Shoulder injuries may not be the first thing that comes to mind after a car accident, but they’re more common and noticeable than many people realize. In California, auto accident shoulder injury settlement amounts vary based on factors such as the type, location, and severity of the injury. For example, settlements for rotator cuff injuries can range from $30,000 to $150,000. More serious cases requiring shoulder replacement surgery may result in settlements between $100,000 and $300,000 or more.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common shoulder injuries caused by car accidents, estimated auto accident shoulder injury settlement amounts for 2025, and what to do when insurance companies try to deny your claim. If you’ve already been injured and want to pursue compensation, contact our car accident lawyers in California today. Call (866) 359-0807 to speak directly with an attorney. We’ll evaluate your case in minutes and explain the next steps to help you seek maximum compensation.
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Auto Accident Shoulder Injury Settlement Amounts by Type of Injury
Important note: All settlement amounts in this article are approximate and intended only to provide a general idea of potential compensation. They do not guarantee or predict the outcome of any specific case.
In California, shoulder injuries resulting from auto accidents commonly include dislocations, fractures, impingement, and tears. Compensation varies depending on the extent of the damage, the required treatment, and long-term effects on mobility or employment. That being said, here are the most common shoulder injuries in car accidents and their approximate settlement amounts.
1. Rotator Cuff Tears and Strains
One of the most debilitating shoulder injuries following a collision is a rotator cuff tear. These injuries are frequently the result of direct trauma, especially when a person braces their arm during impact. The force can rip or strain the tendons responsible for shoulder stability, causing severe pain, reduced range of motion, and sometimes visible swelling where the collarbone connects to the shoulder.
Surgical repair is often needed in serious cases, and recovery may involve months of rehabilitation. In California, auto accident shoulder injury settlement amounts for rotator cuff damage can range from $75,000 to $200,000, with higher compensation possible in cases involving permanent loss of function or loss of earning capacity.
2. Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder dislocations happen when the upper arm bone is knocked out of the shoulder socket. This type of injury is especially common in crashes involving side impacts or rollovers. It’s extremely painful and can make lifting or rotating the arm nearly impossible.
Although many dislocations are treated successfully with reduction and rest, some victims experience repeated dislocations or nerve damage that complicates healing. Compensation in California for a dislocated shoulder typically ranges from $20,000 to $75,000, depending on the severity and whether surgery or long-term therapy was necessary.
3. Clavicle (Collarbone) Fracture
The clavicle, or collarbone, serves as a bridge between the shoulder blade and the sternum. It’s one of the most commonly fractured bones during car crashes—particularly when someone instinctively puts their hands out to protect themselves. Most fractures occur near the center of the bone and can make it difficult to move the arm.
While many collarbone fractures heal with a sling and physical therapy, severe breaks may need surgical plates or screws to stabilize the bone. Settlement amounts for clavicle fractures generally range from $35,000 to $100,000, with higher payouts awarded in cases involving surgical correction, long-term disability, or missed work.
4. Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement occurs when swollen tissues in the shoulder joint rub against surrounding bones, usually the acromion. The condition is often caused or aggravated by trauma and can result in chronic discomfort, inflammation, and loss of strength.
Treatments include anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and in severe cases, arthroscopic surgery to relieve the impingement. Settlements for shoulder impingement typically fall between $15,000 and $50,000, depending on the length of recovery and whether the condition limits daily activities or requires surgery.
Who Pays for a Car Accident Shoulder Injury Settlement?
In most cases, the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company will be responsible for paying a shoulder injury settlement. If you were a passenger in a friend’s or family member’s car, you can still file a claim without worrying about them personally paying out of pocket—their insurer handles it.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or lacks sufficient coverage, your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) policy may cover the difference, if you have it. Optional MedPay coverage on your policy may also help cover immediate medical expenses, regardless of fault.
In some situations, if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash, their employer’s commercial auto policy could be liable.
Keep in mind: Because California follows a pure comparative fault system, your compensation may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. Additionally, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
What Happens if Insurance Companies Deny My Shoulder Injury Claim or Make a Low Offer?
In California, if your shoulder injury claim from a car accident is denied or met with an unreasonably low settlement offer, you are not obligated to accept it. Insurance companies are legally required to act in good faith, and lowballing or unfairly denying valid claims can open the door to legal action.
Luckily, you have several options:
Negotiate Further
With the help of a personal injury attorney, you can present additional medical records, expert opinions, or evidence that justifies a higher offer. Many low settlements are revised upward after legal intervention.
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If negotiations stall or the insurer refuses to pay a fair amount, you have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the at-fault driver. California follows a pure comparative negligence system, so even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation, reduced by your percentage of fault.
Sue for Bad Faith
If the insurance company deliberately delays, undervalues, or denies your claim without a valid reason, they may be held liable under California’s bad faith insurance laws. In such cases, you may recover not only the value of your claim but additional damages, including attorney’s fees and even punitive damages.
File a Complaint
You can also file a formal complaint with the California Department of Insurance if you believe the insurer is acting unfairly.
Having a qualified car accident lawyer by your side can help you make informed, strategic decisions and improve your chances of securing maximum compensation. Megeredchian Law has the skills, resources, experience, and determination to stand up to insurance companies, their adjusters, and their attorneys—and to take your case to court if necessary. Schedule a free consultation by calling (866) 359-0807. Hablamos español.