You’re jolted forward in your seat. Your shoulder slams into the door or gets yanked by the seat belt. The pain is instant. At the ER, the doctor says you’ve fractured your shoulder, but not all breaks are the same. This guide explains the different types of shoulder fractures caused by car accidents—and how Seattle car accident lawyer Preet Kode helps crash victims get the compensation they need to support their recovery.
What Are the Main Types of Shoulder Fractures Associated With Seattle Car Accidents?
The shoulder is made up of three bones: the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade), and humerus (upper arm bone). A fracture to any of these can result in severe pain, loss of mobility, and long-term complications if it’s not immediately treated—which is why seeing a healthcare provider for an evaluation is the first step you should take after any car accident.
Clavicle Fractures
Clavicle fractures often occur during frontal or side-impact collisions. The force of the seat belt across the shoulder, or a direct blow from the steering wheel or door, can crack or completely break the bone. Even a sudden jolt that causes the shoulder to be forcefully pulled back or downward can lead to a fracture.
Symptoms include:
- Pain and swelling over the collarbone. Pain often increases with arm movement or touch.
- Visible bump or deformity. The break may cause the bone to jut out under the skin or create a noticeable “step-off” in the normal contour of the collarbone.
- Difficulty lifting the arm. Even small movements may cause sharp pain or feel impossible due to instability at the shoulder joint.
A clavicle fracture can be confirmed with a physical exam and X-rays. Treatment depends on how displaced the bone is.
Scapula Fractures
Scapula fractures are typically seen in high-speed crashes or rollovers. They often result from a direct blow to the back or side, such as being slammed into a door or crushed between vehicle parts. Because of the force required to break the scapula, these injuries may occur alongside other serious trauma, such as rib fractures or lung injuries.
Symptoms include:
- Deep shoulder pain. The pain may worsen with movement or when lying down.
- Swelling and bruising. These symptoms are typically located at the back of the shoulder or upper back.
- Limited shoulder movement. Raising or rotating the arm may be painful or impossible.
A scapula fracture is usually diagnosed with X-rays or a CT scan if internal damage is suspected. Most scapula fractures are treated with immobilization followed by physical therapy. Surgery may be needed if the fracture affects the shoulder joint, causes bone fragments, or limits arm movement.
Proximal Humerus Fractures
Proximal humerus fractures are common in older adults involved in crashes due to age-related weakening of the bone near the shoulder joint. During a crash, force may be transmitted through the arm—especially if the person braced for impact. The shoulder can also strike the window, dashboard, or door, leading to a break in the humeral head.
Symptoms include:
- Severe pain in the upper arm or shoulder. The pain may extend down the arm.
- Swelling, bruising, and arm immobility. The affected arm may feel heavy or unstable.
- Numbness or tingling. This may indicate nerve involvement or swelling affecting nearby structures.
Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs help determine the severity of a proximal humerus fracture. Sling or shoulder immobilizer followed by rehabilitation is the recommended treatment for non-displaced fractures. More severe breaks may require surgery with plates, pins, or shoulder replacement.
What Should You Do After a Seattle Car Accident?
If you suspect you may have a shoulder fracture, your next steps are crucial to protect both your health and your legal right to compensation.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Seek immediate medical care. Even if the pain seems tolerable, a delay in diagnosis can make the injury worse.
- Follow the recommended treatment plan. Missing physical therapy or failing to rest can lead to long-term stiffness or re-injury.
- Document everything. Medical records, imaging results, prescriptions, and therapy notes will be crucial if you pursue a personal injury claim. We also recommend keeping a journal of your pain levels and mobility challenges.
- Talk to a Seattle car accident lawyer. If someone else caused your crash, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, time off work, and long-term rehabilitation.
Seattle car accident lawyer Preet Kode understands how a fractured shoulder can disrupt every part of your life—from work to sleep to daily routines. If you’ve been injured in a crash, contact Kode Law to learn your rights and explore your legal options.
