Personal injury

I hurt my neck in a car accident. What should I do?


•

TL;DR

  • Get medical care first and follow your doctor’s guidance.
  • Report the crash, exchange details, and keep a simple record of what happened.
  • Save certificates, imaging, receipts, and claim references.
  • Time limits can apply for claims. Do not delay asking for guidance.
  • Read more about your options on our Personal Injury and Motor Vehicle Accidents pages.

A quick word before you start

A neck injury after a crash can be painful and disruptive. The steps below are general information to help you get organised. This is not legal or medical advice. Your situation may be different and laws can change. If you need advice for your circumstances, speak with a qualified professional.

What to do first today

  1. Seek medical care. Visit a GP or emergency department if needed. Follow the treatment plan and ask for a medical certificate where required.
  2. Record the basics. Note the date, time, location, vehicles involved, and weather. Keep the police event number if one was issued.
  3. Exchange details. Keep names, phone numbers, licence plates, and insurer information for all drivers. Note any witnesses if safe to do so.
  4. Tell your insurer. Notify your insurer and keep claim references. Save all correspondence and claim forms.
  5. Store documents. Keep certificates, imaging reports, referrals, receipts, and any treatment plans in one folder.

Understanding motor vehicle accident claims in plain English

After a crash, there may be processes for medical support and other entitlements depending on your circumstances and the insurer involved. These processes differ by state and policy. Time limits can apply. Evidence helps, so early reporting and clear medical notes are useful.

If you want to learn more about the typical steps, see our pages on Personal Injury and Motor Vehicle Accidents. For tailored advice, speak with a lawyer about your situation.

Build a simple record

  • Symptoms diary. Short daily notes on pain levels, stiffness, headaches, and what aggravates or eases symptoms.
  • Incident details. Diagrams or photos of the scene and vehicle damage if available and safe to obtain.
  • Medical file. GP notes, imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI if taken), referrals, and receipts for treatment and medication.
  • Work file. Certificates, emails about duties or time off, and any return to work plans.

Talking about work and recovery

Ask your doctor about suitable duties. If you can work with adjustments, discuss safe tasks with your employer and keep a copy of any plan. If a task worsens symptoms, record it and let your doctor and employer know.

People also ask

Do I need to see a doctor after a minor neck strain?
Yes. Symptoms can change over the first few days. A medical assessment helps guide treatment and creates a record of the injury.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurer?
You may be contacted for information. Keep it factual and keep copies of anything you provide. If unsure, ask for guidance before you respond.
How long will recovery take?
It varies. Follow your treating team’s plan and attend follow up appointments. If symptoms persist or worsen, return to your doctor.
What if I did not feel pain until the next day?
That is common with some neck injuries. See your GP promptly and note when symptoms began and how they have changed.

FAQs

What documents help with a motor vehicle accident claim?

Medical certificates, imaging reports, GP notes, receipts, crash details, witness contacts, and your insurer claim numbers. Keep everything together.

Do I have to report the accident to police?

Requirements vary with the circumstances. If police attended, note the event number. If they did not attend, check local guidance and your insurer’s process.

Can I be asked to attend an independent medical assessment?

It can occur as part of some claims. Bring your documents and be clear about your symptoms and history. Keep a copy of any report if provided.

Will making a claim affect my job?

Workplaces have obligations around safety and fair treatment. The rules can be complex. If concerns arise, seek advice based on your situation.

What if my symptoms started gradually after the crash?

Note when symptoms began and see your GP. Gradual onset is not unusual. Clear records help explain the timeline to insurers and providers.

Next steps and how we can help

If you want help understanding typical processes, Wright Street Lawyers can provide general information about usual steps and documents. In an initial chat we can discuss your timeline, medical records, and common next actions. For tailored legal advice, a lawyer can assess your circumstances and explain options that may apply.

  • Start with our overviews: Personal Injury and Motor Vehicle Accidents.
  • Phone or email us and include any claim references and medical certificates.
  • Tell us your key dates so we can note any time frames that may apply.

Contact: Wright Street Lawyers, wrightstreetlawyers.com.au

Accessibility: If phone is difficult, use our website form or email and we can reply in writing. Let us know if you need adjustments for appointments.

Important disclaimer

This page provides general information for people who have experienced a neck injury in a car accident. It is not legal or medical advice. Laws and processes can change and vary by policy and by state. Your situation may be different. For advice about your circumstances, speak with a qualified professional.

© Wright Street Lawyers