What Can Cause a Shoulder Injury from a Car Accident?

Car accidents can cause a wide range of shoulder injuries due to the sudden impact, forceful movements, and trauma experienced during a collision. 
Clayton T. Hasbrook

Written by Clayton T. Hasbrook. Last modified on March 4, 2025

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Common Causes of Shoulder Injuries in Car Accidents

Direct Impact Trauma

A medical illustration of a shoulder joint with the humeral head partially out of the socket, depicting dislocation and instabilityWhen a vehicle collides with another object, the occupant’s shoulder may strike the door, dashboard, steering wheel, or other interior components. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this direct impact can cause fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue damage.

Seat Belt Injuries

While seat belts save lives, the restraining force they exert during a collision can cause shoulder injuries, particularly when the belt crosses the shoulder and chest. This restraint can lead to contusions, strains, or even more serious injuries like rotator cuff tears.

Bracing Impact

Many drivers and passengers instinctively brace themselves during a collision by extending their arms against the dashboard or steering wheel. This position transfers the impact force through the arms to the shoulders, potentially causing shoulder impingement or other injuries.

Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are forcefully thrown forward and then backward in a rapid motion, typically in rear-end collisions. This violent movement can affect the shoulder complex, causing referred pain and dysfunction in the shoulder area.

Types of Shoulder Injuries from Car Accidents

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. According to specialists at Oklahoma’s INTEGRIS Health, rotator cuff injuries are among the most common shoulder problems following car accidents. These injuries can range from minor strains to complete tears requiring surgical intervention.

Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injuries:

  • Pain when lifting or lowering the arm
  • Weakness in the shoulder
  • Crackling sensation during movement
  • Pain that worsens at night or when lying on the affected shoulder

Shoulder Dislocations and Instability

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, making it susceptible to dislocation during traumatic events like car accidents. Shoulder instability occurs when the humeral head (ball) is forced out of the glenoid (socket). Dislocations can be partial (subluxation) or complete and may lead to labral tears, particularly Bankart lesions in the front of the shoulder or SLAP tears at the top of the labrum.

Fractures

A detailed image of a shoulder's skeletal structure, highlighting the clavicle, scapula, and proximal humerus with fracture linesCar accidents can cause fractures to any of the bones in the shoulder complex:

  • Clavicle (collarbone)
  • Scapula (shoulder blade)
  • Proximal humerus (upper arm bone)

These fractures often result from direct impact and may require surgical fixation depending on their severity and displacement.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

An artistic depiction of a shoulder joint enveloped in ice, symbolizing restricted movement and stiffness associated with frozen shoulderA frozen shoulder can develop after a car accident, particularly if the initial injury leads to prolonged shoulder immobility. The condition involves thickening and tightening of the shoulder capsule, resulting in pain and a severely restricted range of motion.

SLAP Tears

SLAP tear (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) affects the ring of cartilage (labrum) that surrounds the shoulder socket. These injuries are common in car accidents and can cause pain, catching sensations, and shoulder instability.

Diagnosis of Shoulder Injuries After Car Accidents

After a car accident, proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Oklahoma orthopedic specialists recommend the following diagnostic approaches:

Physical Examination

A thorough physical examination by an orthopedic shoulder specialist will assess:

  • Range of motion
  • Strength
  • Stability
  • Areas of tenderness
  • Special tests specific to shoulder conditions

Imaging Studies

  • X-rays: To identify fractures, dislocations, and arthritic changes
  • MRI: To visualize soft tissue injuries, including rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, and muscle damage
  • CT scans: For detailed evaluation of complex fractures
  • Ultrasound: For dynamic assessment of the rotator cuff and other soft tissues

Treatment Options for Car Accident Shoulder Injuries

Infographic for Car Accident Shoulder Injury FAQsNon-Surgical Treatments

According to Oklahoma physical therapy experts, initial treatment often includes:

  • Rest and activity modification: Avoiding movements that cause pain
  • Ice and heat therapy: To reduce inflammation and promote healing
  • Pain management: Including over-the-counter or prescription medications
  • Physical therapy: To restore range of motion, strength, and function
  • Corticosteroid injections: To reduce inflammation in specific cases

Home exercise programs are also crucial for recovery and may be prescribed by physical therapists or orthopedic specialists.

Surgical Interventions

When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgical options may be considered. Oklahoma orthopedic centers like OU Health and INTEGRIS offer various surgical interventions, including:

  • Arthroscopic surgery: Minimally invasive procedures for rotator cuff repairs, labral repairs, and decompression
  • Shoulder arthroscopy: For visualization and treatment of internal shoulder structures
  • Open reduction and internal fixation: For fractures requiring stabilization
  • Shoulder joint replacement: For severe arthritis or complex fractures

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from shoulder injuries varies depending on the type and severity of the injury. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation, focusing on:

  • Restoring the range of motion
  • Strengthening muscles
  • Improving coordination and proprioception
  • Preventing re-injury
  • Returning to normal activities

For optimal outcomes, patients should follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations and complete the full course of rehabilitation.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you’ve been in a car accident in Oklahoma and experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

  • Severe shoulder pain
  • Visible deformity of the shoulder
  • Inability to move the arm
  • Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
  • Swelling or bruising around the shoulder
  • Grinding or clicking sounds with movement

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term complications and improve outcomes. Avoiding common mistakes after a car accident can also help protect your health and potential legal claims.

Shoulder injuries from car accidents can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Under Oklahoma law, if your injury resulted from another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Understanding what happens if you are at fault for a car accident is important for navigating these situations.

Documentation is crucial for any potential legal claim. Keep detailed records of:

  • Medical treatments and expenses
  • Diagnostic imaging reports
  • Physical therapy sessions
  • Time missed from work
  • Impact on daily activities

Properly documenting your injuries is essential for building a strong case. Oklahoma has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so it’s important to consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in Oklahoma car accident cases promptly to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Several factors can influence your car accident settlement amount, including the severity of your shoulder injury and its impact on your life. In cases with extensive damages, you should know what happens when a car accident claim exceeds insurance limits in Oklahoma.

Additional Resources

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Clayton T. Hasbrook who has years of legal experience as a personal injury lawyer. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.