Shoulder Pain After Car Accident: Should You Be Concerned?

Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

Car accidents can subject your body to sudden and forceful impacts, often resulting in various injuries, including those affecting the shoulders. Unlike cuts and broken bones, shoulder injuries aren’t always immediately apparent and can be difficult to diagnose and treat. This can make seeking compensation more challenging if someone else’s carelessness has injured you.

Understanding the significance of shoulder pain after a car accident and knowing when to be concerned is crucial for prompt medical care and appropriate treatment. After seeking medical advice, contact a Michigan car accident lawyer from Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C., to help you understand your legal options.

Potential Injuries Related to Shoulder Pain after a Car Accident

Shoulder pain is a common complaint among car accident victims, and it can stem from a variety of injuries. Tendon sprains and strains, rotator cuff tears, and shoulder dislocation can cause extensive shoulder pain. Soft-tissue injuries and broken collarbones can also lead to shoulder pain.

Some of the most common types of shoulder injuries from accidents include:

• Whiplash. Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when your neck forcefully bends forward and then backward in a collision. This sudden movement can cause various symptoms, including neck pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, and referred shoulder pain. The pain caused by whiplash can last for weeks or months.
• Rotator cuff injuries. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. In a car accident, the impact or sudden jolt can cause a torn rotator cuff, strains, or inflammation. This can lead to intense shoulder pain, weakness, limited mobility, and difficulty performing daily activities.
• Shoulder dislocation. A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone comes out of its socket in the shoulder blade. The forceful impact experienced during a car accident can cause the shoulder to dislocate. This results in immediate and severe pain, visible deformity, swelling, and restricted movement.
• Fractures and sprains. Car accident injuries can include fractures or sprains in the shoulder region. Fractures may involve the collarbone, upper arm bone, or shoulder blade are all common shoulder injuries in a collision. Sprains affect the ligaments that support the shoulder joint. Both injuries can cause intense pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the shoulder.
• Nerve Injuries. Trauma from a car accident can damage nerves in the shoulder area, leading to nerve injuries. The brachial plexus, a network of nerves that control movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand, can be affected. Symptoms may include sharp shooting pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and loss of coordination in the affected arm or hand.
• SLAP tear. A SLAP tear or a Superior Labrum, Anterior to Posterior tear, occurs when you tear the cartilage in the shoulder joint’s inner area. The tear causes pain and difficulty in moving the arm and shoulder. Left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain and limited arm and shoulder mobility.
• Shoulder impingement. Shoulder impingement can arise from the direct impact of a car. The upper outer edge of the shoulder blade makes contact with or compresses the rotator cuff, resulting in discomfort. It can leave you experiencing shoulder pain, weakness, stiffness, and difficulty reaching behind your back.

Shoulder Injuries and Seat Belts

Seat belts are highly effective at preventing fatalities in car accidents, making them a vital safety feature. The CDC reports that over half, 61%, of car occupants between 13 and 54 who died in car accidents in 2021 were not buckled up at the time of the crash.

Unfortunately, they can also be a source of shoulder injuries in a collision. The primary function of a seat belt is to keep you securely in place, reducing the risk of more severe injuries or fatalities. They do this by distributing the force of a collision across the body.

For instance, they can prevent head trauma, spinal cord damage, and dismemberment due to collision with the steering wheel and other vehicle structures. However, their placement across your shoulder often contributes to injuries in this area of the body.

A seat belt stretches across the chest and shoulder, areas that absorb a significant amount of force during impact. This design can place stress on the shoulder, especially in high-speed collisions or if the body is turned in an awkward position upon impact.

This can result in various types of shoulder injuries, ranging from bruises and abrasions to more severe issues like dislocations, fractures, or damage to the soft tissues and ligaments of the shoulder joint.

Common Signs of a Shoulder Injury

Recognizing the symptoms of a shoulder injury is crucial for early intervention and appropriate treatment. Common signs that can indicate a shoulder injury include:

• Pain. Pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, intense pain. It may be localized to the shoulder joint or in the arm.
• Limited range of motion. Shoulder injuries can limit your range of motion. You may find it difficult to fully move your shoulder, such as reaching overhead, behind your back, or across your chest.
• Weakness. You may notice a reduced ability to lift objects and engage in exercises requiring upper body strength. Weakness can result from muscle damage or instability in the shoulder joint.
• Swelling and inflammation. The injured shoulder may appear swollen, bruised, or warm to the touch. There may also be a visible bump in the shoulder that can be a broken bone.

Shoulder Injuries Can Become a Lingering Problem

Shoulder injuries, while sometimes considered minor, can become persistent issues if not adequately addressed. These injuries affect your physical well-being and can impact your daily life and activities.

