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Leg Injuries from Car Accidents

Several types of injuries, including leg injuries, are common after a severe car accident occurs. Call (314) 361-4242 for a free case evaluation.

According to the available estimates, 20 percent of the car accident victims reporting to trauma centers suffer from some kind of lower leg fracture, which is a common leg injury from car accidents. According to the NHTSA, 5.7 percent of lower leg injuries affect the ankle.

When discussing serious car accident injuries, we often think of brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ injuries. However, leg injuries from car accidents are also common and can lead to severe consequences.

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Common Causes of Leg Injuries in Car Accidents

Leg injuries from car accidents can range from minor scrapes or bruises to severe dislocations or fractures.

Some of the most common causes of leg injuries in car accidents are:

Because seat belts and airbags play a crucial role in preventing or lessening the severity of leg injuries in a car accident, it is important to wear your seat belt and ensure your airbags are in good condition.

Common Types of Lower Leg Injuries

It is also noted that foot and ankle injuries make up 8-12 percent of all moderate to severe injuries suffered by those involved in head-on collisions. This is a significant part of leg injuries from car accidents.

A large percentage of the injuries occur when the foot, ankle, or lower leg hit the foot of the vehicle. These injuries may also occur when the lower leg or the knee hits the instrument panel due to the impact of the crash. Injuries can also occur when the knee hits the steering wheel.

Leg Injuries from Car Accidents

Common leg injuries resulting from a car accident:

Lower leg injuries resulting from head-on crashes are considered high-energy injuries because they occur at high speeds and cause more extensive damage than slip-and-fall injuries. Lower leg injuries are rarely fatal but often result in long periods of mobility loss.

The costs associated with lower leg injuries are very high. Depending on the severity and type of the injury, the victim may have to undergo multiple surgeries and physical therapy. Even a year after the injury, the victim may still face problems. According to the NHTSA report, of those who suffer moderate to severe injuries to their limbs, only 58 percent had returned to work after a year. Around 50 percent still suffered minor to moderate impairment. Those with multiple fractures and foot fractures showed little improvement.

Knee Injury from Car Accident

The knee is particularly susceptible to injury in front-end collisions. Knee injuries are extremely painful, and the healing process is often long. In some cases, complete recovery may not be possible due to complications. Some of the most common knee injuries sustained in car accidents include:

  • bone fractures
  • dislocation of the knee joint
  • posterior collateral ligament or PCL damage
  • ruptured tendons
  • anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) damage due to stretching or tearing
  • hyperextension of the ligaments surrounding the knee

Thigh Pain After Car Accident

Thigh injuries sustained in car accidents may involve a fracture caused by blunt force trauma involving the steering wheel or dashboard. The impact of a car crash can crush the femur, the large bone that runs from the hip to the knee. Femur fractures often require surgical treatment, and pins are used to hold the broken pieces of the bone in place to aid healing.

Hip Injury from Car Accident

An injury to the hip is common in front-end collisions. A common hip injury is a hip joint dislocation that requires inserting surgical hardware, such as screws and plates, to ensure that the bone heals correctly. Hip fractures may require a complete or partial hip replacement. A fractured, dislocated, or bruised pelvis can also cause severe pain and require a prolonged recovery.

Ankle Pain After Car Accident

The ankle is an important load-bearing part of the body and combines strength, stability, and flexibility to perform the job well. In a car accident, the force of impact can cause sudden and extreme stress to the ankle.

The ankles support a person’s entire body weight and must be flexible enough to move and maintain ambulation and balance. An injury can affect the victim’s ability to function normally on a daily basis. In the event of a crash, the natural reaction of the driver or passenger is to brace themselves for the impact; however, this can cause the ankle to sustain a severe compression injury.

Recovering damages arising from lower leg injuries

If you have sustained serious leg injuries from a car accident, your health insurance and car insurance may provide coverage for the medical bills. If the accident resulted from another driver’s negligence, you may be able to file an injury claim against the driver responsible for the accident.

Lower leg injuries sustained in car accidents can have devastating financial consequences and severely impact a victim’s ability to earn a living. To effectively address the potential costs associated with these injuries, exploring the available options for recovering damages is essential.

Potential Costs of Lower Leg Injuries

The expenses incurred from lower leg injuries can be staggering, encompassing medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages. In some cases, the victim may require multiple surgeries, prolonged periods of immobility, or a change in employment. While health and car insurance can cover some of these expenses, seeking compensation through a personal injury claim may be necessary if another driver’s negligence caused the accident.

Personal Injury Claim After a St. Louis Car Accident

A personal injury claim allows victims of leg injuries from car accidents to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other injury-related expenses. However, navigating the legal process can be daunting without experienced guidance. Consulting with a St. Louis car accident attorney can help victims navigate the complexities of the legal system and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.

Recovering damages from lower leg injuries sustained in car accidents may present challenges, but taking advantage of available options for coverage and seeking legal representation can help victims obtain the compensation necessary to recover from their injuries and move forward with their lives.


Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!

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Updated: July 8, 2023