Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident: Injuries & Symptoms
Getting into a car accident is traumatic, and not all the injuries show up right away. It takes time for injuries sustained in a vehicle collision to manifest, adding to the trauma of the experience. You could be fine right after, but then, out of nowhere, your shoulder starts to hurt.
Either immediate or delayed shoulder pain after a car accident is pretty common. It might take days, or even weeks, before the pain shows up though. Being attentive and getting it checked out are crucial if you experience shoulder pain after being in a wreck. Knowing your rights about compensation and medical care, particularly in Tennessee, is equally crucial as receiving the correct treatment.
Common shoulder injuries from a car accident
The shoulder’s a tricky joint, and because of that, it is vulnerable to several types of injuries in a crash. Here is a rundown of some of the more common shoulder injuries from a car accident:
Whiplash-related shoulder pain
We mostly think of neck pain with whiplash, but it can mess with your shoulder too. When your head jerks forward and backward fast, it can strain your shoulder muscles. This might not hurt right away and could take a couple of days to show up, but when it does, you could notice pain or stiffness.
Rotator cuff injuries
Your rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons that keep your shoulder stable. If the impact is bad enough, the rotator cuff can tear or get inflamed. You might just feel some pain at first, but if it gets worse, it could be a rotator cuff injury. Some of these heal with rest and therapy, but serious tears might need surgery.
Dislocated shoulder
A hard crash can cause your upper arm bone (humerus) to pop out of its socket. A dislocated shoulder is one of the more painful injuries you can get, and it will need to be treated right away. If not treated properly, it could keep dislocating in the future.
Fractures and broken bones
If the accident was hard enough, you might end up with a broken bone in your shoulder area, like a collarbone (clavicle) or shoulder blade (scapula). Fractures are usually obvious, with bruising and visible deformities. Depending on how bad the break is, you could need a sling, therapy, or even surgery to recover.
Soft tissue damage and bruising
Not every shoulder injury involves broken bones. Sometimes, the seatbelt, airbags, or the force of impact can cause soft tissue damage like sprains, strains, or bruises. It might not seem too bad at first, but it can lead to some major stiffness and pain.
Symptoms of a shoulder injury from a car accident
Shoulder injuries can be sneaky. You might feel okay at first, but the pain could come on slowly over time. Here is what to look for:
Immediate vs. delayed symptoms
If you feel pain right after the accident, that is a red flag. But even if you do not feel anything at first, delayed shoulder pain after a car accident can show up hours or days later. It is important to keep an eye on your shoulder, even if you feel fine at first.
Common symptoms to watch for:
- Persistent pain or tenderness in the shoulder
- Stiffness and limited movement
- Swelling, bruising, or redness
- Weakness or trouble lifting things
- Numbness or tingling (this might mean nerve damage)
When to seek medical attention
If your pain gets worse, or you notice swelling, visible changes, or you have trouble moving your arm, it is time to see a doctor. Do not wait too long–delaying medical attention can make it harder to heal and may impact any potential legal claim you might have.
Diagnosing & treating shoulder injuries
Medical evaluation & imaging tests
Doctors will usually start with a physical exam to check your shoulder. They might also order some tests to get a clearer picture, like X-rays for broken bones, or MRIs and CT scans for soft tissue damage. In Tennessee, some insurance companies may try to deny coverage for MRIs unless there is clear evidence of injury, so getting a full evaluation is key.
Treatment options
Ways your shoulder may get treated depends on the injury:
- Rest, ice, and pain management for mild strains or bruising
- Physical therapy to help restore movement and strength
- Cortisone injections for reducing inflammation in more severe cases
- Surgery for torn rotator cuffs, dislocations, or fractures
Following medical advice
If your doctor gives you specific instructions for recovery, follow them. Skipping treatment can make things worse, and it can hurt your case if you decide to pursue legal action. Insurance companies often look at your medical records, and gaps in treatment can complicate things.
Legal considerations & seeking compensation
Can you seek compensation for shoulder injuries?
Absolutely. If another driver was responsible for the accident, you could get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In Tennessee, you can still seek damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the crash.
How do insurance companies handle shoulder injury claims?
Insurance companies do not always make things easy. They might downplay delayed shoulder pain after a car accident, arguing it is not related to the crash. They might ask for more documentation or offer a lower settlement than you deserve. Having a lawyer can help push back against these tactics.
How can legal assistance help?
An experienced personal injury lawyer can:
- Collect medical records and expert testimony to strengthen your case
- Deal with insurance companies to make sure you get a fair settlement
- Help ensure you are fully compensated, especially if your injury will require ongoing care or you have lost wages
Protect your health and your rights after a shoulder injury
Shoulder pain after a car accident might not seem like a big deal at first, but it could be a sign of something more serious. If you are dealing with shoulder pain after a car accident, get the medical help you need—and make sure you understand your legal rights. In Tennessee, a lawyer can help you figure out the next steps and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
If you are in Tennessee, get in touch with the Rocky McElhaney Law Firm for help. We are experienced in handling car accident claims and can guide you through the process. Call us today, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We have offices located in Hendersonville, Nashville, Clarskville, and Murfreesboro to better serve you.