Shoulder Injuries After a Dallas Car Accident: What Victims Need to Know

A shoulder injury after a car accident can be painful, limiting, and more serious than it first appears. Many people leave a crash thinking they only suffered soreness, bruising, or a pulled muscle, only to later discover that they have a torn rotator cuff, labrum tear, shoulder impingement, dislocation, fracture, nerve injury, or another condition that may require months of treatment or surgery.

Shoulder injuries are common after Dallas car accidents because the shoulder can absorb significant force during a collision. A seatbelt may restrain the upper body while the shoulder is pulled forward. A driver may brace against the steering wheel. A passenger may strike the door, dashboard, window, or center console. In a side-impact, rear-end, head-on, rollover, truck wreck, or high-speed crash, the shoulder can be twisted, compressed, stretched, or violently forced out of position.

Even a “minor” shoulder injury can cause major problems. Your shoulder is involved in lifting, reaching, driving, dressing, bathing, working, sleeping, exercising, and caring for your family. When the shoulder does not heal properly, the injury can lead to chronic pain, weakness, stiffness, reduced range of motion, nerve symptoms, and long-term limitations.

At The Wooley Law Firm, Dallas car accident lawyer Andrew J. Wooley represents injured crash victims with shoulder injuries ranging from sprains and soft tissue injuries to serious surgical injuries. These claims may involve emergency room treatment, x-rays, MRIs, orthopedic care, injections, physical therapy, surgery, future medical expenses, lost wages, pain, impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Before accepting a settlement from an insurance company, it is important to fully understand the nature of your shoulder injury, your future medical needs, and how the injury may affect your work and daily life.

If you suffered a shoulder injury in a Dallas car accident, call The Wooley Law Firm at 214-699-6524 or contact us through our website for a free case evaluation.

Why Shoulder Injuries After a Car Accident Should Be Taken Seriously

Insurance companies often try to minimize shoulder injury claims. They may argue that the injury is only a strain, that the x-ray was normal, or that shoulder pain is related to age or prior wear and tear. However, shoulder injuries can be complicated.

A normal x-ray does not always rule out a serious shoulder injury. X-rays can help identify fractures and dislocations, but they may not show rotator cuff tears, labrum tears, tendon injuries, ligament injuries, cartilage damage, or nerve problems. In many cases, an MRI or specialist evaluation is needed to understand the full injury.

Pain, weakness, popping, limited range of motion, numbness, tingling, and difficulty lifting the arm should not be ignored. A crash victim may need follow-up care, advanced imaging, orthopedic treatment, injections, therapy, or surgery.

Car accident victims should be cautious before settling too quickly. Once a settlement is signed, the insurance company will usually not pay more money if the shoulder injury later requires injections, surgery, therapy, or additional treatment.

Common Causes of Shoulder Injuries in Dallas Car Accidents

Shoulder injuries can happen in many types of motor vehicle collisions. Common causes include:

• Seatbelt force across the shoulder during impact

• Bracing against the steering wheel

• The shoulder striking the door, window, dashboard, or center console

• Sudden forward-and-back movement in a rear-end collision

• Twisting during a side-impact crash

• Airbag deployment

• Rollover collisions

• Crush injuries in severe wrecks

• Pedestrian, bicycle, motorcycle, and truck accidents

• Rideshare, delivery vehicle, and commercial vehicle crashes

A shoulder injury does not have to involve a broken bone to be serious. Tendon tears, labrum tears, cartilage damage, impingement, and nerve symptoms can cause lasting pain and functional problems.

Symptoms of a Shoulder Injury After a Car Accident

Shoulder injury symptoms may appear immediately after the crash or worsen over the next several days. Common symptoms include:

• Shoulder pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Tenderness

• Stiffness

• Weakness

• Limited range of motion

• Pain when lifting the arm

• Pain when reaching overhead

• Pain when reaching behind the back

• Popping, clicking, or grinding

• Shoulder instability

• Numbness or tingling

• Burning pain

• Pain radiating into the neck, arm, elbow, or hand

• Difficulty sleeping on the injured side

• Difficulty dressing, bathing, driving, or working

• Visible deformity after dislocation or fracture

Any of these symptoms should be taken seriously. A crash victim may need medical evaluation, diagnostic imaging, orthopedic care, physical therapy, injections, or surgery.

