Leg pain is not uncommon after a vehicular accident. There are several possible causes of leg pain post-accident. Unfortunately, many accident survivors assume that their pain is nothing more than just minor bumps or bruises that will get better on their own.

What some do not understand is that the dull or shooting pain they experience might be a symptom of a severe injury, such as a herniated disc or a knee or hip injury. Understanding your leg pain’s cause is crucial to both your health and your personal injury case.

In this post, our seasoned personal injury attorneys discuss some of the most common causes of post-accident leg pain. We’ll also share how working with a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles can help you get fair compensation for your leg injuries.

Potential Causes of Leg Pain After an Accident

Bruises, Cuts, or Hematomas

Bruises, cuts, and hematomas might be the reason for your leg pain. While still painful, bruises and cuts are generally nothing to worry about. The body typically heals these minor injuries on its own.

However, hematomas are a different case. The collection of blood outside of your blood vessels can be a serious cause of leg pain. In many cases, a hematoma can prevent the leg from being fully functional. Even if the hematoma is small, if left untreated it can cause a slow but steady deterioration in the leg’s function.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to determine the severity of a hematoma without an examination by a medical professional. So it’s important to visit an emergency room as soon as possible after your accident.

Soft Tissue Injury

Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains, can be caused by just about any physical activity, including a vehicle accident. They can be classified as either acute or chronic. Those that are acute happen within a short timeframe, and they’re often caused by a sudden force on the soft tissues.

Chronic soft tissue injuries, on the other hand, are generally caused by repetitive use of the soft tissues. They can be difficult to identify and diagnose because they typically don’t cause any noticeable pain until the body is under stress or strain.

Broken Bone

A broken bone can be a serious cause of leg pain after a car accident. Fractures frequently occur when the bones are under stress. Since the leg is subjected to a lot of stress during a collision, it is no wonder that a leg fracture is a common injury in automobile accidents.

Leg fractures are typically painful as well as visually noticeable. But if you feel leg pain after an accident without any visible leg injuries, it could be a broken bone. This can be a very serious injury, though, because the broken bone can cause complications if it is not treated quickly.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when blood clots form in the leg veins. DVT is a serious condition because it can cause painful swelling and eventual necrosis. The condition can also cause pulmonary embolism, bleeding in the lungs resulting from blood clots.

DVT is commonly caused by long periods of immobility, so it is common for DVT to occur in injured people confined to a hospital bed. However, DVT can also occur in adults who are confined to bed at home.

DVT can also be a potential cause of leg pain after an accident. If you experience leg pain within the first few weeks of your accident, it could be a sign of DVT.

Herniated Discs and Compressed Nerves

Herniated discs are probably the most common cause of leg pain after car accidents. Herniated discs occur when the soft, gel-like substance between the vertebrae ruptures or seeps out of the disc. It is extremely common for those who suffer from herniated discs to have leg pain due to the pain the disc causes in the adjoining nerve.

Most people experience leg pain after car accidents that have injured their backs. This is because the legs can be affected by a ruptured disc in the back. The pain will be more severe if the disc is closer to the leg.

A herniated disc can also be a cause of leg pain if the sciatic nerve has been compressed in the accident. Herniated discs and compressed nerves are both considered nerve pain.

Dislocation

Dislocated joints hurt. This is especially true in the case of the knee and the hip, because these are the two most commonly dislocated joints.

A knee dislocation can be a result of a car accident. The knee can be dislocated while the leg is in a compromised position (think of the car accident). The knee can also dislocate as a result of direct impact.

A dislocated hip can also occur as a result of a car accident. The hip joint can get twisted in a way that causes it to dislocate.

If your hip or knee was dislocated in an accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. This is because a dislocation can cause serious injury, infection, and inflammation in the surrounding tissue.

How You Can Get Compensation for a Leg Injury After an Accident

If you have suffered a leg injury after an accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation. You can work with a personal injury lawyer to determine your eligibility for compensation.

Car accidents are very serious events, and you should be compensated for your injuries. No matter what caused your leg pain, you should be compensated for the pain and lost time from work.

Working with a personal injury lawyer can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your leg injury. A personal injury lawyer will ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.

Conclusion

Leg pain after an accident can feel overwhelming. The pain can make you think that you have a serious injury, when in reality the injury is not so bad.

But the pain can also be a sign of a serious injury that needs immediate medical attention. Whatever the case, it is always important to seek medical attention after an accident.

The first visit to the doctor will help you determine whether your leg pain is serious. It can be the first step toward securing compensation for the pain and the lost time from work.

If you suffer leg pain after an accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in LA to help you.

Mendez & Sanchez Law can provide you with the expert legal services of a seasoned personal injury attorney in Los Angeles who can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to set up a consultation!