You’ve been in a car accident, and at first, you think you’re okay.
You walk away, relieved that you escaped with just a few minor scrapes and bruises.
But days, or even weeks later, you start to notice neck pain after a car accident that wasn’t there before.
Soon, this pain is disrupting your daily life—making it difficult to concentrate at work, sleep comfortably, or even enjoy a simple walk in your neighborhood.
At Bensinger Legal Services, we understand how delayed neck pain after a car accident can impact your life and keep you from enjoying the things you love about living in northwest Ohio.
We know that when you’re dealing with this kind of pain, the last thing you want is confusion about what to do next. That’s why we’re here to be your trusted guide, providing clear answers and actionable steps to protect your health and rights.
For a complimentary consultation and to connect with a representative, please call us today at (419) 455-1410 or contact us online.
Why Is Your Neck Sore After a Car Accident?
You might wonder why your neck pain after a car accident didn’t show up immediately. When your body experiences trauma, adrenaline often kicks in, masking pain for hours or even days.
Once that adrenaline wears off, your body reveals the real impact of the collision. Common causes of neck pain that may appear days or even weeks after the accident include:
- Whiplash—a sudden back-and-forth movement of the head and neck can lead to pain that shows up later;
- Muscle strains and sprains—the impact can strain your neck or upper back muscles, which you might not feel immediately;
- Herniated discs—discs in your spine can be damaged in the crash, leading to gradual neck pain as they press on nerves;
- Facet joint injuries—injuries to these small joints in your neck can cause pain that spreads to your shoulders and back;
- Soft tissue bruising—bruising may not become noticeable until swelling sets in; and
- Cervical radiculopathy—nerve damage in your neck can result in pain, numbness, or weakness that takes time to appear.
Knowing the potential causes of your neck pain after a car accident is a step toward both your physical recovery and any legal action you might consider.
What to Do If You Have Neck Pain After a Car Accident?
If you find yourself with a neck sore after a car accident, there are steps you can take to protect your health and your rights. Start by monitoring your symptoms. Watch for stiffness, difficulty moving your neck, numbness, tingling, or pain that radiates to your shoulders or arms. These could be signs of a more serious injury that needs prompt medical care. Remember to keep the following in mind:
- See a doctor, even if the pain seems mild. A medical professional can identify hidden injuries and create a detailed record linking your pain to the accident.
- Follow your treatment plan. Adhere to your doctor’s recommendations, whether for physical therapy, medication, or other treatments.
- Document everything. Keep track of your medical visits, treatments, expenses, and how the pain affects your daily life, including any missed work or changes in your routine.
Taking these steps supports your path to feeling better and strengthens your position if you need to make an injury claim later.
Can You File a Personal Injury Claim for Neck Pain Months After a Car Accident?
If a car accident caused your neck pain and you weren’t at fault, you might have a personal injury claim. You could get money for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain. This can help alleviate the financial stress of the accident and allow you to focus on your recovery. Bensinger Legal Services can help you understand if you have a claim and what your next steps should be.
If you’re experiencing neck pain months after a car accident in Ohio, you might have a valid personal injury claim, especially if the accident wasn’t your fault. You could be eligible for compensation covering the costs and expenses caused by the injury.
To build a solid case, you’ll need to:
- Prove the other driver was at fault by using evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and accident photos;
- Link your injury to the crash through medical records, including your doctor’s notes and treatment plans; and
- Show the impact of your injury by highlighting the effect on your life, including medical bills, lost income, and how the injury affects your day-to-day activities.
The stronger your evidence, the better your chances of receiving fair compensation for your neck injury after a car accident.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Delayed Neck Pain After a Car Accident
When neck pain shows up days or weeks after a car accident, it’s more than just physical discomfort—it can be a real headache dealing with the insurance companies. They might try to question the seriousness of your pain or even suggest it’s not connected to the accident at all. That’s where having a lawyer by your side can make a difference.
In Ohio, even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you still have the right to seek compensation if you weren’t more than 50% responsible.
This is known as modified comparative negligence, meaning that while your payment might be adjusted based on your level of responsibility, you still have a right to make a claim.
A lawyer can help you gather the evidence to prove the other party’s responsibility and push back against insurance companies that may try to point fingers at you.
Timing is another reason to have a lawyer in your corner. Ohio law gives you only two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Missing this window could mean losing your chance to get compensation for your injuries, including that nagging neck pain that won’t go away. A lawyer helps ensure you take all the legal steps so you don’t miss this important deadline.
Contact Bensinger Legal Services Today
If you’re in the greater northwest Ohio area and dealing with neck pain months after a car accident, Bensinger Legal Services is here for you.
Attorney Aaron Bensinger and his team have deep ties to the northwest Ohio community and are committed to standing up for those injured by someone else’s negligence. We know how frustrating it can be when insurance companies try to push you around, and we won’t let them take advantage of you.
You deserve a fair deal; we’re here to help you get it. Contact us today by calling (419) 455-1410 or you can contact us online for a free consultation today, and let us guide you toward the best possible outcome.
Aaron L. Bensinger is an Ohio attorney serving personal injury and civil litigation clients. He has extensive trial experience and makes client service is his primary focus. As a partner at Balyeat, Leahy, Daley, Miller & Bensinger, LLC, Aaron happily works in Lima, OH, and serves the entire Northwest region of the state and beyond.
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