Shoulder pain is a common symptom after a car accident. It can be a sign of a variety of different injuries in the upper body. Florida’s Department of Health (FDH) states that car accidents are the third-highest cause of injuries in the state. If you have recently been involved in a car accident in the State of Florida and have since experienced shoulder pain, then please get in contact with The Law Place today. Our team has a combined experience of 75 years dealing with cases similar to yours, and we will be happy to take you through the legal support that is available for your case.
Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with a trusted lawyer from our team. Call us at (941) 444-4444. Our phone lines are open 24/7.
Reach out to us for help handling your claim for compensation for shoulder pain after a car accident.
Common Shoulder Injuries From a Car Accident
Following the car accident, it is very important that you seek medical attention if you are experiencing shoulder pain and especially if your range of motion is reduced. Without a quick diagnosis and suitable treatment after the accident, your injury may worsen, and the recovery time may be prolonged. Some common shoulder injuries after a car accident include:
- Whiplash.
- Rotator cuff tear.
- Shoulder impingement.
- Clavicle or scapula fracture.
- Dislocations.
- Sprains.
- Strains.
- Shoulder joint tear.
- Humerus fracture.
A minor accident with low impact can still cause significant damage to the shoulder area due to it being a complex part of the body. Following a serious car accident, a shoulder injury will likely result in hospitalization, as well as surgery, physical therapy, and further treatments over a long period of time.
There are two main causes of pain in the shoulder after a car accident. The first is using the arm to brace yourself with it extended out and the arm, therefore, takes a large amount of impact. This is more common with the drivers as they will grip the steering wheel tightly upon impact with another car. The muscles in the lower and upper arm will tense up to withstand the sudden force, though the shoulder isn’t strong enough to withstand the compression. Similarly, passengers will brace by extending their arms out to the dashboard or the back of the seat, resulting in the same injury.
The second main cause leading to shoulder pain after a car accident is whiplash. The sudden back and forth motion can cause injury to the complex shoulder area, damaging muscles and tendons in particular.
What to Do If You Feel Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident?
Having the correct knowledge on what to do in the aftermath of a car accident that has resulted in a shoulder injury can be crucial for your health and recovery, as well as ensuring maximum legal support.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
A thorough evaluation of your body as soon as possible can be important as it will mean for the earliest diagnosis and shortest possible recovery time from any injuries. Seeing a medical professional can also rule out any serious injuries early on to reassure you of your shoulder injury. It is also worth noting that victims of car accidents must be able to prove their injuries are legitimate and the damages sustained were a direct result of the car accident. Medical reports can be vital pieces of evidence in helping victims recover what they are due.
Contact Your Car Insurance Company
Currently, Florida is a no-fault state, and so injured individuals should resort to their own personal injury protection (PIP). This is so that in the first instance, individuals can receive the compensation they are entitled to under the law. PIP will help to cover medical bills, lost wages, car damage, and other fees up to a certain amount following a car accident. However, if you are reading this after PIP has been ended in Florida, then your medical bills will be paid through med pay or your health insurance. If there have been serious injuries suffered in an accident, it is quite likely that PIP will not cover all losses and damages. Victims could have legal recourse against the at-fault driver and their insurance company. This is something our experienced personal injury lawyers can advise you on to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer
The next step could be consulting a car accident lawyer to find out your legal rights and options for recovering compensation from the at-fault party. One of our lawyers will be able to calculate your total damages and determine the value of your case. Though most importantly, an experienced lawyer can help you negotiate with the other party’s insurance company. It is important that you do not sign any settlement offers or allow any recorded statements to be made until after consulting a lawyer about your case.
Recovering Compensation for a Shoulder Injury
The sudden involvement in a car accident can not only be traumatic and stressful. Victims also can face high medical costs and other mounting expenses. This is especially true for those with serious or life-altering injuries that have had to face a loss of income or are now unable to work.
However, if someone else’s actions lead to your accident and you are unable to recover sufficient compensation from the car insurance company. It is possible for you to file a personal injury lawsuit. The compensation you could recover includes:
- Medical fees for treatments.
- Car repairs or replacement.
- Loss of income.
- Physical and emotional anguish.
- Reduced quality of life.
There are other types of compensation available to injured individuals, though they are dependent on their accident details and the severity of their injuries.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at The Law Place Today
If you have suffered a shoulder injury in a car accident, then please call The Law Place today! Our lawyers work on a contingency basis, so do not let legal fees put you off from seeking the justice you deserve. Injuries to the shoulder area can cause life-changing symptoms, so it is important you are appropriately compensated for. We realize money will not solve everything, but it is a step in the right direction for your recovery and can put things at ease.
Contact our office today to organize a free consultation with a dedicated personal injury attorney on our team. Call us on (941) 444-4444. Phone lines are open 24/7.