Hip Pain After a Sacramento Crash – What You Need To Know

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in
stock image of a woman holding her hip in pain. Getting knocked about in a car crash is almost certain to cause a lot of aches and pains. But if you have hip pain after a crash, you could have a severe injury. At Arnold Law Firm in Sacramento we encourage you to seek medical care right after the crash. Taking this step can help ensure you are treated for serious injuries without delay. Not sure if you have a case? Most people need legal help to determine their potential legal options. The good news is your initial case review is completely free. If we take your case on, there are also no upfront costs to pay.

Request your FREE case review today. (916) 777-7777

Is Hip Pain After a Car Crash Something To Worry About?

Hip pain after a crash could just be bad bruising after the trauma of being violently jolted around in a vehicle. However, after being in a crash, it is always a good idea to get checked out at a nearby hospital. You may have internal injuries, a concussion or a fracture. Getting a proper medical examination protects your health. If you later decide to seek compensation for your medical costs and other losses, your medical records can also help to link your injuries to the crash.

What Are Some Possible Causes of Hip Pain After a Crash?

Hip pain may be one of the first indicators you may have more than simple muscle soreness after a crash. However, having hip pain does not always mean just your hips suffered an injury. Some possible injuries that may cause you to experience mild to severe hip pain include: Car crashes can lead to various types of injuries that may cause hip pain. These injuries can range from mild to severe, affecting the bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves around the hip area. Here are some common types of car crash injuries that can result in hip pain:

Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are not always obvious. You could have smaller breaks or cracks in the hip bone, or even the femur (thigh bone). A broken hip could happen if your upper leg or hip sustains a direct hit during a crash. Initially, you might not notice the pain as much. However, once the shock wears off, you may experience:
  • Severe hip pain
  • Inability to move the leg
  • Swelling
  • Bruising

Hip Dislocations

A high-impact collision could force the head of the femur out of its socket. Dislocated hips are extremely painful and show visible deformity. Victims with hip dislocations would not be able to move their hips or legs.

Labral Tears

The hip has a ring of cartilage, called the labrum, that traces the outside rim of each hip joint socket. If your hip gets forcefully twisted in an awkward way during a collision, this cartilage could get torn. If this happens, victims could experience pain deep in the hip joint. They may also feel or hear a clicking or locking sensation. These injuries may also cause stiffness and reduced range of motion.

Soft-Tissue Injuries

If your hip joints get overstretched or torn during the crash, you may suffer soft-tissue injuries in your muscles, tendons or ligaments. If the soft tissue that supports your hip joint is badly injured, it may be extremely painful to walk. You may also notice swelling or bruising in the area.

Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis is another common hip injury after a crash that could cause pain in the outer area of your hip. You may also experience some tenderness and swelling.

Nerve Injuries

A car crash could easily cause nerve damage in the hip and thigh area. Notably crash victims with a nerve injury may feel radiating pain extending from the hip and down the leg. Nerve damage could cause you to feel sharp pain, numbness, muscle weakness and a tingling sensation.

Contusions (Bruises)

Some bruising and soreness is expected after almost any crash. If you have widespread bruising to the area, accompanied by pain and swelling, you may be injured worse than you thought.

Acetabular Fractures

An acetabular fracture is a break in the socket of the hip joint. It usually results from high-energy trauma like car crashes. Symptoms include severe hip pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Diagnosis involves imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans. Crash victims with this injury may often need surgery to realign and stabilize the bone. Even if you do not have severe pain in your hip or elsewhere, a prompt medical evaluation after a crash is crucial. It is important to discuss what happened to your body during the crash to help the treating doctor diagnose your injuries. A prompt medical evaluation helps you get the treatment you need sooner. Getting treated right away can also mean a faster recovery with fewer complications.

What Hip Pain Symptoms Might Mean a Serious Injury?

In addition to having mild to severe hip pain, you may have other symptoms, such as:
  • Severe hip pain
  • Inability to move the leg
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Visible deformity
  • Deep pain in the hip joint
  • Clicking or locking sensation
  • Stiffness and reduced range of motion
  • Tenderness in the hip area
  • Pain radiating down the leg
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Muscle weakness
  • Discoloration of the skin around the hip
  • Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the leg

Can I File a Claim for Damages Related to My Hip Injury?

Maybe, but this is something you should discuss with one of our experienced car crash attorneys in Sacramento. At Arnold Law Firm, we answer your questions and determine whether you may have legal options for your medical costs and other damages.

Why Hire an Attorney To Help You With Your Injury Claim in Sacramento?

If another party was responsible for the crash that caused your injuries, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your losses. Find out if you have claim in a free initial consultation. If we represent you, there are no upfront costs for you to pay. This means there is no risk if you seek legal help right away. At Arnold Law Firm, we have built a reputation of trust in our community. Our firm represents injured victims every day, including those injured by the negligence of other drivers. Having an attorney manage your case means you can focus on your health and getting better. We work tirelessly on your behalf for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Experienced Lawyers. Proven Results.(916) 777-7777

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.