Rotator Cuff Tears After a Dallas Car Accident

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help stabilize the shoulder and allow the arm to lift and rotate. A car accident can strain, partially tear, or completely tear the rotator cuff.

Rotator cuff injuries may occur when the shoulder is pulled, twisted, compressed by a seatbelt, or forced into an unnatural position during a crash.

Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear may include:

• Shoulder pain

• Pain when lifting the arm

• Weakness

• Difficulty reaching overhead

• Difficulty reaching behind the back

• Night pain

• Pain when lying on the injured shoulder

• Clicking or popping

• Limited range of motion

Some rotator cuff injuries improve with conservative treatment, including medication, physical therapy, and injections. More serious tears may require surgery. Recovery after shoulder surgery can take months and may involve significant therapy and time away from work.

Insurance companies may try to blame rotator cuff tears on age-related degeneration. However, a car accident can cause a new tear or aggravate a pre-existing shoulder condition. That distinction is important when evaluating a personal injury claim.

Labrum Tears After a Car Accident

The labrum is cartilage that helps stabilize the shoulder joint. A labrum tear can occur when the shoulder is forced out of position, pulled, twisted, or partially dislocated during a wreck.

Symptoms of a labrum tear may include:

• Deep shoulder pain

• Popping or clicking

• Catching or locking

• Shoulder instability

• Weakness

• Pain with overhead movement

• Reduced range of motion

• Feeling like the shoulder may slip or give out

Labrum injuries can be difficult to diagnose without advanced imaging. A doctor may order an MRI or refer the patient to an orthopedic specialist. Treatment may include therapy, injections, or arthroscopic surgery.

Shoulder Dislocation After a Car Accident

A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder socket. This can happen when the shoulder is struck, twisted, or forced backward during a collision.

Symptoms of shoulder dislocation may include:

• Severe shoulder pain

• Visible deformity

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Inability to move the arm normally

• Numbness or tingling

• Weakness

• Feeling that the shoulder is out of place

A dislocated shoulder may need to be put back into place by a medical provider. Even after the shoulder is reduced, the injury may involve ligament damage, labrum tearing, nerve irritation, or ongoing instability. Some victims experience repeated dislocations and may require surgery.

Shoulder Fractures After a Dallas Car Accident

A car accident can cause fractures in or around the shoulder. These injuries may involve the collarbone, shoulder blade, or upper arm bone.

Common shoulder-area fractures include:

• Clavicle fracture

• Proximal humerus fracture

• Scapula fracture

• Fracture-dislocation injuries

Symptoms of a shoulder fracture may include:

• Severe pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Tenderness

• Visible deformity

• Difficulty moving the arm

• Pain with lifting or reaching

• Numbness or tingling

• Grinding or catching

Some fractures can be treated with a sling, immobilization, medication, and therapy. More serious fractures may require surgery with plates, screws, rods, or other hardware. Even after the bone heals, a victim may continue to have stiffness, weakness, pain, reduced motion, and arthritis.

Seatbelt Shoulder Injuries

Seatbelts save lives, but the force of a crash can cause shoulder injuries. During a collision, the seatbelt may hold the upper body back while the rest of the body moves forward. This force can strain the shoulder, chest, neck, and upper back.

Seatbelt-related shoulder injuries may include:

• Bruising

• Soft tissue injuries

• Rotator cuff strain or tear

• Labrum injury

• AC joint injury

• Collarbone fracture

• Nerve irritation

• Shoulder impingement

A seatbelt bruise may seem minor at first, but ongoing pain, weakness, or limited movement should be evaluated.

AC Joint Injuries After a Car Accident

The acromioclavicular joint, commonly called the AC joint, is located where the collarbone meets the highest point of the shoulder blade. A car accident can injure this joint through direct impact or force across the shoulder.

Symptoms of an AC joint injury may include:

• Pain at the top of the shoulder

• Swelling

• Tenderness

• Pain with reaching across the body

• Pain when lifting the arm

• Weakness

• Visible bump or deformity in more serious separations

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Some AC joint injuries improve with conservative care. More severe separations may require surgery.

