The pain wakes you in the middle of the night. A dull ache builds to a crescendo as you try to rotate your arm. Simple tasks that used to take seconds now require strategic planning to avoid the sharp stabs that come with certain movements.
Shoulder pain is one of the most frequently reported symptoms after a motor vehicle accident. If your shoulder pain developed after an accident caused by someone else's negligence, Seattle personal injury lawyer Preet Kode and the team at Kode Law can help you understand your rights and options.
Why Shoulder Injuries Are So Common in Car Accidents
Several factors contribute to the high incidence of shoulder injuries in motor vehicle collisions:
- Seat belt positioning. While seat belts save lives, the shoulder strap can exert significant force on the shoulder in a crash. This is especially true if the belt is worn incorrectly or if the person is slouching or leaning sideways.
- Bracing for impact. It's a natural instinct to tense up and reach out to brace yourself when you see an impending collision. However, this reflexive action can actually increase the risk of shoulder injury.
- Direct trauma. If your shoulder slams into the door, window, steering wheel, or dashboard during a crash, the blunt force can cause serious damage to the joint and surrounding tissues.
- Whiplash effect. Even if your shoulder doesn't take a direct hit, the rapid back-and-forth motion of your head and neck in a collision can strain the muscles and tendons in the shoulder region.
Why Shoulder Pain Doesn't Always Show Up Right Away
One of the trickiest aspects of accident-related shoulder injuries is that the symptoms may not appear immediately after the crash. It's not uncommon for shoulder pain to develop gradually in the hours, days, or even weeks following a collision.
This delay can occur for several reasons:
- Adrenaline. In the chaos of an accident, your body releases a surge of adrenaline and other stress hormones. This natural response can temporarily mask pain and other symptoms.
- Inflammation. Swelling and inflammation in the injured tissues can build up slowly over time, leading to a gradual increase in pain and stiffness.
- Altered movement. You may subconsciously adjust your posture or movements to avoid aggravating a sore shoulder. Over time, this can lead to muscle imbalances and strain.
It’s always best to seek a medical evaluation after a car accident, even if you have only minimal discomfort. Many types of injuries—not just shoulder pain—can develop slowly. Consulting a health care provider can ensure your injuries are treated correctly and strengthen your claim for compensation.
Getting Fair Compensation for Your Shoulder Injury
To have a valid personal injury claim, you must demonstrate that the other party's negligence caused your injury. For example, you might show evidence that a distracted driver was responsible for the crash that caused your injuries.
You can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related costs. Here’s how the team at Kode Law can help you maximize your compensation:
- We take the time to understand your unique situation and needs. We know that every client's story is different, and we take the time to listen to yours. We'll discuss how your frozen shoulder has impacted your life, work, and family.
- We thoroughly investigate your case to build a strong claim. Our team will gather all necessary evidence to prove that the other party's negligence caused your injury. We'll also work with medical experts and financial professionals to fully document your losses.
- We aggressively negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but we know their tactics and won't be intimidated. We'll fight for a fair settlement that covers all your damages.
- We prepare to take your case to trial if a fair settlement can't be reached. While most cases settle out of court, we're always prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. We have a track record of success in the courtroom and will vigorously advocate for your rights.
Refer to our case results and client testimonials to learn how Kode Law has helped people like you move forward after they've been hurt due to the negligence of others.
