Why You Should Not Ignore Hip Pain After a Car Crash in Minneapolis

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on September 28, 2023 in Auto Accidents

Hip pain is a common symptom reported by car crash victims. While some experience pain right after the crash, some may not feel soreness or have any sign of an injury for several hours or days later. Either way, hip pain should be treated without delay.

If you or a loved one are experiencing hip pain or have been diagnosed with a hip injury after a car crash, our firm may be able to help you obtain compensation. While compensation may not be the first thing on your mind, it is vital to your recovery.

TSR Injury Law has recovered more than $1 billion on behalf of our clients, many of whom were injured in motor vehicle collisions.

Zero upfront costs or legal obligations. Call us at: (612) TSR-TIME.

Why Am I Experiencing Delayed Hip Pain After a Car Crash?

While some crash victims may feel symptoms of a hip injury immediately after being involved in a crash, others may not feel any pain for hours or even days. This is often a result of your body releasing chemicals (adrenaline and endorphins) that help mask the pain.

If you begin to feel pain in your hip hours or days after a collision, you may have sustained a hip injury. Unfortunately, delayed symptoms may increase the risk of complications and long-term hip problems.

Pain could indicate one of many hip injuries, including:

Hip Fracture

The impact of a crash could cause you to break one or more of the three bones in your hip, including the ilium, pubis or ischium. Some crash victims may suffer stress fractures, which may not hurt much right away, but the pain can worsen significantly as time goes on.

Hip Dislocation

Your femur could pop out of the hip socket and possibly sprain or tear supporting soft tissues. This may happen if your leg hits the dashboard during the impact of a crash.

Labral Tear in the Hip

Each hip socket contains a ring of cartilage that could get torn during a car crash.

Hip Bursitis

Many joints in your body, including your hips, contain bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs to cushion and lubricate the joints. Bursitis refers to inflammation of these sacs.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis refers to inflammation of tendons and ligaments. This soft tissue can have an impact to your overall mobility as it connects your muscles to various bones.

Sprains and Strains in the Hip

During a car crash, ligaments can get stretched too far or torn. This type of injury is extremely painful, and it can also make the affected joint unstable.

What Are The Symptoms of a Car Crash Hip Injury?

Pain is just one symptom that may indicate you have a hip injury. However, you could experience pain in a variety of places. There are other symptoms to watch for that may indicate a hip injury, including:

Loss of strength in your hip or the affected leg
Limited mobility
Pain or inability to put weight on the affected leg
Pain in your knee
Pain in your groin
Pain in your abdomen
Limping when you walk

The site of your injury feeling sore or tender
Struggling to move the joint
Increasing pain when you walk or stand up
Numbness, which may indicate damage to nerves
Clicking noises when you move the joint

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek treatment right away. If you wait, you may increase your risk of long-term complications from the injury.

After doctors diagnose and stabilize your injuries, you should strongly consider reaching out to an experienced Minneapolis car accident lawyer. Expensive medical care will often be needed in the event of a car crash, and victims who hire lawyers often recover more compensation than those who do not.

How Do Car Crashes Cause Hip Injuries?

Blunt force trauma is one of the most common causes of car crash injuries, including hip injuries. Your hip could get hit in a side-impact crash if the door gets bent inward. It is also possible that one or both your legs may also hit the dashboard and/or get pinned under the dashboard. Hip injuries could also occur if your body gets tossed around or violently twisted during the collision.

Treatment For Your Car Crash Hip Injury

Severe hip fractures may require surgery to repair the breaks or replace the hip. Doctors will need to do imaging tests (X-rays, MRIs or CT scans) to determine the extent of the damage and how it can be treated.

Soft-tissue injuries often do not require surgery. However, you may need to rest and limit physical activity to allow your injury to heal correctly. If you engage in too much physical activity, you risk further injury, such as another fracture.

Even if you do not need surgery, you are likely to need physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles and tissues to prevent further injury. Doctors may also prescribe pain medication and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and promote healing.

While minor injuries may heal in a matter of a few weeks, severe injuries could take months to heal. Rehabilitation could also add significant time to the healing process.

What Are Your Legal Options For Recovering Compensation For Hip Injuries?

Minnesota is a no-fault state, so you can seek compensation for medical care from your own car insurance policy. Your lawyer may also be able to pursue a separate claim against the liability insurance in the at-fault driver’s policy.

Even though the insurance company may be liable for your damages, they are going to look for some way to deny or underpay your claim. When this happens, you may need to file a lawsuit to obtain the compensation you deserve.

At TSR, we are always prepared to go to trial, as our goal is to recover full compensation for medical care, lost wages and other damages.

