What do I need to do for my shoulder injury car accident case?
Car accidents can be traumatic experiences, leading to physical and emotional trauma that can last a lifetime. One of the most common injuries sustained in car crashes is shoulder injury, which may include damage to the bones, muscles, tendons or ligaments.
Fortunately, victims of car accidents have legal rights when it comes to seeking compensation for their damages. In this article we will explore some of the common types of shoulder injuries caused by car accidents as well as discuss how an experienced lawyer may help victims recover financial compensation for their losses related to these types of injuries. An Austin car accident lawyer can help you get started with your shoulder injury car accident case.
How do shoulder injuries happen in car accident cases?
Shoulder injuries in car accidents can occur when the occupant of a vehicle is thrown around during an impact. Typically, the force of impact will push the passenger’s body forward which can cause damage to their shoulder area as a result. Shoulder injuries range from mild sprains and strains to more serious fractures or dislocations, depending on the severity of the accident.
In addition to impacts that cause direct trauma to the shoulder, whiplash is also another common type of injury associated with car accident cases. Whiplash occurs when one’s head is snapped forward abruptly and then forced backward in rapid succession due to a collision impact. The strain on these areas caused by whiplash commonly leads to severe pain and swelling resulting in:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Dislocated shoulders
- Broken collarbones.
How does a shoulder dislocate in a car accident?
A shoulder dislocation can occur in a car accident when the impact of the crash is powerful enough to cause the shoulder joint to be pushed out of its normal position. The force and direction of the impact will determine how severe a person's shoulder injury is, as well as how easily it can be put back into place. When a car accident has resulted in a dislocated shoulder, it is important for an individual to seek immediate medical attention as this type of injury can be painful and may require surgery or other treatments for proper healing.
In some cases when a person experiences a dislocation after an auto accident, they may not realize what has taken place until further tests or examinations have been performed by medical professionals. In order to properly diagnose their injury, physicians will likely use x-rays or MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging). Once they have determined that there has been displacement in the joint, they may attempt to relocate it manually - though this option is usually pursued if approved by an orthopedic specialist and if done correctly with minimal pain.
Furthermore, passengers may experience hyperextension of their joints upon contact with doors or windows resulting in rotator cuff tears or minor bruises that might not be noticeable at first but can become painful over time if left untreated.
What evidence can I use to prove a shoulder injury from a car accident?
The evidence that can be used to prove a car accident shoulder injury case includes medical reports, eyewitness testimonies, pictures of the accident scene, and vehicle damage. Medical reports will be the most important source of evidence as they document the type and extent of any injuries sustained in the car accident. If an individual has suffered a serious shoulder injury such as a fracture or dislocation due to the crash, these records will be key in demonstrating their damages.
Eyewitness testimonies from witnesses at the scene of the crash can also be beneficial in proving a car accident shoulder injury case. Witnesses may have seen the impact happen firsthand, or they may have noticed signs that suggest an occupant’s shoulder had been injured such as wincing or limping after exiting their vehicle. It is vital to get contact information for any witnesses who may have seen what happened during and after the crash so that their statements can be used as evidence in court.
Pictures taken of the accident scene can also provide useful evidence for a car accident shoulder injury case. Photos of damaged vehicles, skid marks on pavement, and any other details regarding how exactly the crash occurred are all pieces of visual evidence that may help prove liability and strengthen an individual’s claim for compensation.
Finally, it is also important to consider property damage from both vehicles involved in the collision when determining who is liable for an individual’s injuries. Damage to either vehicle could support claims about how severe an impact was and ultimately demonstrate why someone has suffered a potential shoulder injury from a car accident.
Call Fletcher Law to start your shoulder injury car accident case.
If you or someone you know has sustained a shoulder injury in an Austin car accident, it is important to take immediate action. Not only will seeking medical attention help ensure that your injuries are properly treated and that any long-term effects are minimized, but having evidence of the injury can also be beneficial when filing a claim for compensation.
At Fletcher Law, we understand the importance of gathering evidence quickly to prove liability in such cases and have years of experience helping individuals get the justice they deserve after being injured in car accidents. Contact us today if you believe you may have suffered a shoulder injury due to another driver’s negligence. We are here to help guide you through every step of the process and make sure your rights are protected.