Helping Accident Victims Across Washington Get the Care and Compensation They Deserve

After a car accident, the adrenaline rush can mask pain for hours—or even days. One minute you’re exchanging insurance information, and the next you’re struggling to sleep, sit, or lift your arm without sharp discomfort. Whether it’s a stiff neck, aching lower back, or radiating nerve pain in your shoulder, one thing’s for sure: pain after a car crash isn’t always immediate, but it should never be ignored.

At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, we’ve helped thousands of Washington accident victims understand their injuries, seek the right medical treatment, and recover the compensation they need to move forward. If you’re in pain after an auto accident, we’re here to listen, explain your rights, and guide you through every step of the process.

Why Does Pain After a Car Accident Happen?

Car accidents—whether at high speed on I-5 or a fender-bender in downtown Tacoma—exert unnatural force on the body. Even with a seat belt, your muscles, bones, joints, and soft tissue can twist or jolt in ways they weren’t meant to. This can result in a wide range of car accident injuries, from mild sprains to life-threatening internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

In some cases, the pain is delayed, only appearing hours or days after the collision. That’s why it’s so important to seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel “fine” right after the accident.

Common Types of Pain After a Car Crash

Back Pain
One of the most frequently reported injuries after a motor vehicle accident, back pain can signal anything from herniated discs to spinal cord injuries or muscle strains. You may feel stiffness, burning, tingling, or radiating pain down your legs (sciatica).
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Neck Pain and Whiplash
Whiplash is a common result of rear-end collisions and occurs when the head snaps forward and back suddenly. This rapid motion can strain ligaments, nerves, and muscles in the neck, resulting in neck pain, limited mobility, headaches, or even blurred vision.

Arm Pain
Pain in your shoulder joint, upper arm, or elbow after a crash could stem from a rotator cuff tear, dislocation, or nerve damage like a brachial plexus injury. We’ve created a full guide to arm pain after a car accident that covers this in detail.
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Abdominal Pain and Internal Injuries
Any abdominal pain after an accident could indicate internal bleeding or organ damage, especially if bruising appears across your stomach (often from the seat belt). These injuries can be life-threatening and require emergency care.

Concussions and TBIs
You don’t need to hit your head to suffer a concussion. The force of the crash alone can cause your brain to bounce inside your skull, leading to dizziness, confusion, or memory problems.
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Delayed Pain After a Car Accident

Don’t ignore chronic pain after a car accident. What starts as minor soreness could develop into long-term damage if left untreated. Conditions like pinched nerves, herniated discs, or spinal cord injuries can take time to appear, but they can have lifelong effects if not addressed.

Insurance companies often downplay these injuries or try to say they’re unrelated to the crash. Having an experienced legal team helps ensure you’re taken seriously and not left paying out of pocket for something that wasn’t your fault.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, document them and get checked by a medical professional:
Stiffness or pain in your back or neck

• Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
• Headaches or blurred vision
• Trouble concentrating
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain

Delayed symptoms can still be included in your personal injury case.

The Importance of a Diagnosis: X-rays, MRIs, and More

One of the first questions the insurance company will ask you is if you’ve been seen by a doctor after the crash. From a legal standpoint, having medical documentation of your injuries immediately following the crash can strengthen your personal injury claim—helping you connect your pain directly to the car crash, rather than giving an insurance company room to argue it came from something else.

For example, let’s say a week after the crash you start to feel sharp pain shooting down your arm. You have trouble sleeping, can’t lift your grocery bags, and your hand feels numb. You go to urgent care, and after imaging, the doctor tells you it’s not just muscle soreness—it’s a herniated disc in your neck pressing on a nerve. Imaging tools can catch hidden issues early.

Getting the right diagnostic tools matters. After an accident, your provider may order:

• X-rays for broken bones
• CT scans for internal injuries
• MRIs for soft tissue injuries and nerve damage

Early diagnosis not only helps with your treatment plan but also supports your insurance claim or potential legal case. A delay in seeking medical attention can lead to longer recovery times, worsening conditions, and challenges with proving your case. If you’re not sure where to start, our team at RHHK can connect you with trusted providers and help you understand your options every step of the way.

Pain Management and Recovery Options

Recovering from a car accident isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on the type of injury and your overall health, your pain management and treatment options might include:

• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Medication or injections
• Surgery (in more serious injuries)
• Emotional support for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

We know that healing isn’t just physical. Accidents can affect your quality of life, your ability to work, and your relationships. Our goal is to help you get the support you need from every angle.

When to Call RHHK Car Accident Lawyers

If your pain is interfering with your daily life, your work, or your future, it’s time to talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer. At RHHK, we offer a free consultation to help you understand your options.

We’ve handled thousands of personal injury cases throughout Washington State within the last 60+ years, and we know what it takes to hold insurance companies accountable.

We can help you recover:

• Medical bills and future care
• Lost wages and reduced earning potential
• Compensation for pain and suffering
• Costs of chiropractic, therapy, or surgery

Let us take care of you.

Disclaimer

This page provides general information about pain and injuries that can occur after a car accident. It is not intended to be—and should not be taken as—medical advice. Always consult with a licensed medical professional for diagnosis, treatment, and guidance related to your specific symptoms or health concerns.