If you have questions about legal options after a car crash hip injury, TSR Injury Law is here to help.

Call TSR Injury Law Today To Discuss Your Car Crash Claim

Many crash victims are unsure where to turn for help with the insurance company. While they might consider calling a lawyer, they may be unsure of how a lawyer can help.

TSR Injury Law manages the legal process on behalf of crash victims, which means we communicate with the insurance company, negotiate for compensation, write the demand letter, and much more. If you are already dealing with an injury, let TSR Injury Law handle the challenges of the legal process while you focus on healing.

We have been helping crash victims for decades and have established a proven record of success.

There are no upfront costs with our services. Call us today: (612) TSR-TIME.

Can I Still File a Claim if the At-Fault Driver Was Killed in the Crash?

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on September 20, 2023 in Auto Accidents
Updated on January 6, 2024

Minnesota car crashes are dangerous for everyone involved. While some at-fault drivers avoid serious injuries, others aren’t so lucky.

This raises many questions in the minds of victims. Can I still file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company? Am I pursuing compensation from the deceased driver’s family?

If you were seriously injured in a crash caused by another driver, and that driver did not survive the collision, TSR Injury Law may be able to help you take legal action.

Our firm has been helping those injured in Minneapolis car crashes for many years. Our Minneapolis vehicle crash lawyers have secured millions to help these victims take back their lives.

Contact our firm today to schedule your free consultation: (612) TSR-TIME.

What Happens to the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Policy?

If the at-fault driver had car insurance before the crash, the policy should cover the collision, whether the driver was injured, killed or unharmed. The policy does not suddenly become invalid because of what happened to the policyholder during the incident. Generally, the injuries suffered by this driver do not affect the victim’s ability to seek compensation.

This means the victim of the crash may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. The victim and his or her lawyer must prove the driver was negligent and link the victim’s injuries to the deceased driver’s negligence.

You may be concerned about seeking compensation, thinking that you are taking money from the family of the at-fault driver. However, it is unlikely you will be dealing with the family of the deceased at all. You and your lawyer would be asserting a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Your claim will have no financial impact on the decedent’s family.

Another reason to hire a lawyer is because the insurance company might not agree to pay out the compensation you need. A lawyer will be able to file a lawsuit on your behalf.

What if the at-Fault Driver Did Not Have Liability Insurance?

The at-fault driver may not have had insurance, or the policy may have expired before the collision occurred. In this type of situation, you would not be able to file a liability insurance claim because there would be no policy to pay out on the claim.

When there is no liability policy to recover from, you would need to turn to the uninsured motorist coverage in your own policy. This coverage is reserved for crashes with drivers who do not have insurance.

Can You File a Claim or Lawsuit Against the Deceased Driver’s Estate?

If the at-fault driver was uninsured, it may be possible to file a lawsuit against their estate. The lawsuit would make you a creditor of the decedent’s estate. If your lawsuit is successful, you would be paid as part of the probate process.

However, while filing a lawsuit against the deceased driver’s estate may be possible, it is an unlikely scenario. Most people do not have the assets to pay for medical care and other damages caused by a crash. When people get injured in Minnesota car crashes, compensation is usually paid out by the liable insurance company, uninsured or underinsured coverages.

Challenges of Recovering Compensation if the At-Fault Driver Died

People often think it should be easier to recover compensation if the at-fault driver is not there to dispute your account of the crash.

However, this could make the case more difficult to resolve. The insurance company may say it is difficult to determine what happened without hearing the deceased driver’s account of the collision. They may even say the fact their policyholder died means you are to blame for the collision. The insurance company is not going to pay out the claim because you were seriously injured.

This is why you should contact an experienced lawyer to manage your case. The experienced lawyers at TSR Injury Law have been helping crash victims for decades. We have been through the legal process thousands of times and have helped victims injured in a wide variety of collisions. We know how to build strong cases and pursue maximum compensation for victims.

Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the collision to determine the cause of the crash, how negligence was involved, and ultimately outline a plan to get you the justice you deserve.

Call TSR Injury Law For Legal Help Following a Crash

Injured victims often have many questions after a crash. During this uncertain time, you could greatly benefit from meeting with an experienced attorney.

Our firm is deeply committed to securing full compensation to help you move forward from this unexpected crisis. There are no upfront costs with our services. That means the initial legal consultation is free and there are no fees while we work on your case.

TSR Injury Law helps injured victims with the legal process. Call us at: (612) TSR-TIME.