Here are some long-term consequences of shoulder injuries in a crash:

• Chronic pain and discomfort. Shoulder injuries can lead to ongoing pain without proper treatment, making it difficult to perform basic tasks like lifting objects or dressing.
• Reduced range of motion. Shoulder damage can result in stiffness and decreased flexibility, limiting your ability to move your arm freely.
• Weakness in the shoulder and arm. This can make it challenging to carry out activities that require arm strength, such as driving, cooking, or dressing, affecting your independence.
• Difficulty performing hobbies and sports. Whether it’s swimming, golfing, or painting, a shoulder injury can impact your ability to enjoy your favorite pastimes.
• Impact on quality of life. Persistent shoulder problems can lead to frustration, mood changes, and a decrease in overall life satisfaction due to constant pain and limitations.
• Sleep disturbances. Chronic discomfort can make it hard to find a comfortable sleeping position, leading to insomnia and fatigue.
• Increased risk of re-injury. An initial shoulder injury that isn’t fully healed can be more susceptible to further damage, creating a cycle of injury and recovery.
• Need for medications. Managing pain often requires medications like over-the-counter painkillers or prescription drugs like oxycodone, which can introduce side effects and dependency concerns.
• Financial burden. The costs associated with rehabilitation and potential long-term treatments can strain your finances.
• Impact on work. Shoulder injuries can limit job performance, especially in physically demanding roles, potentially leading to lost wages or job changes.

Importance of Seeing a Medical Provider for Shoulder Pain Following a Collision

Getting medical attention for shoulder pain can lead to better outcomes for your recovery. It also plays a crucial role in documenting your medical treatment and establishing a clear link between the crash and your shoulder injury.

These are the most common reasons to see your doctor as soon as possible after your car accident.

• Early intervention and better outcomes. Visiting your doctor allows for early diagnosis and intervention. During the physical examination, the doctor will move your arm into different positions and press on different parts of the affected shoulder. They will also evaluate muscle strength in both the shoulder and arms.
  Early treatment can help alleviate pain, prevent further damage, and expedite the healing. Delaying medical evaluation and treatment may result in worsening symptoms, prolonged recovery time, and potential long-term complications.
• Comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis. Medical professionals are trained to conduct thorough evaluations and diagnose shoulder injuries. They can assess the extent of the damage, identify any associated injuries or complications, and determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
  Your doctor can differentiate between shoulder injuries, such as fractures or dislocations. X-rays produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film and help your doctor see what is causing your shoulder pain.
  They can use other tests to evaluate any soft tissue damage. For example, if your doctor suspects a rotator cuff injury, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide detailed images of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your shoulder to diagnose the severity of the tear.
  This evaluation can help your doctor begin a treatment plan to alleviate your pain and restore mobility. Your treatment plan could include a combination of physical therapy, medication, or, in more severe cases, surgery. Your doctor can also provide advice on lifestyle changes or exercises to strengthen the shoulder and prevent future injuries.
• Detailed medical documentation and evidence. Seeking medical attention for shoulder pain after a collision creates a crucial paper trail that establishes a connection between the accident and the resulting injury. Medical records, bills, treatment plans, and diagnostic reports serve as evidence that you received treatment for your injuries and can be invaluable when filing your car insurance claim.
  These documents provide a clear timeline, demonstrate the severity of the injury, and support that the shoulder pain is a direct result of the collision. This evidence can strengthen your personal injury claim and help ensure fair compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

What Compensation May be Available to You

After suffering a shoulder injury or other damage in a car accident, you may be entitled to certain damages from the at-fault party’s insurance company. Your lawyer with Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. can help you seek the following compensation to help pay for your losses:

Can You Sue for Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident?

Taking care of your shoulder pain immediately following a collision supports your claim for personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. Michigan is a no-fault state, meaning your PIP coverage pays for your medical bills. If you suffered a serious injury or a permanent disfigurement, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

With the help of a Michigan car accident lawyer at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C., you can compile evidence and calculate all the expenses from treating your injury. Your attorney can review all your medical bills and the lost wages during your recovery from your accident. They also consider non-economic damages like physical pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Our senior partner, Eileen Kroll, brings a unique perspective to her legal practice because of her background as a registered nurse. She understands the medical complexities of personal injury cases, including shoulder injuries resulting from collisions.

Her medical background allows her to communicate and collaborate with expert medical witnesses to testify about how the accident caused your injury.

What Are The Most Important Next Steps if You Sustained a Shoulder Injury in an Accident?

If you’re involved in a car accident and suffer any type of injury, the steps you take can impact your rights and potential compensation. Here’s what to do after a crash to protect your well-being and legal interests:

• Get medical attention immediately. Even if the injury seems minor, visit your doctor for a professional evaluation. They can diagnose any underlying damage, begin treatment, and create a medical file documenting your injuries.
• Document everything related to the accident. This includes taking photos of your injuries and the accident scene, collecting witness contact information of witnesses, and keeping a detailed record of events.
• Report the accident. In Michigan, you must report any accident resulting in death, injury, or $1,000 in property damage. Notify the police at the time of the accident so they can visit the scene and create a report, which you can get a copy of for your claim.
• Follow through with medical advice. Stick to your prescribed treatment plans, including rehabilitation, medication, and follow-up visits. This helps you with optimal recovery and demonstrates the impact of the injury.
• Consult with a legal professional. Speak with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer from Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. We can advise on your rights, estimate potential compensation, and represent your interests when negotiating with insurers.
• Keep a pain diary. Record your daily pain levels, limitations, and how the injury affects your personal and professional life. We can use this to show the impact of your injury on your life to maximize your settlement.

Talk to a Michigan Car Accident Attorney Today

By partnering with Cochran, Kroll & Associates P.C., our experienced attorneys will investigate your car accident and determine the damages you can receive in a lawsuit. We can explain how your shoulder injury may impact your settlement and the evidence you need to prove your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your case.

Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW  and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.