- More than 3,400 people killed in accidents involved distracted driving, such as cell phones and texting.
- Driving while fatigued was cited as a contributing factor in more than 800 deaths.
- Alcohol continues to be a major problem with car accidents, contributing to more than 10,000 deaths.
- Seat belt usage continues to be a concern, with a lack of a seat belt being cited in more than 10,000 fatalities.
Mechanism of Shoulder Injuries in Car Accidents
There are many different ways that someone could injure their shoulder in an auto accident. Some of the common mechanisms include:
- Direct trauma to the shoulder could result in a severe fracture of the shoulder socket (the acetabulum), the head of the humerus, or even the shaft of the humerus.
- A blow to the back of the shoulder (from the door or the seat) could lead to an anterior shoulder dislocation.
- If the arm is extended, trauma to the arm could result in a tear of the rotator cuff.
A torn rotator cuff is a serious injury that could make it difficult for people to use their arm. There are multiple types of rotator cuff tears, and one of these is called a SLAP tear.
What is a SLAP Tear?
A SLAP (superior labral tear from anterior to posterior) takes place when there is trauma to the top of the labrum. While they are common in athletes, they can also happen in auto accidents with a sudden and abrupt injury to the top of the shoulder. This takes place in auto accidents when the car flips and people land on their shoulder when impacting the door or the roof of the car. In some cases, physical therapy can strengthen the shoulder socket; however, in larger tears, surgery is needed to repair the ligament.
Help from a Car Accident Lawyer
Ultimately, when someone is involved in a serious auto accident that results in injuries, it places the entire family under an extreme amount of stress. This is an even larger issue when the injuries result in surgery. Under these circumstances, it is important to meet with a car accident lawyer in Sacramento. A trained attorney has the tools necessary to help families in their time of need. Do not hesitate to reach out and ask for help. You and your family could be deserving of financial compensation.
Related Articles
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a car accident injury lawyer in Sacramento. A torn rotator cuff is a significant injury that could require surgery to repair. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
You can see our verdicts or settlements here.
Visit Yelp, Avvo, & Google to see our past client reviews.
Image Attribution: The photo at the start of this article is seen in its original form on Unsplash. The image has been reproduced here with permission/SLAP Tear in an Auto Accident.
:dr cha [cs 615] cv