Why Does My Shoulder Hurt After a Side-Swipe Accident?
Key Highlights:
- Side-swipe accidents have been known to cause severe injury to the shoulder as the body is twisted and the soft tissue, such as the tendon, ligaments and cartilage, is over-stretched.
- Seatbelts and steering wheels add strain by loading the shoulder and sending impact force up the arm.
- Adrenaline can mask the injury for hours or days, leading to pain being delayed.
- Several injuries that result in the same type of pain so only a medical exam can confirm what’s wrong.
- Prompt care and documentation helps you by preventing any loopholes that could result in denial from insurers.
Side-swipe crashes often feel minor. There’s no impact on the front and the vehicles may only scrape past each other. Even so, drivers may suffer from aching, burning or the inability to lift their shoulders after. Don’t overlook these symptoms. The forces in a side-swipe are more complex than they look, and the shoulder is one of the body’s most vulnerable joints.
If you have questions about this or any other legal matter, our experienced personal injury lawyers at Tatum & Atkinon, PLLC will gladly help you.
Call 800-529-0804 today for a free consultation. You don’t have to pay anything unless we win your case.
What Happens to Your Body in a Side-Swipe Collision
A side swipe won’t propel you forwards or backwards. It twists and jerks your body in a manner that the muscles are unable to brace for.
The Mechanics of the Impact
If another vehicle hits you from the side, your vehicle is pushed or turned to the sides. Your torso moves with the car while your arms and head lag a split second behind.
That lag can stretch the tendons, ligaments and cartilage around the shoulder. The joint has a wide range of motion but little stability on the bone and is susceptible to shear injury from the sudden twist.
Seatbelt and Steering Wheel Forces
Proper restraint use under North Carolina mandatory seat belt statute (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-135.2A) prevents catastrophic ejection, but the lock mechanism during a side-swipe places an abnormal amount of force across the shoulder and collarbone.
The shoulder is often injured in the following ways:
- The belt locks and loads the shoulder it crosses
- A tight grip on the wheel sends impact force up the arm
- Force is driven into the joint with the arm outstretched
- The impact is to the shoulder closest to the door or the window frame
Why Pain Can Be Delayed
Adrenaline is great at dulling pain. Any injury can be concealed for hours or even days by stress hormones.
Inflammation also builds slowly. You might feel fine on the scene and wake up and find you can’t raise your arm. Pain often occurs hours or even days later, and this does not necessarily indicate that the injury isn’t as severe.
“Many of our clients tell us they felt fine at the scene and woke up the next morning to find themselves in a lot of pain. A side swipe can actually cause serious trauma in the shoulders and it’s important to get that checked and keep all documentation.” – Robert Tatum, Tatum & Atkinson, PLLC
Common Shoulder Injuries After a Side-Swipe
According to research indexed by the National Institutes of Health (PMC7905504), impact trauma from a collision can cause acute tendon tears or cartilage damage requiring specialized intervention. Many different injuries can cause the same pain, which is why it’s crucial to get a correct diagnosis.
| Injury | What is damaged | Telltale sign | Typical treatment |
| Rotator cuff strain or tear | The tendons that hold the shoulder in place | Dull ache, weakness lifting the arm | Rest, physical therapy, surgery for large tears |
| Labral tear | Cartilage ring in the socket | Catching, clicking, instability | Therapy, arthroscopic repair if necessary |
| Dislocation or subluxation | Ball-and-socket joint alignment | Deformity or a “slipping” sensation | Reduction by doctor then rehab |
| AC joint sprain | Tissues that connect the collarbone to the shoulder blade | Bump on top of the shoulder | Sling, rest, therapy (surgery if severe) |
| Fracture | Collarbone, shoulder blade, or upper arm bone | Sharp pain, swelling, bruising | Immobilization or surgery, depending on the break |
Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
Not all pains are indicative of serious injuries, but some patterns indicate that the injury is more than just a bruise.
Pain Patterns That Signal Deeper Damage
If your pain gets better over the course of several days, it’s probably a sprain. The shoulder and neck share muscles and nerves, so more than one area may be hurt.
