Kentucky Injury Resource Center

Shoulder Injury After a Car Accident: Rotator Cuff, Labrum and More

Seat belts, steering wheels and bracing for impact can injure the shoulder. How a shoulder injury after a car accident is treated and what it means for your claim.

Reviewed by Larry Forman, Attorney.

Your shoulder takes a lot of force in a crash. The seat belt crosses it, your hands grip the wheel and your arm may hit the door. Shoulder injuries can limit your ability to lift, reach, sleep and work. This guide explains common crash-related shoulder injuries, treatment and how shoulder injuries are proven in a Kentucky claim.

Key takeaways

Rotator cuff and labral tears often need an MRI to diagnose.
Many rotator cuff tears improve without surgery, but some need repair (AAOS).
Insurers may argue a tear was age-related; the change after the crash is key.
A shoulder fracture meets Kentucky’s threshold for pain and suffering.

Orthopedic doctor checking a shoulder injury after a car accident in a male patient’s arm and shoulder range of motion in a clinic

Common shoulder injuries in crashes

Rotator cuff tears: damage to the tendons that lift and rotate the arm.
Labral tears: tears in the cartilage rim of the shoulder socket.
Separated shoulder (AC joint injury): ligaments at the top of the shoulder stretch or tear.
Dislocations: the ball of the upper arm comes out of the socket.
Fractures: of the collarbone, shoulder blade or upper arm.

Symptoms to report

Pain when lifting your arm or reaching overhead
Weakness or a clicking, catching feeling
Pain at night or when lying on the shoulder
Limited range of motion

Treatment

Treatment may include rest, medication, physical therapy, injections and surgery. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that nonsurgical treatment relieves pain and improves function in about 80 to 85% of rotator cuff tear patients, and that surgery may be recommended when pain doesn’t improve (OrthoInfo: Rotator Cuff Tears). Your doctor will decide what fits your injury. If you are not sure where to start, see which doctor to see after a car accident.

Rotator cuff changes are common as people age, and insurers often argue a tear was already there. What matters is whether the crash caused a new injury or made an existing one worse. Records showing you worked and lifted without problems before the crash, and prompt treatment after it, are the strongest answer. See pre-existing conditions.

Your Kentucky claim

To recover pain and suffering from an at-fault driver, Kentucky’s no-fault law generally requires more than $1,000 in medical expenses, or an injury such as a fracture, permanent injury, permanent disfigurement or permanent loss of bodily function (KRS 304.39-060). Kentucky uses pure comparative fault: your share of fault reduces your recovery but doesn’t bar it (KRS 411.182).

Damages can include medical bills, lost wages, future care and pain and suffering. Most Kentucky personal injury claims must be filed within one year (KRS 413.140). Most motor vehicle injury claims have two years from the injury or the last PIP payment, whichever is later (KRS 304.39-230).

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Frequently asked questions about a shoulder injury after a car accident

Can a seat belt injure my shoulder?

Yes. Seat belts save lives, but the belt can bruise or injure the shoulder and collarbone in a crash.

How long does shoulder surgery recovery take?

It varies, often months of therapy. Your surgeon can give you a timeline for your injury.

Should I wait to see if my shoulder gets better?

Get it checked. Prompt care helps your recovery and your claim.