A lot of those involved in car accidents suffer from shoulder injuries, which can be debilitating. Rolling vehicles and side collisions can seriously impact the shoulder. Injuries to the shoulder can interfere with a person’s sleep and daily life, extending recovery time and exacerbating their physical suffering. If you have sustained shoulder injuries in a car crash because of another driver’s negligence, you can seek compensation for them with the help of an experienced houston car accident attorney. Your lawyer will review the details of your accident to determine if you have a strong claim.
Common Shoulder Injuries
The following are examples of shoulder injuries that can be suffered in car accidents:
- Fractures. With the majority of shoulder fractures, the bones tend to stay in place. In this case, recovery from the injury can be easier. However, if the bones move, your recovery time can be extended.
- Rotator cuff tears. A torn rotator cuff occurs when the tendons in the shoulder do not attach to the shoulder bones after a car crash.
- Strains and sprains. These injuries happen when the ligaments in the shoulder stretch or partially tear without completely separating. A shoulder sprain can help in a month or two when properly treated.
- Whiplash. This injury occurs after the head and neck violently move forward and backward. Its long-term impacts include headaches, dizziness, pain and stiffness, and memory issues.
Importance of Seeking Prompt Medical Attention
Following a car collision, you may think about going home, especially if you do not feel any pain. But, some injuries may not be obvious immediately after a car accident. This is the reason must seek medical care immediately. A visit to a medical expert can disclose latent shoulder injuries that would be costly to treat later when they have worsened. Your doctor might even refer you to a mental health expert to help you handle the emotional aftermath.
Moreover, by seeking medical attention, your doctor can document your injuries, treatments, and recovery journey. Such documentation can support your claim. If you prefer to file an insurance claim later, you have solid records of your injuries that your attorney can use as evidence. Without these records, it is easy for an insurance company to deny your claim outright.
In addition, if your attorney cannot reach a settlement agreement with the at-fault party’s insurance company, they may suggest that you file a lawsuit to recoup your damages. But, you can only recover financial compensation if you can proof of the seriousness of your injuries. As your lawyer builds your case, they will need your medical records, which include X-rays, doctor’s notes, and other vital information related to your injuries.
