I was in a car accident a year ago. my neck has been bothering me for about 4-5 months. could it be because of the accident?

Yes it could be: Car accident could cause neck injury or could agrrivate already minor problem in the neck?

Yes: If you haven't had any treatment yet, x-rays would be appropriate since it was a traumatic event. Assuming that was done and clear, a course of physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, and possibly a muscle relaxer should help for myofascial pain, which is fairly common in these cases. If those don't work, a neck MRI would give more information.

No: A car accident from a year ago would have resulted in symptoms almost immediately or within a few days, not over 6 months later. You should see your physician for further work up.