Lawyers for Hip Pain After A Car Accident

The impact of a car accident can lead to various hip injuries ranging from strains to dislocations and fractures. The force of a collision often jolts the body in unpredictable ways. Some injuries may cause immediate pain or discomfort or delayed symptoms. 

Common types of hip pain after a car accident

The force exerted in T-bone car accidents can cause several types of hip-related injuries. Some of them may not be immediately apparent but can lead to long-term discomfort and mobility issues. Here are some common hip injuries from car accidents:

• Hip flexor pain: The hip flexors can be strained or torn when subjected to the forceful impact of a collision. This can result in acute pain initially, which may develop into chronic hip and leg pain if the muscles heal improperly or if scar tissue develops.
• Pelvic misalignment: The impact of a crash can jostle or shift the pelvic bones, leading to misalignment. This misalignment can cause uneven stress and strain on the hip joints and muscles, resulting in chronic hip pain. 
• Hip bursitis: Bursitis occurs when the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joints, become inflamed. The trauma from a car accident can trigger this inflammation, leading to pain and stiffness in the hip area. 
• Hip fracture: In severe cases, the impact of a car accident can fracture the hip bones, resulting in serious pelvic pain. While a fracture is typically an acute injury, the recovery process can be lengthy and sometimes incomplete.
• Labral tear: A labral tear often results in deep, aching hip pain, clicking or locking of the hip joint, and chronic discomfort.

It’s possible to experience hip pain months after a car accident. Delayed hip pain symptoms are not uncommon.

Some injuries may not present immediate symptoms. For example, soft tissue injuries, nerve damage, or even small fractures can become painful over time as inflammation develops or as the body compensates for the injury in other ways.

Plus, some injuries may worsen over time if not properly treated. What might start as a minor issue can develop into a more serious condition, leading to delayed pain.

How do you know if a hip injury is serious?

Determining the severity of a hip injury involves several key indicators. First, intense or persistent pain, especially pain that worsens with movement or weight-bearing, is a strong sign of a serious injury.

Second, visible swelling, bruising, or deformity in the hip area indicates significant trauma.

Finally, if the injury limits your ability to move, walk, or bear weight on the affected leg, or if you experience numbness or a tingling sensation, it suggests a potentially serious condition.

In any of these cases, an immediate medical evaluation is crucial to accurately diagnose the injury and commence appropriate treatment.

Treatment options for hip pain vary based on the cause and severity of the pain, but generally include:

• Rest and activity modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain and giving the hip time to heal.
• Physical therapy: Exercises and techniques to improve mobility, strengthen the muscles around the hip, and reduce pain.
• Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers can alleviate pain and inflammation. In some cases, stronger prescription medication may be necessary.
• Hot/cold therapy: Applying ice packs to reduce swelling and heat pads to relax muscles can be effective in managing pain.
• Assistive devices: Using crutches, a cane, or a walker to reduce pressure on the hip.
• Steroid injections: Corticosteroid injections can provide relief from inflammation and pain in more severe cases.
• Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage therapy can sometimes provide relief.
• Surgery: In cases of severe injury or chronic conditions, surgical intervention such as hip replacement or repair may be necessary.

There are many factors that go into determining the value of your hip injury claim. That includes the severity of your hip injury and the impact it has on your life. You’ll need to consult with an attorney to get an accurate estimate of your hip injury car accident settlement.

An attorney will factor in medical expenses, lost wages, future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your crash.

Who will pay for my hip injury damages?

If your hip injury was the result of someone else’s negligence, their insurance company would be responsible for paying for your damages. However, this isn’t always the case.

For example, you may be involved in a car accident with a driver who doesn’t have car insurance. In this case, you would need uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to pay for your damages. UM is required in some states and optional in others. If you’re in a state where it’s optional, it’s recommended that you get it.

If you’re in a no-fault state, you likely already have Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which pays for damages regardless of who is at fault. Like UM, PIP is required in some states and optional in others. It pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage up to the policy limit.

Medical payments (MedPay) is another option for paying medical expenses. This type of coverage is only mandatory in New Hampshire and Maine. It’s optional in many other states and typically covers $5,000 to $10,000 in medical expenses.

What if I was partially at fault for my car accident?

In states with the pure comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages, even if you’re up to 99% at fault. However, your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

Other states use the modified comparative negligence rule, which only allows you to recover damages if your fault is below 50% or 51% (depending on which state you’re in). As long as your fault is below that threshold, you can pursue compensation from the other driver’s insurance company.

If you’re suffering from hip pain after a car accident, your recovery should be your first priority. Handling a hip injury claim can be a complex process. If you go it alone, you could find yourself at a disadvantage when dealing with insurance companies.

Let a Law.com Premier Attorney handle your claim for you. They’ll investigate your crash, determine the value of your claim, and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf. Our verified attorneys also operate on a contingency fee basis and won’t charge you upfront fees for their services. Contact a lawyer in your area for a free consultation.