Vehicle Accidents /

Arm Pain After A Car Accident

Causes, Symptoms, and Legal Options

Tacoma Car Accident Attorneys

A car accident, even one that seems minor, can cause a wide range of injuries. One of the most common complaints after a car crash is arm pain. This pain can range from a mild ache to severe pain that significantly impacts your day-to-day activities and quality of life.

If you’re suffering from arm pain after a car accident, understanding the potential causes, symptoms, and legal options can help you recover physically and financially.

At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, our personal injury lawyers in Tacoma and Seattle fight for accident victims to secure the compensation they deserve. If another driver’s negligence caused your arm injury, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

 

Understanding Your Arm Pain After a Car Accident

During a car crash, your arms are vulnerable to impact and sudden movements. Common causes of arm pain after a car accident include:

  • Bracing for Impact: Many people instinctively grip the steering wheel tightly before a crash, leading to soft tissue injuries, sprains, and fractures.
  • Direct Trauma: The arm may hit the dashboard, door, window, or airbag, causing bruising, broken bones, or nerve damage.
  • Seatbelt Injuries: While seatbelts save lives, they can cause shoulder injuries, dislocations, and muscle strains.
  • Whiplash-Related Injuries: The sudden jolt of an accident can strain the shoulder joint, rotator cuff, or brachial plexus, leading to nerve damage and chronic pain.

If you’re experiencing severe pain, swelling, or limited range of motion, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately.

 

Common Types of Arm Injuries in Car Accidents

The specific type of injury you experience will dictate the severity of your arm pain and the required medical treatment. Here are some of the common types of arm injuries sustained in car accidents:

 

1. Cervical Disc Injury with Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)

  • Cause: A herniated or bulging disc in the cervical spine that compresses nearby nerves
  • Symptoms: Radiating arm pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and limited range of motion

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

  • Cause: Overextension or impact to muscles, tendons, or ligaments
  • Symptoms: Swelling, tenderness, bruising, limited range of motion, and intense pain

3. Rotator Cuff Tears

  • Cause: Sudden impact or jerking motion of the shoulder joint
  • Symptoms: Shoulder pain, weakness, difficulty lifting objects

4. Dislocated Shoulder or Elbow

  • Cause: The force of a car accident can push the bones in the shoulder or elbow joint out of place
  • Symptoms: Severe pain, visible deformity, inability to move the arm

5. Broken Bones (Humerus, Ulna, Radius Fractures)

  • Cause: High-impact collisions can cause bone fractures
  • Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, severe pain, deformity, and inability to use the arm

6. Nerve Damage (Brachial Plexus Injury)

  • Cause: Stretching or tearing of the brachial plexus, which controls arm movement
  • Symptoms: Numbness, weakness, tingling, or paralysis

 

Seeking Medical Attention and Documenting Your Injuries

It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident, even if you don’t feel significant arm pain right away. Some injuries, like soft tissue injuries or hairline fractures, may not be immediately apparent. A medical professional can diagnose your injuries through a physical examination, X-rays, and other imaging tests.

Prompt medical treatment is essential for several reasons:

  • Proper Diagnosis and Treatment:
    Early diagnosis allows for a timely and effective treatment plan.
  • Preventing Complications:
    Untreated injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited range of motion, and other long-term problems.
  • Documentation for Your Claim:
    Your medical records serve as crucial evidence in your personal injury claim, linking your arm injuries directly to the car accident.

 

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. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts.

You may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical bills (ER visits, surgery, physical therapy)
  • Lost wages if you can’t work
  • Pain and suffering for long-term discomfort
  • Future medical care if your injury leads to chronic pain or disability

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, a personal injury lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim.

 

The Legal Aspects of Arm Pain After a Car Accident

Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can be stressful and frustrating. They may try to minimize your injuries or offer a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your losses. This is where having an experienced personal injury lawyer, specifically a car accident lawyer, can make a significant difference.

A personal injury attorney can:

  • Investigate the Accident: Gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and photos of the scene.
  • Identify All Liable Parties: Determine who was at fault for the accident.
  • Calculate Your Damages: This includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical expenses.
  • Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Advocate for your rights and fight for a fair settlement.
  • File a Personal Injury Claim: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can file a personal injury claim and represent you in court.

 

Why Choose Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC?

Our law firm has a long and successful track record of representing accident victims in Tacoma and throughout Washington State. We have extensive experience handling car accident injuries, including all types of arm injuries.

Get a free consultation with a skilled personal injury lawyer in Tacoma today.

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Client was involved in a rear end car accident and a herniated neck injury that required multiple surgeries. After settling with the insurance company for the responsible driver she recovered her $500,000 UIM benefit from her own insurance company.
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Client was involved in a rear end car accident on the freeway resulting in multiple injuries to client’s shoulder, neck, and wrist requiring multiple surgeries.
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As the result of a head on car accident, client suffered neck injury and underwent surgery.
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Client was involved in a rear end car accident on the freeway. He sustained a traumatic brain injury that significantly interfered with his ability to be employed.
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Client was involved in a car accident on the freeway which forced her vehicle off the road and into the shoulder. She suffered a closed head injury.
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Client was involved in a car accident where she was struck from the rear by a large van. Client suffered a neck injury which required surgery.
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Client involved in a car accident where another driver failed to yield the right of way and pulled in front of him at an intersection. Client suffered injuries to his neck and back.
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Client was involved in a rear end car accident resulting in a shoulder injury. Obtained insurance policy limits from all insurance carriers.
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We have answers to some of the most common Washington personal injury questions. These are resources for injury victims.

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Do I need a lawyer to file a personal injury lawsuit?

It is not necessary to retain a lawyer to file your personal injury lawsuit. You should base your decision to involve an attorney on a reasonable assessment of the pros and cons. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC is a highly reputable personal injury law firm that has served Washington since 1959. We deliver value to our clients that far outweighs the fees we collect. But before you retain any attorney, you have to be satisfied that the benefits exceed the costs. We offer these points for your consideration.

 

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What is the statute of limitations in Washington for personal injury?

A statute of limitations is state law; throughout the country, different states set different time limits for identical causes of action. Within each state, different causes of action have different time limits. In Washington, for personal injury lawsuits, the statute of limitations is three years.

 

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How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?

The great advantage of filing a personal injury lawsuit is that most attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. That means that rather than charging upfront legal fees or an hourly rate, the attorney works without compensation until the case resolves through a jury verdict or settlement. At that time, the attorney takes a percentage of the award. The contingency fee arrangement helps plaintiffs who could not otherwise afford the costs of civil litigation to pursue just compensation without worrying about expenses. It also means that your ability to retain an excellent lawyer does not depend on your ability to pay, but rather on the attorney’s assessment of the strength of your case, or the importance of delivering justice to someone in your particular circumstances.

 

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How do I file a personal injury lawsuit in Washington state?

At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, we want our clients to have an accurate picture of what a personal injury lawsuit entails. The process is rarely quick and easy; defense counsel and insurance companies often employ delay tactics to wear a plaintiff down. We offer this page as a primer for anyone who has a cause of action and is considering a personal injury lawsuit.

 

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  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
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  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
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  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher is an outstanding lawyer. He’s knowledgeable, responsive, and kept me informed at all times. I would definitely recommend him to anyone in need of a good attorney.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • Mike Fisher is an example of a quality attorney who sets high standards in servicing his clients in the highest regard as an attorney and he is part of a great firm.
  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
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