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Guide · Injuries after a crash · All states

Neck pain and whiplash after a car accident

Updated By Spencer, editorEvery fact cites a source

Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck, also called a neck sprain or strain, and car accidents are a common cause, according to MedlinePlus. It says to contact a provider for numbness, tingling or weakness in an arm or hand. In New Jersey, your own PIP pays treatment first. Checked October 11, 2026.

Sources: MedlinePlus, Neck Injuries and Disorders; MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Neck pain; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-5(g)

When to get help

MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, says accidents or falls can cause severe neck injuries. For a serious one, call emergency services or get to a hospital.

  1. You can't move your arm or handAfter a fall, a blow or an accident, MedlinePlus says to have someone call emergency services.Source: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Neck pain
  2. Numbness, tingling or weakness in an arm or handContact your provider.Source: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Neck pain
  3. Symptoms that don't go away with self-careContact your provider if they don't go away within a week.Source: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Neck pain

What whiplash is

MedlinePlus calls whiplash a soft tissue injury to the neck, also called a neck sprain or strain. It says treatment depends on the cause and may include ice, pain relievers, physical therapy or a cervical collar, and that surgery is rarely needed.

Source: MedlinePlus, Neck Injuries and Disorders

NJWho pays for treatment

In New Jersey, your own auto policy's PIP pays medical bills first, whoever caused the crash, up to $250,000 unless a lower amount was chosen in writing. Bills past your PIP limits can be recovered from the person at fault.

Source: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-5(g); N.J.S.A. 39:6A-12; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-2(k)

NJHow a neck injury fits a claim

Unless a driver chose otherwise in writing, a New Jersey policy limits pain and suffering claims to the injuries the law lists. For a sprain or strain, that usually means a permanent injury.

NJWhat permanent means

The body part hasn't healed to function normally and won't with further medical treatment.

Source: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-8(a); N.J.S.A. 39:6A-2(i); N.J.S.A. 39:6A-8.1(b)
NJWhat proves it

A doctor's certification based on objective clinical evidence, which may include medical testing.

Source: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-8(a); N.J.S.A. 39:6A-2(i); N.J.S.A. 39:6A-8.1(b)
NJYour share of the fault

It cuts what you recover. Above 50%, you recover nothing.

Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1; N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.2
NJThe deadline

An injury lawsuit generally must be filed within 2 years.

Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2(a)

Sources

General information, not legal advice. We don't know the facts of your claim. A lawyer can review them, and most injury lawyers offer a free consultation.

What to do next

Questions people ask

Is neck pain after a car accident whiplash?

It can be. MedlinePlus calls whiplash a soft tissue injury to the neck, also called a neck sprain or strain, and says car accidents are a common cause of neck pain. Only a provider can say what yours is.

When should I see a doctor for neck pain after a car accident?

MedlinePlus says to contact your provider for numbness, tingling or weakness in an arm or hand, or if symptoms don't go away within a week of self-care. Call emergency services if you can't move your arm or hand.

Who pays for whiplash treatment after a car accident in New Jersey?

Your own PIP pays medical bills first, whoever caused the crash, unless you chose to make health insurance primary.

Can I sue for whiplash in New Jersey?

For medical bills your PIP doesn't cover, yes. For pain and suffering, most policies limit claims to listed injuries, which for a sprain or strain usually means proving a permanent injury.

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