Car accidents are scary. But one of the most overlooked aspects of a car accident is the long-term injuries you could have prevented with better vehicle safety features. One example is shoulder pain, a common injury after an auto collision that can last for years.
Although common, shoulder pain after an auto collision is not something that car accident lawyers deal with every day. Shoulder injuries after car accidents can range from mild to severe and debilitating. Depending on the cause of your shoulder pain, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries.
What Shoulder Injuries Can Arise from a Car Accident?
You might have heard the term “shoulder separation” after an accident, but what does it mean? A shoulder separation is dislocated at either the glenohumeral joint or the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. The AC joint is located between your collarbone and the start of your shoulder blade. The glenohumeral joint, also known as the shoulder socket, is where the ball of your upper arm rests and allows for a range of movement, such as lifting your arms overhead or pulling them across your body.
A shoulder separation can be partial or complete. In a partial separation, one or more of the ligaments connected to the bones in your shoulder are torn but not completely detached. In a complete displacement of the socket, the ball of your arm and the socket are completely separated.
Can I Get Compensation for Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident?
The answer is yes, but to receive compensation for shoulder pain after a car accident, you must meet certain criteria. To file a fault claim in court and receive compensation for your injuries, you must have suffered an injury directly resulting from someone else’s negligence. Negligence means that the other driver didn’t exercise the same amount of care as a reasonable person would have under similar circumstances.
Even if you don’t meet the criteria for a fault claim, it is still possible for you to launch your lawsuit against the other driver. You could then seek compensation from their insurance company for any economic losses, i.e.,medical bills and lost wages that result from your injuries.
After How Long Do You Settle a Case of Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident?
When it comes to car accident cases, the time frame for which you can settle and receive compensation for your injuries can be very short. You could reach a case of shoulder pain after a car accident settlement within six months of your injury. A minor case may even take two to four weeks.
However, it would be wise to seek medical treatment for your shoulder injury regardless of how long you wait to settle your case. Whether you wait a year or two, receiving medical treatment for your shoulder injury can result in greater recovery. If you get treatment for your shoulder injury, it will likely be less painful and easier to recover from the effects of trauma. The treatment may still run into hundreds if not thousands of dollars.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you have shoulder pain after a car accident, it’s important to seek medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible. You should also contact a personal injury attorney today so that you can obtain the compensation that you need to make a full recovery from your injuries.