Shoulder Impingement After a Car Accident

Shoulder impingement can occur when tendons become irritated or compressed during shoulder movement. A crash can cause inflammation, tendon irritation, swelling, or structural injury that leads to impingement symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain with overhead movement

• Pain reaching behind the back

• Weakness

• Night pain

• Stiffness

• Pain that worsens with activity

Treatment may include medication, therapy, injections, and sometimes surgery if symptoms do not improve.

Frozen Shoulder After a Car Accident

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, can develop after injury, immobilization, or reduced shoulder use. It causes stiffness, pain, and major loss of motion.

Symptoms may include:

• Shoulder stiffness

• Pain with movement

• Difficulty lifting the arm

• Difficulty dressing

• Difficulty reaching behind the back

• Trouble sleeping

• Long-term limitation in range of motion

Frozen shoulder can be especially frustrating because recovery may take a long time. Treatment may include therapy, stretching, injections, and in some cases additional procedures.

Nerve Injuries, Numbness, and Tingling After a Shoulder Injury

Shoulder trauma can irritate or injure nerves in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand. Some crash victims experience numbness, tingling, burning pain, weakness, or radiating symptoms after a collision.

Nerve symptoms may affect the:

• Shoulder

• Upper arm

• Elbow

• Forearm

• Wrist

• Hand

• Fingers

• Neck

Nerve symptoms should not be ignored. They may be related to the shoulder injury, cervical spine injury, brachial plexus injury, nerve compression, or other trauma. A doctor may recommend imaging, nerve testing, therapy, injections, or specialist evaluation.

How Shoulder Injuries Are Diagnosed After a Car Accident

A shoulder injury may require several forms of medical evaluation. Depending on the symptoms, a doctor may recommend:

• Physical examination

• X-rays

• MRI

• CT scan

• Orthopedic referral

• Range-of-motion testing

• Strength testing

• Nerve testing

• Follow-up imaging

• Surgical consultation

It is important for car accident victims to explain how the injury happened, when the pain started, whether symptoms have worsened, and how the shoulder injury affects work, sleep, driving, lifting, and daily life.

Treatment for Shoulder Injuries After a Dallas Car Accident

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. Common treatment may include:

• Rest

• Ice

• Anti-inflammatory medication

• Pain medication

• Sling

• Activity restrictions

• Physical therapy

• Steroid injections

• Orthopedic care

• Arthroscopic surgery

• Rotator cuff repair

• Labrum repair

• Fracture repair

• Shoulder stabilization surgery

• Hardware placement

• Long-term rehabilitation

Some shoulder injuries improve with conservative treatment. Others require surgery and ongoing therapy. Either way, the cost of treatment and the impact on the victim’s life should be considered before settling with the insurance company.

How a Shoulder Injury Can Affect Your Work and Daily Life

A shoulder injury can interfere with nearly every part of daily life. Pain, weakness, and limited motion can make basic tasks difficult.

Shoulder injuries may affect your ability to:

• Drive

• Work

• Lift objects

• Reach overhead

• Reach behind your back

• Type or use a computer

• Carry groceries

• Dress

• Bathe

• Cook

• Clean

• Exercise

• Sleep comfortably

• Care for children

• Perform household tasks

• Participate in hobbies

For workers who use their arms, shoulders, or upper body throughout the day, a shoulder injury can create serious wage loss and job limitations. This may include construction workers, nurses, delivery drivers, warehouse workers, mechanics, electricians, plumbers, restaurant workers, hairstylists, dental professionals, office workers, and many others.

Compensation for a Shoulder Injury After a Dallas Car Accident

A shoulder injury claim may include compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Depending on the case, damages may include:

• Emergency room bills

• Urgent care bills

• Doctor visits

• Orthopedic treatment

• X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans

• Physical therapy

• Injections

• Surgery

• Future medical expenses

• Lost wages

• Loss of earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Physical impairment

• Mental anguish

• Disfigurement from surgery or scarring

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Out-of-pocket expenses

A serious shoulder injury can affect more than medical bills. It can limit independence, work, sleep, household responsibilities, hobbies, exercise, and the ability to live normally.

