Understanding Shoulder Injuries in Car Accidents

Understanding shoulder injuries in car accidents is essential for anyone who has recently been involved in a car crash. The shoulder joint is one of the most mobile and complex joints in the human body, making it particularly vulnerable during collisions. 

Even a low-speed car wreck can lead to serious trauma involving the shoulder blade, upper arm bone, and the surrounding shoulder muscles. In fact, shoulder injuries are among the most frequently reported injuries after auto accidents. 

Whether you experience shoulder pain right away or notice symptoms days later, it’s important to seek immediate care and understand your legal rights if another driver is at fault.

If you’ve suffered a shoulder injury in a car crash, consulting with a Chicago car accident lawyer can help you navigate your legal rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

How a Shoulder Injury Can Happen in a Car Accident

The shoulder can be injured in many ways during a car accident. This area is highly susceptible due to its exposed position and its role in supporting arm movement. Common causes of car accident shoulder injuries include:

• Seatbelt restraint pulling forcefully against the shoulder joint during impact, causing seat belt syndrome.
• Direct blows to the shoulder from the steering wheel, door, or side panel of the vehicle.
• Whiplash-like motion creating a violent tug on the arm, leading to a shoulder strain or even a dislocated shoulder.

Sudden trauma in a car crash can stretch or tear ligaments, fracture bones, or compress nerves in the shoulder and neck region. Even if the pain is not immediate, adrenaline may mask symptoms of a severe shoulder injury.

Shoulder injuries are one of the most commonly reported injuries following vehicle collisions, especially in side-impact crashes and high-speed impacts.

Symptoms of a Shoulder Injury After a Car Accident

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain after a collision, don’t ignore it. Some symptoms may take hours or days to appear, but could indicate a severe injury. Signs that you may have suffered a shoulder injury include:

• Limited range of motion in the shoulder or arm
• Weakness or instability in the shoulder blade or joint
• Persistent pain when moving the arm
• Numbness or tingling, which may suggest nerve damage
• Clicking, cracking, or popping sounds with arm movement

Types of Shoulder Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

Several types of shoulder injuries can result from an auto accident. These injuries range in severity and may affect bones, muscles, tendons, or nerves.

Shoulder Strains and Sprains

A strain or sprain can occur when the shoulder is stretched beyond its normal range of motion. This may damage ligaments or tendons, resulting in:

• Swelling and tenderness
• Difficulty raising or rotating the arm
• Pain when using the shoulder joint

These injuries may heal with rest and physical therapy, but some strains can cause lasting weakness or stiffness.

Deep Tissue Bruising

Deep tissue bruising occurs when an impact damages muscle and blood vessels beneath the skin without breaking the bone. This type of deep tissue injury is often caused by direct pressure from a seatbelt or from slamming into the door or steering wheel.

Symptoms may include swelling, visible discoloration, and long-lasting pain that worsens with movement.

Fractured Shoulder Bones

Fractures of the shoulder blade, clavicle, or upper arm bone can occur in a serious crash. These shoulder fractures may result in:

• Intense pain and inability to move the arm
• Visible deformity or swelling
• Pain when touching the injured area

Fractures often require surgery or immobilization, and some may involve tears if the injury extends to soft tissue.

Rotator Cuff Tear After a Car Accident

A rotator cuff is a group of shoulder muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. In a crash, this area can be torn, leading to injury. These are among the most common car accident shoulder injuries and can be caused by:

1. Sudden trauma
2. Repetitive overuse after an initial injury

Symptoms include:

• Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm bone
• Sharp pain after a car wreck
• Difficulty sleeping on the affected shoulder

Treatment may involve physiotherapy, cortisone injections, or surgery for complete tears.

Shoulder Dislocation

A dislocated shoulder happens when the upper arm bone pops out of the joint. It can damage ligaments, cartilage, or nerves, leading to:

• Severe pain and visible displacement
• Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
• Risk of repeat dislocations

This injury often requires emergency care and follow-up therapies to rebuild strength and avoid chronic instability.

Brachial Plexus Injuries

A brachial plexus injury affects the network of nerves that control sensation and movement in the shoulder, arm, and hand. It can result from stretching, compression, or tearing during a car wreck and can affect one’s range of motion. 

Symptoms of nerve damage may include:

• Tingling or numbness
• Muscle weakness or paralysis
• Loss of movement in the upper or lower arm

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary, followed by an extended recovery process and rehabilitation.

Rotator Cuff Injury: One of the Most Common Car Accident Injuries

A rotator cuff injury is among the most common shoulder injuries in traffic collisions. It may result from:

1. Direct impact during the car accident
2. Overuse of the joint while compensating for other injuries

If you’re experiencing pain after shoulder injuries, especially when lifting or rotating your arm, there may be a tear. Other signs include:

• Difficulty lifting objects overhead
• Weakness in the upper arm
• Inability to lie on the injured shoulder due to pain
• Compromised range of motion or an inability to move the arm properly

Untreated injuries can worsen over time, affecting your daily life and potentially requiring surgical intervention to repair your range of motion and the cuff.

The Long-Term Impact of Shoulder Injuries from a Car Accident

Some injuries may seem minor at first, but can significantly limit your ability to perform routine tasks. These long-term consequences may include:

• Difficulty driving or reaching for the seatbelt
• Trouble lifting objects or performing physical work
• Reduced job performance or missed work opportunities

In some cases, a severe shoulder injury (like a separated shoulder) may lead to permanent impairment. Ongoing physical therapy and treatment may be necessary for months or even years, increasing your future medical costs and emotional burden.

What Compensation Can You Recover for a Shoulder Injury?

If another driver’s negligence caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Common damages include:

• Medical costs for emergency care, surgery, physiotherapy, and follow-up visits;
• Lost wages if the injury prevented you from working;
• Pain after a crash, both physical and emotional;
• Future medical costs for continued care or corrective procedures;
• Emotional distress and mental anguish from loss of function or chronic pain.

Your attorney can help calculate the full value of your damages and seek a fair settlement that reflects the seriousness of your shoulder trauma.

Why You Need a Lawyer for a Shoulder Pain Claim

Insurance companies may try to downplay types of shoulder injuries, suggesting they are minor or unrelated to the accident. However, many shoulder injuries require extensive care and lead to lasting limitations.

A skilled personal injury lawyer can help by:

1. Collecting medical records and reports to prove your severe injury.
2. Consulting with specialists to assess rotator tears, shoulder fractures, or brachial plexus injury.
3. Negotiating with insurers to pursue fair compensation.
4. Filing a lawsuit if necessary to protect your rights.

Without legal guidance, you may settle for less than your case is worth.

Get Legal Help After a Shoulder Injury from a Car Accident

If you’ve suffered a shoulder injury in a car accident, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. Contact us at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form to discuss your options today.

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.