Blinded By the Light: What You Should Know About Minneapolis Car Crashes Caused by Sun Glare

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on September 14, 2023 in Auto Accidents

There are many threats to your safety out on the road. One threat many people don’t think about is the sun, specifically sun glare. In fact, sun glare causes thousands of crashes each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

You have probably had the experience of struggling to see traffic lights or the cars in front of you because of the position of the sun. Whether you squint, lower the visors, or put on sunglasses, sun glare still has the potential to cause a dangerous crash.

Below, our Minneapolis-based car accident attorneys discuss some of the things you should know about car crashes due to sun glare, including liability for these collisions. If you were injured in a crash and the driver blames sun glare, contact TSR Injury Law to discuss your legal options.

We are here to help. Call today to learn more: (612) TSR-TIME.

When You Are Likely to Encounter Sun Glare

Although the sun is up for about 12 hours each day, sun glare usually affects drivers early in the morning or late in the afternoon. It is easier for the sun to hit horizontal surfaces at these times, causing a bright glare off the road, water, or other vehicles.

The likelihood of sun glare is even higher if you have a dirty windshield as it can reflect off dried dirt, oils or other built-up residue. While you may think sun glare is only a risk in the warmer months, you also need to be careful during the winter months as the sun in lower in the sky and can often cause a bright reflection off the snow.

Liability For Crashes Where Sun Glare May Have Been a Factor

Sun glare can make it harder to see what is happening in front of you. In some cases, drivers literally cannot see for a few seconds, drastically increasing the risk of a dangerous rear-end crash.

Despite the difficulty of driving when dealing with sun glare, drivers cannot blame the sun for a collision. Drivers are expected to account for bad weather, such as sun glare, rain, snow or wind. If drivers do not account for bad weather and exercise additional caution, a crash could occur, and they are likely to be found liable.

Some drivers may say they could not prepare for such bright sunlight. However, it is often sunny outside just before drivers get behind the wheel. Even if it was not sunny at the time of departure, drivers are expected to account for changing weather conditions.

Another thing to remember is that sun glare usually occurs at the same times each day. Many people drive to the same places on a regular basis, meaning they are likely familiar with encountering sun glare. At-fault drivers who claim they did not expect sun glare are probably trying to avoid liability.

Avoiding a Crash When the Sun Affects Your Visibility

There are practical steps drivers can take to reduce the risk of sun glare crashes, such as:

Wearing Sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses can make it much easier to see when the sun is directly in front of you. However, if you have ever dealt with sun glare, you know sometimes sunglasses are not strong enough. You can also lower the visor inside your car to keep more of the sunlight out.

Cleaning Your Windshield

Every so often you should give your windshield a thorough cleaning to remove dirt. While driving, windshield wipers do a good job of cleaning the driver’s direct line of sight, however, often leaves residue on the outside of the wiper blade path. In addition to cleaning off left over residue, it is also recommended to replace old wiper blades and ensure your vehicle has enough wiper fluid.

Leaving Extra Space Between Your Car and the One in Front of You

When visibility is an issue, you should always leave more space between your car and the one in front of you. This gives you extra time to stop in case you lose track of how close you are to the back of that vehicle. A good rule of thumb is to keep three seconds of space in-between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Try a Different Route

This is not always possible, but if sun glare is a regular problem, you might consider taking a different route to or from work. While you might add a few minutes to your drive, not having the sun in your eyes may make your commute safer.

Another option is to leave earlier, avoiding the glare before it becomes an issue.

Turn on Your Headlights

Driving with your headlights on makes it easier for oncoming vehicles to see you. This should give other drivers more time to correct mistakes and adjust if they encounter sun glare.

What To Do After a Crash Caused By Sun Glare

You should handle the aftermath of a sun glare crash the same way you would handle the aftermath of any other collision:

Call 9-1-1
Tell the police what happened
Go to the hospital right away

Do not sign anything the insurance company asks you to sign
Contact an experienced lawyer to review your legal options

The other driver may try to blame the crash on sun glare. However, this is not a legitimate excuse.

That said, there is no reason to get into an argument with the other driver. Exchange information and wait for the police to arrive.

Contact Us To Discuss Your Car Crash Claim

Do you have questions after a Minneapolis car crash?

TSR Injury Law has been helping crash victims for decades. During that time, our firm has obtained more than $1 billion on behalf of our clients.

The initial consultation with an experienced attorney at our firm is free of charge, and there are no fees while we work on your case.

We do not get paid unless you get paid. Call for legal help: (612) TSR-TIME.

Who Could Be Held Liable For Injuries and Damages From a Minneapolis Head-On Collision?

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on September 7, 2023 in Auto Accidents

A head-on collision is one of the most dangerous types of car crashes, as those involved are at much higher risk for severe or even fatal injuries.

