​​Shoulder Injuries After a Car Crash

What began as a routine drive has now left you facing a painful and limiting reality: car accident shoulder injuries. Often underestimated in their severity, these injuries can disrupt everything from a good night’s sleep to your ability to perform daily tasks or earn a living. If you’re experiencing persistent shoulder pain following a collision or supporting someone who is, understanding the potential long-term impact of car accident shoulder injuries is crucial. Let’s explore the common types of these injuries and how New York law addresses the path to recovery and potential compensation.

Common Shoulder Injuries from a Car Accident

Shoulder pain after a car crash is not always immediate. Sometimes the adrenaline rush masks the symptoms for hours or even days. However, what might feel like a strain or stiffness can become a more serious medical issue that worsens over time. Some of the most frequent shoulder injuries from a car accident include:

• Rotator cuff tears—this group of muscles and tendons controls shoulder movement and is highly vulnerable in sudden-impact crashes;
• Dislocated shoulder—the force of a collision can knock the upper arm bone out of the shoulder socket;
• Labral tears—damage to the cartilage that stabilizes the shoulder joint may not be immediately visible without imaging;
• Fractures of the clavicle or scapula—broken bones in the shoulder area are painful and may require immobilization or surgery; and
• Bursitis or inflammation—the small fluid-filled sacs cushioning your shoulder can become irritated or inflamed after trauma.

Without treatment, these injuries can become chronic, leading to frozen shoulder, weakness, and long-term loss of range of motion. That is why seeking medical care is essential, even for seemingly minor shoulder pain.

How Do Shoulder Injuries Happen During Car Accidents?

The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body and is also one of the most exposed during a crash. Its vulnerability stems from how frequently it instinctively braces during impact. In the split second before a collision, many drivers and passengers tense up, gripping the wheel or locking their arms against the dashboard. That automatic reaction exerts enormous stress on the shoulder joint.

In addition to blunt trauma, shoulder injuries can also result from sudden, unnatural motions. A violent jolt from a collision can twist the upper body in ways that strain ligaments, stretch nerves, or overextend tendons, especially if the person is wearing a seatbelt, which restrains the torso while the limbs continue to move.

Shoulder trauma may also be part of a multi-site injury, where neck, back, or chest pain overshadows damage to the shoulder in the early hours after the accident. This is why imaging and follow-up care are crucial. Even if your shoulder pain seems secondary, it may be the most functionally disruptive aspect of your recovery.

How to Document Your Car Accident Shoulder Injuries for a Legal Claim

Strong documentation is key to pursuing compensation. Insurance companies will look for gaps or inconsistencies that they can use to deny or reduce your claim.

Here are steps you can take to support your case:

• Seek medical care immediately—insurers will use delayed treatment to argue the injury was unrelated to the crash;
• Follow all doctor recommendations—attending physical therapy and completing treatment plans shows the seriousness of your injury;
• Keep a pain journal—note daily pain levels, activity limitations, and how the injury affects your work or home life;
• Save all medical records and imaging—x-rays, MRIs, and surgical notes may be used to prove injury severity;
• Track related expenses—include medical bills, transportation to appointments, and over-the-counter medications.

Thorough documentation helps prove the injury and supports a stronger case for a higher settlement.

When Does a Shoulder Injury from a Car Accident Qualify as a Serious Injury?

New York follows a no-fault insurance system, which typically limits your ability to sue after a car accident. However, an exception exists for “serious injuries.” A rotator cuff tear, dislocation, or other shoulder injury may qualify if it results in:

• A fracture,
• Permanent loss of use of a body part or function,
• Significant limitation of a body function or system, or
• A medically determined injury that impairs daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days following the accident.

If your injury meets any of these thresholds, you may be able to pursue damages beyond what no-fault covers.

What Can You Recover in a Shoulder Injury Claim?

Victims with car accident shoulder injuries who meet the serious injury threshold may seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. A successful claim can recover both economic and noneconomic damages. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency room treatment, diagnostic imaging, and surgical procedures;
• Physical therapy, rehabilitation equipment, and assistive devices;
• Lost wages during recovery and reduced future earning capacity;
• Pain and suffering associated with chronic pain or reduced quality of life; and
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to travel, prescriptions, and home modifications.

The specific amount you can recover depends on the injury’s severity, the recovery duration, and how it impacts your ability to work or enjoy life. Working with a personal injury attorney is essential to accurately calculate and pursue full compensation.

How Long Do You Have to File a Shoulder Injury Claim?

In New York, you generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit from the accident date. However, if the at-fault driver was a government employee or the crash involved a municipal vehicle, you may need to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days.

Additional deadlines may apply for claims involving minors or incapacitated individuals. Because missing a deadline can bar your claim entirely, speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident is essential.

Why Choose Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers?

At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, P.C., we have represented injured New Yorkers for over 65 years. We understand how disruptive shoulder injuries from car accident trauma can be, not only physically but also emotionally and financially. That is why we handle every detail, from documenting your injuries to negotiating with insurers so that you can focus on healing.

Our bilingual staff provides accessible service for Spanish-speaking families throughout Westchester and Rockland Counties. Whether you were hurt in White Plains, Spring Valley, or anywhere in between, we will help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

Speak with a Car Accident Shoulder Injuries Lawyer Today

If you have suffered in a car accident, you do not have to manage recovery and a legal battle on your own. Our team at Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, P.C. will evaluate your claim and help you understand your options for pursuing compensation for a shoulder injury after car accident trauma.

Reach out today for a free consultation. You will not pay unless we recover compensation for you.