Some degree of pain following an accident is to be expected. Depending on the severity and nature of the accident the amount and duration of pain will vary. Following a car accident, soreness can last for up to six weeks. Minor soreness is common after a car accident. It is common for car accident victims to experience pain in their necks or backs after the accident. You may be unable to turn your head or move your neck into certain positions for weeks after whiplash, even if it is minor. It is common for minor injuries to heal within six to eight weeks after the initial accident. Broken bones, for example, can heal in six to eight weeks following an accident with proper treatment, though some symptoms may linger. In the same way, mild to moderate sprains and strains usually heal within six to eight weeks. In general, many people feel sore for up to six weeks following a minor car accident, regardless of the severity of their injuries. Each individual and accident is unique, however, and some recoveries may take much longer than others. Your recovery time depends on numerous factors, including the damage you sustained and your doctor's diagnosis.