A car accident can be a jarring experience, even if it seems minor at first. You might walk away feeling shaken but seemingly okay, only to develop arm pain hours or even days later. This is surprisingly common, and it’s crucial to understand why it happens and what to do about it.

Ignoring arm pain after a car crash can lead to long-term problems and affect your quality of life.

 

Why Does My Arm Hurt After a Car Accident?

Your arms are surprisingly vulnerable in a car accident. Think about the forces involved: you might brace yourself against the steering wheel, your arm could hit hard surfaces inside the car, or the airbag deployment could cause impact. Even the seatbelt, while saving your life, can put significant pressure on your shoulder and arm. All of these factors can result in a variety of arm injuries.

Here are some common causes of arm pain after an auto accident:

Bracing for impact – Gripping the steering wheel tightly or using your arm to shield yourself.

Airbag deployment – The force of an airbag can cause bruising, nerve damage, or fractures.

Seatbelt restraints – While seatbelts save lives, they can also strain the shoulder joint and cause soft tissue injuries.

Direct impact – Hitting the dashboard, door, or hard surfaces in the car.

Whiplash-related injuries – The force of the crash can cause damage to the rotator cuff, brachial plexus, or elbow joint.

 

Common Types of Arm Injuries After a Car Accident

Arm pain after an auto accident can stem from several different types of injury, ranging from mild to severe. Here are some of the most common types:

1. Cervical Disc Injury With Radiculopathy

One of the most overlooked sources of arm pain after an accident is in the neck. A cervical disc injury – such as a herniated disc in the spine – can press on nearby nerves, causing cervical radiculopathy. This pinched nerve can send sharp, burning, or radiating pain down your shoulder, arm, and even fingers. Other symptoms could include numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or reduced range of motion in the neck or arm.

2. Soft Tissue Injuries (Sprains, Strains, and Contusions)

Soft tissue injuries include muscle strains, sprains, and contusions (bruises). These injuries happen when the ligaments, tendons, or muscles are stretched or torn. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and a limited range of motion.

3. Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. A rotator cuff tear can occur from the impact of a car accident or from trying to brace yourself before the crash. Symptoms include shoulder pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting your arm.

4. Dislocations and Joint Injuries

A dislocation happens when the bones in a joint are forced out of position. The elbow joint and shoulder joint are especially vulnerable in car crashes. These injuries cause intense pain, swelling, and an inability to move the arm normally.

5. Bone Fractures (Humerus, Ulna, and Radius)

Broken bones, including a humerus fracture (upper arm) or arm fractures in the ulna or radius (forearm), are serious injuries that may require x-rays, splints, or even surgery. Symptoms include severe pain, visible deformity, and an inability to move the arm.

6. Nerve Damage (Brachial Plexus Injury)

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that control the movement of the arm and hand. When these nerves are stretched or torn in an auto accident, it can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness, weakness, or even paralysis in severe cases.

 

When to Seek Medical Attention

It’s always best to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you don’t feel immediate arm pain. Some injuries, like soft tissue injuries or hairline fractures, might not be immediately apparent.

A medical professional can properly diagnose your injuries through physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays. Early diagnosis is key to a successful treatment plan. Do not delay seeking medical treatment following any level of collision.

Seek Immediate Medical Help If You Have:

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve
• Swelling or bruising that worsens over time
• Difficulty moving your arm or limited range of motion
• Numbness or tingling in your fingers, hand, or arm
• A visible dislocation or deformity

 

Who Pays for Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident?

If another driver was at fault for your car accident, their insurance company should cover your medical expenses and medical bills. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims. They may try to downplay your injuries or offer a settlement that’s far less than you deserve.

This is where an experienced car accident attorney can be invaluable. A personal injury attorney can:

• Investigate the accident and gather evidence.
• Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
• File a personal injury claim if necessary.
• Represent you in court if a fair settlement can’t be reached.

A personal injury claim can help you recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (hospital visits, x-rays, surgery, therapy)
• Lost wages if you can’t work
• Pain and suffering from long-term discomfort or disability
• Reduced quality of life due to limited mobility or chronic pain

 

Contact RHHK Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you’re experiencing arm pain after a car accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice. Car accident victims come to Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC (RHHK) having suffered a profound loss. It’s our privilege and our duty to seek justice—and compensation—for them.

Contact an established, resourceful Tacoma lawyer for your auto accident case. We have vast experience managing wrongful death and personal injury cases arising from car accidents in Washington State. For a free consultation, call us at 253-242-2606 or contact our office online.

You pay nothing unless you obtain compensation for your losses.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only.