How Car Accidents Cause Shoulder Injuries
The shoulder is one of the most vulnerable joints during a car crash. When a collision occurs, the upper body continues moving while the seatbelt restrains the torso. This force places intense strain on the shoulder joint.
Airbag deployment can also contribute. While airbags save lives, the rapid expansion can twist or jam the shoulder out of its natural position. Side-impact crashes are especially likely to cause shoulder trauma due to lateral force.
In Texas, shoulder injuries often result from:
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone crashes
- High-speed highway accidents
- Rollovers
Common Shoulder Injuries Seen After Texas Car Accidents
The most frequent crash-related shoulder injuries include:
- Rotator cuff tears, involving torn muscles or tendons
- Labral tears, damaging cartilage that stabilizes the joint
- Shoulder dislocations
- Impingement and nerve damage
These injuries can occur independently or together, increasing recovery time and long-term impairment.
Symptoms That May Appear Days Later
Shoulder injuries do not always hurt immediately. Swelling and inflammation may take time to develop. Common delayed symptoms include:
- Persistent shoulder pain
- Weakness when lifting the arm
- Clicking or popping sensations
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain that worsens at night
Delays in symptoms often lead insurers to question the legitimacy of claims.
Why Texas Insurance Companies Dispute Shoulder Injury Claims
Insurance companies frequently argue that shoulder injuries are:
- Degenerative rather than traumatic
- Caused by aging or prior conditions
- Minor strains instead of tears
Because shoulder injuries sometimes require surgery months after a crash, insurers claim the treatment is unrelated. These arguments overlook the biomechanics of car accidents and how shoulder damage progresses.
Medical Evidence That Strengthens a Shoulder Injury Claim
Strong Texas car accident claims rely on:
- Prompt medical evaluation
- MRI imaging confirming tears
- Orthopedic specialist assessments
- Surgical recommendations or reports
- Physical therapy records
Consistency in treatment is critical. Missed appointments or treatment gaps can weaken claims.
Long-Term Impact on Work and Daily Life
Shoulder injuries can interfere with lifting, driving, typing, and sleeping. Many jobs become difficult or impossible, especially in physically demanding roles common across Texas industries.
Some injuries lead to permanent loss of strength or range of motion. These limitations must be considered when calculating damages.
Why Legal Guidance Helps After a Texas Car Accident
Shoulder injury cases require proving that the crash caused structural damage, not just temporary pain. Legal guidance helps connect medical findings to crash forces, address insurer pushback, and pursue compensation for future care and lost earning capacity.
FAQ’s
Q: Can a car accident cause a rotator cuff tear?
A: Yes. Sudden force, seatbelt restraint, and airbag deployment can tear shoulder tendons.
Q: Are shoulder injuries hard to prove in Texas?
A: They can be, especially without MRI imaging and consistent treatment.
Q: Do shoulder injuries always require surgery?
A: No. Some heal with therapy, but severe tears may require surgical repair.
Q: Can delayed shoulder pain still support a claim?
A: Yes. Delayed symptoms are common and medically recognized.