Shoulder pain after an 18 Wheeler accident is very common. The act of driving is such that it requires the driver’s hands on the steering wheel continually, and the impact and force of the accident can deliver enough power to cause shoulder injuries which at times are very painful. Any injuries to the back and neck can also result in pain that radiates to the shoulder area.
As per medical science, amongst the various joints of our body, the shoulder joint is unique as it has the most extensive range of motion; therefore, any damage to the shoulder can seriously affect your daily life and ability to perform everyday tasks. At the shoulder joint, three bones, the clavicle (collarbone), humerus (arm bone), and scapula (shoulder blade), come together and are held in place by a complex group of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bursae (cushioning sacs of fluid). Any of these many parts of the joint can be injured and cause shoulder pain after a truck accident.
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After an 18 Wheeler Accidents, these symptoms may be indicative of a possible shoulder injury:
• Pain in a precise area of the shoulder that becomes worse with physical exertion
• Tingling, weakness, or lack of feeling in the shoulder
• Shooting pain
• Burning sensations
• Difficulty and pain moving the arm or arms in any direction
• Discoloration of the shoulder area
• Cracking or popping sounds when the joint moves
• The appearance of a bump or bulge above the shoulder or near the collarbone
• Stiffness or tenderness that may be worse at night
Shoulder pain should not be ignored after an 18 Wheeler accident. Untreated medical conditions can lead to years of chronic pain and related medical issues. Resting of shoulder will give it a chance to heal, but not moving it can create more painful problems. Because the shoulder joint is designed to move, lack of movement can develop adhesions. This painful condition called frozen shoulder can takes months to heal.
• Check yourself, your passengers, the other driver and any vehicle occupants for injuries. Call the helpline number 911 from the scene of an 18-wheeler accident for serious injuries that need medical attention. These collisions are always severe enough to warrant a phone call to the police. If anyone has been injured, request an ambulance. You may be too injured to collect evidence and information after an 18-wheeler accident. Calling the police means a law enforcement officer can do this for you while you receive emergency medical care. A police report can contain important facts about the crash that you can use on an insurance claim later.
• While waiting for emergency services, move the accident vehicles out of the path of traffic if necessary, and it is safe to do so. Move far away from any vehicle that is smoking or smells of leaking fuel.
• Exchange names, addresses, and phone numbers with the other driver and get their driver’s license information, insurance information, and license plate number. Also, collect contact information from any bystanders who witnessed the accident.
• Do not speak with any insurance agents at the scene of an accident before consulting with an experienced Truck accident lawyer.
• Do not apologize for anything, as this could be later construed as a statement of fault.
• Try to Seek medical care as soon as possible after an 18-Wheeler accident, even if you think you escaped unharmed. Many injuries do not present symptoms immediately, and your body may be in a state of shock and full of adrenaline. Sometimes it is days later when a person realizes they are in pain from the impact of the accident. While you may think you are fine, a trained medical professional can recognize the telltale signs of concussion and whiplash. Furthermore, the examination will produce medical documentation of the accident and your condition afterwards.
• Perhaps most importantly, gather as much evidence as you can. This means taking pictures of the scene of the accident, including road and weather conditions, vehicle damage, property damage, and your injuries. Keep copies of all medical records, the police report, and any correspondence with the insurance company. If you are prescribed medications and follow-up care, fill the prescriptions and go to your appointments. If you fail to do these things, the insurance company may say your injuries were not severe enough to warrant medical care.
A shoulder injury can take months to heal and affect our daily life. Data shows that the biggest causes of road accidents in 18 wheelers are Tires and vehicle maintenance. Tires that are worn, punctured, or over/underinflated can burst suddenly, causing the driver to lose control. Accidents related to Tire failures can be easily avoided by using the best quality tires and getting them serviced regularly by tire experts.
If you need help getting expert advice on Tire purchase and maintenance for your 18-Wheeler Tires, contact Maestro Tires. Our Tire experts will be more than happy to guide you and helping you to select the right tire for your 18 Wheeler truck as per your route and application.
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