Shoulder Injury from Car Accident — How Much is My Case Worth?
If you suffered a shoulder injury in a car accident, your case may be worth a significant amount—but it depends on several key factors. The largest factor in determining the value of your claim is the available insurance coverage. Texas is an at-fault state, which means you typically need to first pursue the insurance of the driver who caused the accident.
However, it’s not always clear how much insurance the at-fault driver carries. Texas law requires a minimum liability coverage of $30,000, so you know there is at least some baseline protection. But what if the at-fault driver has $100,000, $150,000, $300,000, or even a commercial vehicle with a $1,000,000+ policy? Those additional sources can dramatically affect the total value of your case. Your own insurance may also provide coverage through underinsured motorist or personal injury protection policies, which can further increase compensation.
INSURANCE COVERAGE ALONE DOESN’T DETERMINE CASE VALUE
Just because you have a shoulder injury does not automatically mean you will receive the full amount of available coverage. Insurance companies often undervalue shoulder injuries because they assume the injury is “minor” or only short-term. But shoulder injuries can lead to serious complications, extended recovery, limited mobility, missed work, and long-term pain.
You need an attorney who understands how to document your injuries and prove their impact. Simply asking the insurance company for a settlement is rarely enough—they are likely to offer a low amount, hoping you accept it.
TYPES OF DAMAGES YOU CAN RECOVER
Under Texas law, you are entitled to compensation for multiple categories of damages when you suffer a shoulder injury in an accident:
Past medical bills
Future medical bills
Past pain and suffering
Future pain and suffering
Past mental anguish
Future mental anguish
Past physical impairment
Future physical impairment
Past physical disfigurement
Future physical disfigurement
Past lost wages
Future loss of earning capacity
HOW AN ATTORNEY CAN MAXIMIZE YOUR CASE
An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to gather evidence, use expert testimony, and document your injuries properly. They also know how to use the threat of a lawsuit to pressure insurance companies into offering fair compensation. If your claim is undervalued, your attorney can file a lawsuit to unlock full coverage and leverage additional sources of insurance.
Even with a clear injury like a shoulder injury, insurance companies often undervalue claims. Attorney representation ensures you receive the maximum possible settlement, and the fees are typically a small percentage of what you gain by being fully represented.
WHY LEGAL EXPERTISE MATTERS
A shoulder injury is painful and can seriously impact your ability to work, exercise, and perform daily activities. Without proper documentation and experienced legal guidance, your settlement may not reflect the full scope of your losses. A personal injury attorney ensures your treatment is correctly linked to the accident, your damages are fully calculated, and you recover every dollar you are entitled to.
Your case is only worth as much as you can prove, and shoulder injuries can result in significant compensation when properly pursued. That is why speaking with an experienced attorney is essential—they help you get the true value of your case.