{"id":5049,"date":"2026-11-05T02:03:17","date_gmt":"2026-11-05T02:03:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-new-mexico\/back-pain-after-car-accident\/"},"modified":"2026-11-14T07:43:42","modified_gmt":"2026-11-14T07:43:42","slug":"back-pain-after-car-accident","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-new-mexico\/back-pain-after-car-accident\/","title":{"rendered":"Back Pain After Car Accident in New Mexico: Next Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-70 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-5047\" alt=\"Technician in coveralls photographs a crumpled rear bumper and cracked tail light on a compact sedan in a body shop.\" src=\"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/technician-in-coveralls-photographs-a-crumpled-rear-bumper-a-photo-1.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/technician-in-coveralls-photographs-a-crumpled-rear-bumper-a-photo-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/technician-in-coveralls-photographs-a-crumpled-rear-bumper-a-photo-1-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/technician-in-coveralls-photographs-a-crumpled-rear-bumper-a-photo-1-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/technician-in-coveralls-photographs-a-crumpled-rear-bumper-a-photo-1-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/technician-in-coveralls-photographs-a-crumpled-rear-bumper-a-photo-1.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 825px) 825px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Car Accidents \u00b7 New Mexico<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Back Pain After a Car Accident? Here Are Your Next Steps<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Back pain can appear hours or days after a crash. Learn what to document, when to see a medical provider, and how El Gringo Law can help you decide what comes next.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+15052075000\">Request a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/en\/contact-us\/\">Request a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By Josh Wood \u00b7 Published November 4, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<h2>I Have Back Pain After a Car Accident. What Should I Do?<\/h2>\n<p>See a medical provider soon, tell them your back pain started after the crash, and keep a record of every visit and symptom. Those three steps protect your health and document what happened.<\/p>\n<p>Back pain after a car accident often feels minor at first. It can get worse over the next few days. A medical provider can check for injuries you can&#8217;t see on your own, including strains and disc problems that may not show up right away.<\/p>\n<p>Start with this checklist:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Get evaluated, and follow the treatment plan you&#8217;re given.<\/li>\n<li>Keep a simple symptom journal: where it hurts, how strong it is, and what makes it better or worse.<\/li>\n<li>Save bills, receipts, and notes about missed work.<\/li>\n<li>Keep copies of the police report and any letters or call notes from insurance companies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>New Mexico law already sets duties for drivers after a crash. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/nmonesource.com\/nmos\/nmsa-unanno\/en\/item\/18569\/index.do\">NMSA \u00a7 66-7-203<\/a>, the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person, or damage to any vehicle which is driven or attended by any person, must give their name, address and the registration number of the vehicle they are driving, must show their driver&#8217;s license on request to the person struck or the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle collided with, and must render reasonable assistance to the injured person, including arranging transport to a physician, surgeon or hospital where that treatment is apparent or the injured person requests it.<\/p>\n<p>To learn more about serious spinal injuries, read our <a href=\"\/resources\/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-new-mexico\/\">spinal cord injury overview<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+15052075000\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/en\/contact-us\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/a-person-crosses-a-city-street-at-a-marked-pedestrian-crossw-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A person crosses a city street at a marked pedestrian crosswalk, seen from above.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Why Does Back Pain Start or Get Worse After a Car Crash?<\/h2>\n<p>Back pain often starts or worsens because a sudden stop or impact pushes the back and neck past their normal movement. The muscles, ligaments, and discs in the lower back and neck can be strained by that force.<\/p>\n<p>Soreness can stay hidden in the first hours after a crash. That&#8217;s why some people notice pain a day or more later, when they&#8217;re back at home or at work.<\/p>\n<p>Lower back and neck pain often show up together. A rear-end or side impact can jolt the head and upper body, so the neck and upper back may hurt too.<\/p>\n<p>Pain may stay the same, fade, or get stronger. Symptoms that appear later are common enough to have their own guide: read about how long after an accident symptoms can appear.<\/p>\n<p>Injuries can have more than one cause. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/static.case.law\/nm\/134\/html\/0043-01.html\">Herrera v. Quality Pontiac<\/a>, a proximate cause is one that, in a natural and continuous sequence, produces the injury. It need not be the only cause. That&#8217;s why clear records of when pain started matter.<\/p>\n<h2>Which Doctor Should I See for Back Pain After a Car Accident?<\/h2>\n<p>Start with your primary care provider. Go to urgent care or the emergency room if symptoms are severe, sudden, or getting worse.<\/p>\n<p>Your provider may refer you to physical therapy, an orthopedic provider, or a spine-focused provider. That referral is a medical decision, based on the exam and any imaging.<\/p>\n<p>Describe the pain in detail. Say exactly where it hurts, when it started, and what makes it better or worse. Mention the crash, any head or neck pain, and any other injuries.<\/p>\n<p>Keep every referral and appointment. Skipped visits and gaps in care can make it harder to connect symptoms to the crash later. If you miss one, tell your provider why.<\/p>\n<h2>What Are Common Back Injuries and Warning Signs After a Car Accident?<\/h2>\n<p>Common injuries include muscle and ligament strains, whiplash-type neck injuries, bulging or herniated discs, facet joint injuries, and fractures. Only a medical provider can tell which, if any, applies to you.<\/p>\n<p>Get emergency care right away if you notice any of these signs:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs<\/li>\n<li>Pain that shoots down an arm or leg<\/li>\n<li>Loss of bladder or bowel control<\/li>\n<li>Severe pain that keeps getting worse<\/li>\n<li>Trouble walking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These symptoms can point to nerve or spinal cord involvement. For symptoms that appear days after a crash, read spinal cord injury symptoms that appear days after a crash. Report symptoms to a provider even if they seem to come and go.<\/p>\n<h2>How Long Does Back Pain Last After a Car Accident, and Does It Affect a Claim?