Causes of Arm Pain After a Car Accident and What to Do Next

Arm pain after a car accident may indicate serious underlying injuries. No matter if it’s a simple bruise or a more complex arm injury, such as a fracture or nerve damage, understanding the cause, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for effective recovery. 

For car accident victims in Chicago, arm injuries can lead to long-term pain and disability if not treated properly. High-traffic areas such as the Loop, I-90, and Lake Shore Drive contribute to the prevalence of car crashes. It is essential to understand the potential risks and treatment options for arm pain after a car accident to see if you’re entitled to compensation.

Common Car Accident Arm Injuries

Arm pain after a car accident can result from a wide range of injuries, including soft tissue damage, fractures, and nerve injuries. According to a study by the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 101,023 car accidents in Chicago last year, with 17,792 involving accident-related injuries. 

These injuries can vary from minor bruises to more severe conditions requiring long-term treatment. Below are some typical arm injuries and what they entail.

Bone Fractures

Broken bones, such as a forearm fracture, humerus fracture, or clavicle fracture, are one of the most common arm injuries after a car accident. Damage to the upper arm bone or other arm bones can cause intense pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

These broken bones may be simple or complex, sometimes requiring surgery, splints, or casts to heal. Without proper treatment, a fracture may lead to long-term issues or even spinal cord complications.

Nerve Compression and Damage

The force of a car crash can also lead to nerve injuries, such as a brachial plexus injury or thoracic outlet syndrome, particularly in the affected arm. These conditions may result in numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm and fingers, signaling that the nerves have been compressed or injured.

Injuries like this can occur in tandem with an elbow injury or arm fractures, making movement more difficult and painful. Chronic pain, muscle weakness, or permanent loss of sensation can follow if not treated promptly. 

Dislocated Shoulder or Elbow Pain

The impact of a car accident can also cause dislocations of the shoulder joint or elbow, both of which result in intense pain and limited mobility in the affected arm. 

A dislocated shoulder joint occurs when the bones are forced out of position, usually damaging the three shoulder ligaments and surrounding tissue. An elbow injury can also affect the shoulder blade, upper arm, and nearby nerves, causing long-term complications. 

Immediate treatment is needed to realign the shoulder joint and effectively treat arm pain. In some cases, what initially seems like a dislocation is an elbow sprain, which also requires medical attention. Seeing physical therapists is often necessary to restore full function to the shoulder joint and affected areas.

Rotator Cuff Tear

The shoulder has a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder, and it’s particularly vulnerable during a car crash, especially when the affected arm absorbs impact from the steering wheel. Torn rotator cuffs or severe sprains can lead to upper arm pain, limited range of motion, and difficulty with routine tasks like lifting or reaching. 

Muscle strains and a torn rotator cuff may also cause severe pain that interferes with daily life. The extent of the damage will determine whether physical therapy is enough or if surgical repair is needed. 

Soft Tissue and Ligament Damage

Soft tissue injuries such as sprains, muscle strains, and torn ligaments are common after a car accident, particularly when the arm absorbs sudden impact. These injuries often result in severe pain, swelling, and reduced arm function and can worsen without proper care. 

While these may not appear on X-rays, issues like torn ligaments and muscle damage can still cause long-term mobility limitations.

Compartment Syndrome

A rare but serious condition resulting from trauma, compartment syndrome occurs when pressure builds up in the muscles of the arm, restricting blood flow and causing severe arm pain, swelling, and sometimes nerve damage. 

This condition can result from blunt force trauma or fractures sustained during a car collision and requires immediate medical attention. Arm pain after a car accident that intensifies rapidly may be a warning sign. If left untreated, compartment syndrome can lead to permanent muscle and nerve damage or even amputation if circulation is not quickly restored.

Bruising and Contusions

Bruising is a common arm injury in car accidents, often occurring when vehicle occupants hit the steering wheel, airbags, or other parts of the car interior. While these injuries occur frequently and may seem minor, bruises can sometimes signal deeper problems, such as arm fractures or muscle damage. 

Deep bruising may also indicate harm to blood vessels or soft tissue. If left untreated, the underlying injury can lead to chronic arm pain and long-term complications.

Diagnosing Car Accident Injuries

Medical professionals use a combination of physical examinations, imaging tests, and nerve tests to diagnose arm pain after a car accident.

• Physical Examination: The doctor will examine the arm for signs of swelling, bruising, and deformities that could indicate a more serious injury. They will also check the range of motion to assess how well the arm is functioning.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are often used to detect fractures, ligament damage, and nerve injuries. These tests help doctors determine the severity of the injury and the appropriate treatment.
• Nerve Tests: In cases of nerve damage, electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) evaluate nerve function and determine the extent of the injury.
• Ultrasound for Soft Tissue Injuries: Ultrasound is used to diagnose muscle tears and ligament injuries that might not show up on X-rays. These tests help doctors assess these injuries in greater detail.

Treatment Options for Common Arm Injuries

After a vehicle collision, many accident victims experience arm pain. The severity of the injury determines how you can treat arm pain. 

Here are some common ways to treat arm and shoulder pain and other injuries from collisions: 

• Immobilization and Rest: Casts, splints, and braces are often used to stabilize fractures and reduce arm pain during the healing process.
• Surgery for Severe Injuries: If a fracture is severe or a ligament is torn, surgery may be required to repair the damage. 
• Physical Therapy: A physical therapist is essential to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Therapy may involve exercises to strengthen the muscles, improve coordination, and prevent further injury.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs are commonly used to alleviate arm pain during recovery.

Why You Need a Lawyer for an Arm Injury After a Car Accident

Insurance companies often dispute car accident injuries and may try to downplay the severity of arm pain. If you’ve sustained complex conditions such as a brachial plexus injury, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you fight for maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

Car accident victims often struggle to receive the compensation they deserve without legal representation, especially when dealing with insurance adjusters who use tactics to minimize settlements or discredit personal injury claims. 

A skilled Chicago auto accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive the fair compensation you’re entitled to.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

If you have suffered arm trauma in a car accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Consult a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation to discuss your accident claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Our Chicago car accident lawyers can guide you through the complex legal system, gather evidence, and help you recover from pain and medical bills after a car accident.

Contact us at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our form to discuss your injury claim options.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.