What You Should Do When You Experience Hip Pain After an Accident
When a car accident happens, it's easy to get confused about what you should do next—especially if you're already experiencing hip pain. Once you get over the initial shock from your accident, you have a short window to act. What you do next can impact how quickly you'll recover later from your hip and leg injuries.Seek Medical Attention
A hip injury is serious. While you might be able to withstand the pain after the accident, that pain can worsen with time. The sooner you seek a proper medical diagnosis, the earlier you receive treatment to lessen your pain and rule out life-threatening risks. It's good to get the tests your doctor recommends and follow their treatment plan.Document Your Injuries
After receiving medical attention, the next step should be documenting your injuries. When you file a personal injury claim, documentation from your doctor will be important. The medical notes will explain your injuries to insurance experts, and these details determine your compensation.Consult With Your Attorney
Our attorneys have extensive experience with liability and injury claims. Consulting with a legal professional can help guide the next steps you take. Your attorney might advise you to inform your insurer about the accident. If you must meet with the at-fault party, your lawyer can act as a mediator.Hip Injury Symptoms You Should Look Out For
After an accident, pain can take time to manifest. So be prepared to check in with your doctor at different times to make sure you're healing properly. If you are starting to feel hip pain from the accident, here are some signs you shouldn't ignore:- Loss of movement: If injured in an accident, a person may suffer from a hip impingement. This means that they would lose their range of motion, unable to stretch fully.
- Limping: Acute injury to the hip joints and their muscles can result in a limp. When you limp, the body reduces pressure on the hip muscles to support your weight.
- Pain when moving: When the nerves, bones, and muscles around the hip are damaged, simple movement can become painful. If left untreated, this symptom can cause immobility and excruciating pain.
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Abdominal pain
- Persistent groin pain
Treatment and Recovery for Hip Pain After an Accident
While pain is unsettling, it's essential to seek medical evaluation before doing anything else. Healthline confirms that relevant medical diagnostic tools like CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs help doctors recommend suitable treatment options. Some treatment options that help accident victims recover from hip pain include:- Prescribed bed rest
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
- Medication for pain and inflammation
How Much You Could Get From a Car Accident Settlement or Judgment
After an accident, you could file a lawsuit to seek compensation for damages. An attorney can help you document all your injuries to facilitate an accurate valuation for the settlement. Some damages your attorney can help you recover may include:- Costs of past and future medical treatment
- Expenses for home-based care
- Lost income
- Emotional pain
- Loss of quality of life
- Pain and suffering