Red flags include:
- Pain that becomes worse as time goes on rather than improving
- Pain that awakens you at night
- Sharp pain with certain movements
- Pain that radiates down the arm or into the neck
Weakness and Limited Range of Motion
Everyday tasks can reveal a hidden injury. Weakness is frequently a sign of a torn tendon or that a nerve is involved. Stiffness may indicate inflammation within the joint.
Ask yourself if you:
- Have trouble raising your arm
- Can’t reach for a seatbelt or shelf
- Let go of common objects, such as a cup of coffee
- Hike your shoulder or lean to complete simple tasks
Your body might have an injury that needs to be seen if you responded yes to one or more of the questions.
Numbness, Tingling and Nerve Symptoms
The brachial plexus are nerves located around the shoulder. It can be extended or contracted during a collision.
Get immediate treatment if you notice:
- Tingling in the fingers
- Loss of sensation down the arm
- A burning sensation
- Sudden weakness in the hand
If not treated, nerve injuries can become more severe. The sooner you treat it, the better the outcome is likely to be.
Diagnosis, Treatment and Protecting Your Claim
Seeking prompt, appropriate treatment is an important way to safeguard your health. It also protects your legal standing if the other driver was at fault.
Getting Evaluated Promptly
Even if the pain does not appear to be severe, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Detecting issues early will stop it from getting worse.
Common exams include:
- A physical exam to test the range of motion and strength
- X-rays to determine if there are any fractures
- MRI or ultrasound to assess the tendons, cartilage and the labrum
- A nerve test to check whether there is tingling or numbness
Treatment Options and Recovery
Conservative treatment is initially attempted for most side-swipe shoulder injuries. Your provider may suggest:
- Rest and activity modification
- Ice and anti-inflammatory medication
- Structured physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections for persistent inflammation
- Arthroscopic surgery for significant tears or instability
Recovery can take from a few weeks for mild cases, up to a few months following surgery. It is consistency in therapy that is more important than speed.
Documenting Your Injury for Insurance and Legal Purposes
The medical records are for your safety if the other driver is at fault for the accident. Insurers sometimes claim that the delay in treatment is indicative that the injury was less severe than what you might be claiming or that it wasn’t even related to the crash at all.
Build your records with these steps:
- Document all medical visits, diagnosis, prescriptions and therapy notes
- Take pictures of bruising and swelling as they occur
- Maintain a diary of how the injury is affecting work and daily activities
- Keep receipts of medical expenses, prescriptions and supplies
- Avoid gaps in treatment
- Notify insurer and local police about the accident
Read our guide on why delayed medical care can cost you your injury claim.
Call Tatum & Atkinson, PLLC, and Understand Your Legal Rights
Our attorneys at Tatum & Atkinson, PLLC, have achieved over $100 million in compensation on behalf of our injured clients, and we’re available for a free consultation. When you are not sure whether to hire a lawyer, our side-swipe attorneys will be able to consider the specifics of your accident, clarify your legal rights, and help you seek the compensation you need. In case we accept your case, you would not owe us anything unless we win or otherwise. Call 800-LAW-0804 today to learn more.
Disclaimer: This article is informational, and it is not legal advice. Every case is different. Discussion with a personal injury lawyer may assist you in knowing your individual legal alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions!
After a side-swipe accident, how long is the shoulder pain likely to last?
In mild side-swipe accident cases, a mild strain can get better on its own in a couple weeks. Tears, dislocations and fractures may take months to heal, particularly if surgery and comprehensive physical therapy are required.
What should I do about my sleep with an injured shoulder?
Don’t lie on the affected side. Sleep on the opposite side or back with the arm that is hurt supported by a pillow. This helps to take the strain from the joint and may help to relieve pain at night.
Is it okay to return to work with a shoulder injury?
This will depend on your work and your doctor’s advice. Desk work is usually allowed to be done with limitations, while lifting or overhead tasks commonly need to be stopped until you’re cleared.
Should I use heat or ice on a sore shoulder?
Ice is usually recommended during the first couple of days to reduce swelling. Heat may be helpful later on for stiffness, but it’s better to get your doctor’s confirmation first.
Can a shoulder injury from a side-swipe lead to long-term problems?
Yes. If tears or instability are not treated, it could lead to chronic pain, arthritis or a frozen shoulder. Prompt diagnosis and regular physical therapy can lower the risk of lasting limits on movement and strength.