If you were in the car that got hit and you suffered serious injuries, you may be eligible to seek compensation. TSR Injury Law’s Minneapolis-based car crash lawyers have represented many people who were seriously injured in collisions and obtained favorable results on their behalf. Our services are provided on contingency, which means we do not charge any upfront costs.

Below, we discuss why head-on collisions occur, why they are so dangerous, and how we determine liability for these types of crashes.

Contact TSR to discuss your post-crash legal options. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

What Is the Definition of a Head-On Collision?

A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles that are traveling in opposite directions crash into each other. The front of one vehicle crashes into the front of another, which is why head-on collisions are also referred to as frontal collisions.

While there is a high risk of serious injury in any head-on crash, the risk is magnified when one of the vehicles involved is larger than another, or when one of the vehicles is a motorcycle.

Why Do Head-On Collisions Happen?

Head-on collisions often happen because a driver:

Crossed the centerline of the road. When this occurs, it is often because the driver was drowsy, fell asleep, was impaired by alcohol or became distracted. Drivers might also lose control of their vehicles due to black ice or other poor weather conditions. Any of these conditions could cause them to drift over the centerline.
Failed to see, read or follow instructions on road signs. This might happen if someone has impaired vision or is elderly and gets easily confused.
Tried to pass another vehicle on a two-lane road using the wrong side of the road
Went the wrong way on a one-way street
Attempted to turn left without enough room, resulting in a head-on crash with a car traveling in the opposite direction
Lost control because of a tire blowout
Suffered a sudden medical emergency, such as a heart attack, stroke or seizure

Liability For a Head-On Collision in Minnesota

Most car crashes are caused by the negligent actions of one of the drivers involved. For example, it is both negligent and illegal to drive on the wrong side of the road or to drive the wrong way down a one-way street.

The driver who was negligent is going to be held liable for injuries and damages from the crash. In the context of a head-on collision, the driver who was traveling the wrong way is almost always going to be liable for the crash.

However, sometimes head-on collisions are part of a chain reaction from another crash. For example, maybe there was a crash on the other side of the road that caused another vehicle to cross the center line and get into a frontal collision with another vehicle.

In this scenario, the driver who crossed the center line might be partially at fault. However, he or she may have lost control through no fault of his or her own. That means drivers involved in the crash that started the chain reaction may bear most of the fault.

Could Someone Besides a Driver Be Held Liable For a Head-On Crash?

It may be possible to file a claim against the entity responsible for maintaining the road. For example, maybe there was a pothole that was difficult to avoid, and this caused a car to veer into oncoming traffic.

The way the road was designed may have made it easier to drift into oncoming traffic. This could be due to numerous factors such as road construction or detours.

If the crash was on a one-way street, there might not have been a sign alerting drivers to the fact that they were turning onto a one-way street.

However, these claims can be very difficult to prove without the resources of an experienced law firm behind you. Despite poor road conditions or other factors out of a driver’s control, he or she may still have been able to avoid a collision.

While there may be rare exceptions, most head-on crash claims involve car insurance companies.

Evidence For a Head-On Collision Claim or Lawsuit

One of the reasons you should consider hiring an experienced lawyer is so he or she can manage the legal process on your behalf. This includes investigating the collision and gathering evidence of the other driver’s negligence.

Your lawyer will need to establish that the other driver crossed into oncoming traffic. Your lawyer may also need to establish why the other driver could have avoided this. Evidence of alcohol impairment, distraction or fatigue, for instance, could help to bolster your claim.

Head-on collision claims often involve severe injuries. That means insurance companies are going to fight hard to avoid paying fair compensation. It also means your lawyer may need to bring in expert witnesses to help prove what happened and link your injuries to the collision.

These are just some of the reasons why you need an experienced lawyer managing your claim. TSR Injury Law is committed to securing full compensation to make sure you can get the medical care you need and deal with the other damages you suffered.

Injuries From Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions can result in many serious injuries that could affect victims for the rest of their lives:

Broken bones, particularly in the arms and legs, but also the pelvis
Traumatic brain injuries, including open and closed head injuries
Broken ribs
Internal organ injuries
Crush injuries

Damage to the spinal cord
Soft-tissue injuries, which often accompany other injuries, such as fractures
Whiplash
And many more

Injured in a Head-On Collision? Contact TSR Injury Law

When people suffer catastrophic injuries in a car crash, they should not assume the insurance company will take care of them. You need a lawyer with experience managing these types of cases. You need a lawyer who has achieved results, either through settlements or courtroom verdicts.

TSR Injury Law has been helping crash victims in Minnesota for many years, securing compensation to help them start to put their lives back together.

Call us to schedule your free legal consultation: (612) TSR-TIME.