pain that does not improve within a few days typically indicates deeper tissue damage. Pain that radiates down the arms or into the shoulders may signal a pinched nerve.
Other warning signs include numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of coordination. Dizziness, headaches, or vision changes also suggest that the injury may involve more than muscle strain. If you notice swelling, bruising, or difficulty moving your head with sharp pain, seek medical attention immediately.
What Compensation Is Available for Neck Injuries Caused by a Car Accident?
You may be entitled to compensation if another driver’s negligence caused your neck injury. Financial recovery can include payment for medical bills, physical therapy, lost income, and pain and suffering. You may also seek compensation for future medical costs and reduced earning capacity.
Insurance companies often dispute the seriousness of whiplash and soft tissue injuries. Medical records, treatment notes, and imaging results provide essential proof of your condition. A Charlotte personal injury lawyer can help gather these records and present them effectively during negotiations.
If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit and present the case in court. Legal representation ensures that you pursue every available form of compensation under state law.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Charlotte Car Accident Attorney at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers Today
If you continue to feel neck pain after a car accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. For prolonged neck pain, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers can help you understand your rights and legal options.
Do not wait too long to take action. Prompt consultation gives your attorney enough time to preserve essential evidence and secure witness statements. Call us today to speak with our Charlotte car accident lawyers about protecting your right to compensation for your injury and related losses.
For more information, contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in North Carolina today. We have twelve convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Raleigh Office
4600 Marriott Dr STE 500, Raleigh, NC 27612
(919) 876-3020
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Durham Office
100 E Parrish St STE 200, Durham, NC 27701
(919) 728-1770
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Goldsboro Office
601 N Spence Ave, Goldsboro, NC 27534
(919) 778-9700
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Charlotte Office
1914 J N Pease Pl Suite 142, Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 486-5824
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greenville Office
300 E Arlington Blvd Suite 2A #110, Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 397-8620
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Fayetteville Office
2517 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305
(910) 387-9186
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greensboro Office
7B Corporate Center Ct Suite 15, Greensboro, NC 27408
(336) 516-9066
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville Office
3391 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546
(910) 455-5599
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Garner Office
500 Benson Rd Suite 111, Garner, NC 27529
(800) 525-7111
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Kinston Office
807 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 397-8624
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Wilmington Office
1608 Queen St Suite 12, Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 889-4064
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Winston-Salem Office
102 W 3rd St, Ste 1007, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 516-9042