<\/h2>\n<p>Recovery time varies by injury and by person. Follow your provider&#8217;s treatment plan rather than a set timeline.<\/p>\n<p>Medical records, consistent treatment, and documented symptoms are commonly part of how back injury claims are reviewed. Keep your records together.<\/p>\n<p>New Mexico follows pure comparative negligence. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/static.case.law\/nm\/96\/html\/0682-01.html\">Scott v. Rizzo<\/a>, New Mexico uses pure comparative negligence: an injured person&#8217;s own share of fault reduces the damages by that percentage, but it does not bar recovery, even when that person is mostly at fault. Partial fault does not automatically end a claim.<\/p>\n<p>Deadlines to file can be shorter in some situations, such as claims involving government entities. Don&#8217;t wait to ask about timing. Family members may have their own rights too. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/storage.courtlistener.com\/pdf\/2017\/06\/19\/thompson_v._city_of_albuquerque_1.pdf\">Thompson v. City of Albuquerque<\/a>, loss of consortium damages belong to the claimant, not the injured person.<\/p>\n<h3>Common Questions<\/h3><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can back pain after a car accident show up days later?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, back pain can appear hours or days after a crash. Report any new symptoms to a medical provider.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>When must a crash be reported to police in New Mexico?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under <a href=\"https:\/\/nmonesource.com\/nmos\/nmsa-unanno\/en\/item\/18569\/index.do\">NMSA \u00a7 66-7-206<\/a>, a crash must be reported when it results in bodily injury or death, or in property damage of an apparent extent of $500 or more. A crash without injury and with less than $500 in apparent damage does not trigger this duty. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/nmonesource.com\/nmos\/nmsa-unanno\/en\/item\/18569\/index.do\">NMSA \u00a7 66-7-206<\/a>, the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in bodily injury to or death of any person, or property damage to an apparent extent of five hundred dollars ($500) or more, must immediately, by the quickest means of communication, give notice of the accident to the police department if the accident occurs within a municipality, or otherwise to the office of the county sheriff or the nearest office of the New Mexico state police.<\/p><\/details><p><strong>Every case is different, and past results do not predict a similar outcome.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-pedestrian-walks-through-a-city-street-intersection-at-twi-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A person walks across a city intersection at twilight, passing brick buildings and trees.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Talk With El Gringo Law About Your Back Pain After a Crash<\/h2>\n<p>If you&#8217;re hurting after a crash, you may be juggling doctor visits, insurance calls, and work. Some people are handling this for a family member, too.<\/p>\n<p>Josh Wood is the responsible lawyer for this page. He is licensed in New Mexico and Arizona. Our team can answer questions about how a back injury fits into a claim, whether you live in Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, or elsewhere in New Mexico.<\/p>\n<p>Our first consultation is free, confidential, and comes with no obligation to continue (consulta inicial gratuita, confidencial y sin compromiso).<\/p>\n<p>If your back pain started after a crash and you want to talk it through, use our <a href=\"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/en\/contact-us\/\">contact form<\/a> to reach out.<\/p>\n\n<\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>El Gringo Law is a personal injury law firm licensed to practice in New Mexico. The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact us directly to discuss the specific facts of your case. El Gringo Law, 1448 Bridge Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105, (505) 207-5000.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Don&#x27;t wait to get checked<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back pain after a crash can be delayed. If pain, numbness, tingling or weakness starts days later, report it to a medical provider right away and keep a record of when it began.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+15052075000\">Call El Gringo Law<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/en\/contact-us\/\">Call El Gringo Law<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Steps to take after back pain begins<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Get a medical evaluation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See a doctor or other medical provider and describe every symptom, including ones that seem minor.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Keep your records<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Save visit notes, imaging results, prescriptions, receipts and any letters from insurers.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Track your symptoms<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Write down pain levels, activities that make it worse, and how it affects work, sleep and daily tasks.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Talk with a lawyer<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Share the details of your crash and your injuries with our team to understand your options.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How El Gringo Law can help<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--heart\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Focused on injury cases<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We represent people hurt in car accidents and other serious injury matters across New Mexico, including Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Las Cruces, Taos and Farmington.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--chat\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A free, confidential consultation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your first consultation is free, confidential and comes with no obligation to continue.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Help organizing your case<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We can review your crash details, medical records and insurance correspondence so you know what information matters.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--phone\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact us your way<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Call the firm, submit a contact form or start a chat to tell us what happened.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Talk with Josh Wood at El Gringo Law about your back pain<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+15052075000\">Start Your Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/en\/contact-us\/\">Start Your Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Sexual Assault Taos NM: Your Civil Claim Options<\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/resources\/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-new-mexico\/back-pain-after-car-accident-new-mexico-spinal-cord\/\">Back Pain After a Car Accident in New Mexico: When It Could Be a Spinal Cord Injury<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-new-mexico\/bladder-bowel-sexual-function-loss-spinal-cord-injury-damages\/\">Bladder, Bowel and Sexual Function Loss: Damages in a Spinal Cord Injury Claim<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-new-mexico\/can-you-still-claim-for-an-accident-after-3-years\/\">Can you still claim for an accident after 3 years?