Shoulder Injury cases from motor vehicle accidents can vary significantly in severity and outcome. These cases involve injuries that may require medical treatment, rehabilitation, and can impact quality of life. Settlement values depend on injury severity, medical expenses, recovery time, and long-term effects on the victim's daily activities and ability to work.
Last updated: December 2025
One driver was proceeding along a roadway when the other driver pulled out from a side street, causing a collision. The injured driver was taken to the hospital and later developed pain in their neck, back, wrist, and shoulder. An MRI revealed a tear in the rotator cuff tendons. The injured driver required injections and suffered from emotional distress. The jury found the defendant mostly liable for the accident.
Two passengers were injured when the pickup truck they were riding in was rear-ended by a pizza delivery car. The driver of the pickup truck was stopped at a stop sign, preparing to turn. The driver of the car failed to stop and collided with the back of the pickup truck. One passenger suffered a torn shoulder labrum and a cervical injury, requiring surgery and physical therapy. The other passenger sustained a compression fracture of two vertebrae. Both claimed permanent pain and impairment.
One driver was stopped in traffic when the vehicle behind her rear-ended her, pushing her car into the vehicle in front. The driver who was hit claimed injuries to her neck, back, and shoulder, including a torn labrum and aggravation of preexisting conditions. She sought damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and impairment. The defense argued the injuries were preexisting and unrelated to the accident.
One driver was stopped in traffic when the other driver rear-ended their pickup truck. The injured driver claimed injuries to their neck, back, and shoulder. The defense argued the shoulder injury was pre-existing. The case was tried as a bench trial.
One driver alleged the other driver was negligent and hit their vehicle from behind. The injured driver sustained neck, back, and shoulder injuries requiring surgery. The second driver admitted fault for the collision but disputed the extent of the injuries and damages, suggesting a pre-existing shoulder condition. The case proceeded to a bench trial.
One driver was leaving a stop sign in a parking lot when they collided with another vehicle. The first driver claimed head and shoulder injuries. The other driver stated they were inching out of a parking space and the first driver was speeding. The police report indicated the second driver admitted to hitting the first driver.
A passenger in a car was broadsided at an intersection when the other driver ran a red light. The injured person claimed a shoulder injury and sought damages for medical bills, lost earning capacity, and pain. The defense argued the injury was a sprain and not necessarily related to the accident. The case went to a jury for a determination of damages.
One driver was waiting at a stoplight when the other driver rear-ended her vehicle. The injured driver claimed injuries to her shoulder, neck, and back, including a torn rotator cuff requiring surgery. The defense argued the impact was minor and that the injured driver's complaints were exaggerated due to prior issues. The jury found the defendant liable and awarded damages.
One driver was traveling in Houston, Texas when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver who was hit alleged they suffered permanent injuries to their shoulder, neck, back, and knee. The shoulder injury required surgery. The defendant admitted to causing the collision but disputed that the injuries were related to the accident.
One driver was turning left when their SUV collided with the side of a minivan carrying a passenger. The SUV driver was arrested for driving while intoxicated. The passenger claimed neck and shoulder injuries.
One driver was making a left turn when the other driver ran a red light and hit her vehicle. The injured driver claimed a shoulder injury. The case proceeded to trial on damages after liability was admitted.
One driver was stopped or slowing to turn when the vehicle behind her struck her car. The driver of the rear vehicle received a ticket for failing to control her speed. The injured driver claimed neck, back, and shoulder injuries, including aggravation of pre-existing conditions. She underwent surgery for a torn rotator cuff and treated for her back and neck pain. The defense argued the shoulder tear was degenerative and unrelated to the accident.
Shoulder injuries from motor vehicle accidents include rotator cuff tears, labral tears, shoulder dislocations, fractures of the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade), or humerus (upper arm bone), and acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations. The shoulder's complex ball-and-socket joint and surrounding soft tissues are vulnerable to injury from seatbelt forces, airbag deployment, side-impact collisions, and bracing against the steering wheel. Symptoms include pain, weakness, limited range of motion, grinding or popping sensations, and inability to lift the arm or perform overhead activities.
Seatbelt forces during frontal or rollover collisions commonly cause rotator cuff tears and AC joint injuries as the strap digs into the shoulder. Side-impact collisions directly strike the shoulder, causing fractures, dislocations, or labral tears. Drivers and passengers often instinctively brace against the steering wheel or grab the handle during collision, transmitting extreme forces through the shoulder joint. Airbag deployment can strike the shoulder with significant force, particularly in older or improperly positioned occupants. Pre-existing shoulder conditions like arthritis or prior injuries can make the joint more susceptible to traumatic damage.
Conservative treatment begins with rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy focusing on range of motion and rotator cuff strengthening. Corticosteroid injections may provide temporary pain relief and reduce inflammation. Surgical intervention becomes necessary for complete rotator cuff tears, displaced fractures, recurrent dislocations, or labral tears not responding to conservative care. Common procedures include arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for fractures, labral repair, and in severe cases, shoulder replacement. Recovery from surgery typically requires 3-6 months of rehabilitation, with return to heavy labor or overhead work often taking 9-12 months or requiring permanent restrictions.
Shoulder injury cases in Texas require MRI confirmation of soft tissue damage (rotator cuff or labral tears) or X-rays/CT scans showing fractures or dislocations. Insurance companies frequently argue shoulder problems are degenerative rather than traumatic, particularly in claimants over age 40. Strong cases establish causation through immediate post-accident medical evaluation documenting shoulder pain and limited motion, MRI showing acute rather than chronic changes, orthopedic surgeon testimony explaining how accident forces caused injury, and functional capacity evaluations demonstrating work restrictions. Surgical cases typically result in higher settlements due to medical costs ($20,000-$60,000 for arthroscopic repair), lost wages during 3-6 month recovery, and permanent impairment ratings affecting ability to perform overhead work, heavy lifting, or repetitive arm motions. Documentation of how shoulder injury impacts daily activities and employment is critical for maximizing compensation.
Common questions about motor vehicle accident cases in Texas
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"Texas Motor Vehicle Accident Database." Verdictly, 2025, verdictly.co/car-accident-settlement/texas.
Verdictly. "Texas Motor Vehicle Accident Database." Accessed December 23, 2025. https://verdictly.co/car-accident-settlement/texas.
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Data Coverage: 23+ cases analyzed from 2015-2025 across all Texas counties. Median settlement: $37,261. Data last updated: December 2025.
Important: The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Case outcomes vary significantly based on individual circumstances. Past results are not guarantees of future outcomes. Always consult with a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.