This post is part of our educational series on post-accident pain and delayed injuries. If you’re experiencing neck pain after a crash – even if it seemed minor at first – this guide can help you understand what it might mean and what steps to take next.
Understanding Neck Pain After a Florida Collision
Neck pain might not seem like a big deal, especially after a minor crash. Maybe your head wasn’t thrown violently, and you didn’t hit anything. But now, hours or even days later, you’re stiff, sore, or struggling to turn your head. It’s frustrating, and it’s easy to downplay.
At Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs P.A., we’ve seen this exact scenario play out with clients throughout Tallahassee and beyond. What often feels like “just a sore neck” can actually be an early sign of a more serious injury – one that deserves attention and care.
If you're wondering whether it's worth getting checked out or whether this discomfort could impact your ability to file a claim, this guide is here to help.
What Causes Neck Pain After a Car Accident?
Even low-speed crashes can jolt the neck and upper spine in ways the body isn’t prepared for. While some people feel pain immediately, others notice symptoms days later. The most common causes of post-accident neck pain include:
Whiplash
A rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck can stretch soft tissues. Whiplash is common in rear-end collisions and can lead to:
- Tightness or soreness
- Reduced range of motion
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
Cervical Sprains or Strains
These soft tissue injuries affect muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Symptoms may include:
- Persistent ache in the neck or shoulders
- Muscle spasms
- Pain with movement or lifting
Herniated Discs
When a disc between the vertebrae shifts or bulges, it can press on nearby nerves, leading to:
- Pain radiating to the arms
- Numbness or tingling in hands or fingers
- Muscle weakness
Facet Joint Injuries
These small joints allow your neck to twist and bend. Damage or inflammation here can cause:
- Deep, localized pain
- Pain when leaning backward or looking up
- Stiffness that makes daily movement harder
Pinched Nerves (Cervical Radiculopathy)
When nerves in the cervical spine are compressed, you might experience:
- Sharp, shooting pain
- Tingling or numbness
- Loss of strength in hands or arms
Why You Might Not Notice Neck Pain Right Away
After a crash, your body goes into a stress response. Adrenaline and shock can mask symptoms for hours – or even days. As the body settles, inflammation and stiffness may begin to show up.
You may initially chalk it up to sleeping wrong, stress, or a pulled muscle – but don’t assume it will go away on its own. Early treatment is important for both your recovery and your legal protection.
Don’t Miss Florida’s PIP Deadline
Florida drivers are typically covered under Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which helps pay for medical treatment after an accident – but only if you seek care within 14 days of the crash.
This includes:
- Doctor’s visits and diagnostics
- Physical therapy or chiropractic care
- A portion of lost wages
If you don’t see a medical provider within that two-week window, your PIP benefits may be denied, even if you have a legitimate injury.
We help many clients across Tallahassee, Crawfordville, Quincy, Monticello, and Havana who simply didn’t know about the deadline – and we make sure they understand what to do next.
Why Medical Documentation Matters for Injury Claims
Neck pain may not seem urgent at first, but it can disrupt your daily routine and linger longer than expected. And when you delay care or skip medical follow-ups, insurance companies may question whether the injury is crash-related.
If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim beyond what PIP offers. This can help cover:
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Ongoing treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income from missed work
But to pursue compensation, you’ll need a clear connection between your symptoms and the accident – something only timely medical care and proper records can provide. Timely care not only supports your recovery – it also helps preserve your right to hold the responsible party accountable if your condition worsens.
What to Do If You’re Dealing With Neck Pain
Don’t Ignore It
Even if the pain seems minor, get checked out. Soft tissue injuries and disc problems don’t always show up right away but can worsen quickly.
See a Qualified Medical Provider
This could be your primary doctor, an urgent care provider, or a chiropractor experienced in post-accident care. They’ll assess your condition and start a treatment plan.
Track Your Symptoms
Make note of your pain levels, limitations, and how it’s affecting your life. This can help both your medical team and your attorney better understand your needs.
Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer
At Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs P.A., we’ve been guiding injured clients through the aftermath of car accidents for decades. We can help you:
- Understand what PIP may cover
- Determine whether you have a case for additional compensation
- Make sure your injury is properly documented
- Avoid common insurance pitfalls
Neck Pain After a Crash? Talk to a Tallahassee Attorney Who Can Help
At Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs P.A., we take your recovery seriously – whether your pain started the day of the accident or crept in days later. From our office in Tallahassee, we support individuals and families across Leon County and nearby communities, including Crawfordville, Quincy, Monticello, Havana, and beyond.
You don’t need to be in severe pain, or certain that you want to file a claim, to reach out. We’re here to help you understand your rights, your insurance coverage, and the steps you can take to protect your health and future.
Call today or fill out our contact form for a free, no-pressure consultation. We’ll listen, guide, and help you decide what to do next – because neck pain isn’t something you should ignore.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. If you’ve been in a car accident, consult with a licensed attorney and healthcare provider about your specific situation.