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-new-mexico\/can-you-walk-after-spinal-cord-injury-car-accident\/\">Can You Walk After a Spinal Cord Injury From a Car Accident?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-new-mexico\/cervical-spine-injury-car-crash-new-mexico-next-steps\/\">Cervical Spine Injury After a Car Crash in New Mexico: Neck Pain, Numbness and Next Steps<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Back pain after a car accident? Learn why it can start late, which doctor to see, and which steps matter in New Mexico. Talk with El Gringo Law.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":127,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"[{\"hreflang\": \"en\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-new-mexico\/back-pain-after-car-accident\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/es\/abogado-lesion-medular-nuevo-mexico\/dolor-espalda-tras-accidente-auto\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-new-mexico\/back-pain-after-car-accident\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"about\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Negligence\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Negligence\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Comparative negligence\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Comparative_negligence\"}], \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Josh Wood\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/equipo\/josh-wood\", \"jobTitle\": \"Personal Injury Attorney\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/www.sbnm.org\/For-Public\/I-Need-a-Lawyer\/Lawyer-Info\/customercd\/149357\", \"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/WoodInjuryLaw\", \"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WoodInjuryLaw\", \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC6b1Q-Kn_RKss9tZw_94OGQ\/featured\", \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/woodinjurylaw\/?igshid=MjkzY2Y1YTY%3D\"], \"worksFor\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"El Gringo Law\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/\"}}, \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"PeopleAudience\", \"audienceType\": \"Car accident victims in New Mexico with back pain, and family members or friends researching on their behalf\"}, \"headline\": \"Back Pain After a Car Accident? Here Are Your Next Steps\", \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"El Gringo Law\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/\"}, \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"areaServed\": {\"name\": \"New Mexico\", \"@type\": \"State\"}, \"inLanguage\": \"en-US\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can back pain after a car accident show up days later?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes, back pain can appear hours or days after a crash. Report any new symptoms to a medical provider.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"When must a crash be reported to police in New Mexico?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Under NMSA \u00a7 66-7-206, a crash must be reported when it results in bodily injury or death, or in property damage of an apparent extent of $500 or more. A crash without injury and with less than $500 in apparent damage does not trigger this duty. Under NMSA \u00a7 66-7-206, the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in bodily injury to or death of any person, or property damage to an apparent extent of five hundred dollars ($500) or more, must immediately, by the quickest means of communication, give notice of the accident to the police department if the accident occurs within a municipality, or otherwise to the office of the county sheriff or the nearest office of the New Mexico state police.\"}}], \"description\": \"A plain-language guide to what to do about back pain after a car crash in New Mexico, including medical care, documentation, common injuries, warning signs that need prompt attention, and how back symptoms relate to a claim.\", \"mentions\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Damages\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Damages\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Traffic collision\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Traffic_collision\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Spinal cord injury\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spinal_cord_injury\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Whiplash (medicine)\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Whiplash_(medicine)\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Spinal disc herniation\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Disc_herniation\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Bone fracture\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bone_fracture\"}], \"reviewedBy\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Josh Wood\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/equipo\/josh-wood\", \"jobTitle\": \"Personal Injury Attorney\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/www.sbnm.org\/For-Public\/I-Need-a-Lawyer\/Lawyer-Info\/customercd\/149357\", \"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/WoodInjuryLaw\", \"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WoodInjuryLaw\", \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC6b1Q-Kn_RKss9tZw_94OGQ\/featured\", \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/woodinjurylaw\/?igshid=MjkzY2Y1YTY%3D\"], \"worksFor\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"El Gringo Law\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/\"}}, \"@type\": [\"Article\", \"FAQPage\"], \"image\": \"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/technician-in-coveralls-photographs-a-crumpled-rear-bumper-a-photo-1.jpg\"}, {\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\", \"itemListElement\": [{\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer New Mexico\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-new-mexico\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Back Pain After Car Accident in New Mexico: Next Steps\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-new-mexico\/back-pain-after-car-accident\/\"}]}]","chg_meta_description":"Back pain after a car accident? Learn why it can start late, which doctor to see, and which steps matter in New Mexico. Talk with El Gringo Law.","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5049","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5049","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5049"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5049\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9219,"href":"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5049\/revisions\/9219"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/127"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/elgringolaw.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5049"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}