Why You Should Not Settle Too Early After a Shoulder Injury

Insurance companies may contact you quickly after a Dallas car accident and offer a settlement before you know the full extent of your shoulder injury. This can be risky.

Before resolving your claim, you should know the answers to important questions:

• Do you need an MRI or CT scan?

• Have you seen an orthopedic doctor?

• Is there a rotator cuff tear?

• Is there a labrum tear?

• Is there a fracture or dislocation?

• Is surgery recommended?

• Will you need future treatment?

• Are you still having pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, or limited motion?

• Can you return to work?

• Can you lift, reach, drive, and sleep normally?

• Do you have permanent impairment?

• Have all medical bills been obtained?

• Have future medical expenses been evaluated?

Once you accept a settlement, you generally cannot reopen the claim later because your shoulder injury became worse or required surgery. A Dallas car accident lawyer can help evaluate the claim before the insurance company pushes you into a low settlement.

How The Wooley Law Firm Helps Dallas Car Accident Victims

The Wooley Law Firm helps injured car accident victims pursue compensation after serious shoulder injuries. Depending on the facts of the case, we may help by:

• Investigating the crash

• Reviewing the police report

• Identifying all insurance coverage

• Communicating with the insurance company

• Gathering medical records and bills

• Documenting lost wages

• Evaluating future medical expenses

• Reviewing orthopedic recommendations

• Calculating pain, impairment, and loss of enjoyment damages

• Negotiating with the insurance company

• Filing a lawsuit when necessary

Insurance companies are not on your side after a wreck. Their goal is to pay as little as possible. Before giving a recorded statement, signing paperwork, or accepting a settlement, speak with a Dallas car accident lawyer who can protect your rights.

Dallas Car Accident Shoulder Injury Lawyer

If you suffered a shoulder injury in a car accident in Dallas, Fort Worth, or anywhere in North Texas, The Wooley Law Firm may be able to help. Andrew J. Wooley represents car accident victims with minor and severe shoulder injuries and helps them pursue full compensation, including surgical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Call 214-699-6524 or contact us through our website for a free case evaluation.

You don’t pay unless we win.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Injuries After a Car Accident

Can a car accident cause a rotator cuff tear?

Yes. A car accident can cause a rotator cuff tear when the shoulder is pulled, twisted, compressed, or forcefully restrained during impact. Some rotator cuff tears require physical therapy, injections, or surgery.

Can a seatbelt cause a shoulder injury?

Yes. Seatbelts save lives, but the force of a crash can cause bruising, soft tissue injuries, rotator cuff injuries, AC joint injuries, collarbone fractures, and other shoulder problems.

What if my shoulder x-ray was normal but I still have pain?

A normal x-ray does not always rule out a serious shoulder injury. X-rays may not show rotator cuff tears, labrum tears, ligament injuries, tendon injuries, cartilage damage, or nerve problems. An MRI or orthopedic evaluation may be needed.

Can a car accident cause a labrum tear?

Yes. A crash can cause a labrum tear when the shoulder is forced out of position, twisted, pulled, or partially dislocated. Labrum tears can cause deep pain, popping, catching, weakness, and instability.

What if I had shoulder problems before the accident?

A prior shoulder problem does not automatically prevent you from bringing a personal injury claim. A car accident can aggravate or worsen a pre-existing condition. The key issue is whether the crash caused new injury, worsened symptoms, or increased the need for treatment.

Should I settle my car accident claim before my shoulder treatment is finished?

It is usually risky to settle before you understand the full extent of your shoulder injury. If you later need injections, surgery, therapy, or future treatment, the insurance company may not have to pay more after a settlement is signed.

What compensation can I recover for a shoulder injury after a Dallas car accident?

Compensation may include medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, physical impairment, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Important Note

Andrew J. Wooley is not a healthcare provider. He is an attorney who primarily practices personal injury law. If you have questions about a shoulder injury, medical treatment, symptoms, or your overall health, you should contact a qualified healthcare provider.

For more information about your rights after a wreck, visit our Dallas Car Accident Attorney page.