Experiencing a car accident is frightening and can be life-altering if the victim suffers severe injuries. An injury can change the way you’re able to navigate through everyday life. Depending on your injury type, you may have mobility issues or suffer from mental health conditions like PTSD.
People who suffer from car accident leg injuries may need extensive assistance for recovery. A leg injury can leave you unable to walk and may require surgery to repair. There are multiple types of leg injuries, but some of the most common ones are knee-related.
If you’ve suffered car accident leg injuries, you may need assistance recovering damages for your medical costs. The skilled attorneys at Morgan and Morgan are here to help. Contact our firm today to schedule your free case consultation.
Types of Car Accident Leg Injuries
Car accident leg injuries are common in severe car crashes, particularly in T-bone or head-on collisions. During these types of accidents, the force of the collision may thrust a driver and passenger into the vehicle’s front. If the impact is severe enough, the car's dashboard or other components can crush or pierce the legs.
Various types of leg injuries that a victim may experience include the following:
Broken Bones
A broken bone is typical when heavy objects press against the legs in certain areas, including the knee, ankle, or foot bones. People who experience a broken bone in their leg might be unable to walk, or it may be excruciating to do so.
Sometimes, doctors can repair broken bones by immobilizing them in a cast until they grow back together appropriately. However, surgery is usually necessary if there are multiple fractures to the bone or if it shatters.
Broken bones can take several months to heal and require physical therapy to recover fully. Individuals of advanced age may require more extensive treatment.
Strains or Sprains
Strains or sprains are mild leg injuries, but they can be very painful. Depending on the location of the injury, the victim may require mobility assistance for several weeks or months. Strains or sprains occur commonly in the knee joint and ankle.
A severe ankle sprain may require the victim to use crutches or a wheelchair until the muscles or tendons repair themselves. Mild sprains can resolve within a few days and may not require much more than rest.
Torn Meniscus
A torn meniscus is a knee injury caused by unnatural knee joint bending. During a severe car crash, the force of the impact can cause knee twisting. A minor tear to the meniscus may require rest and ice, but fierce tears can require surgery and months of rest and rehabilitation for a full recovery.
ACL or MCL Tear
An ACL or MCL tear involves torn ligaments in the knee. People who experience these types of car accident leg injuries may hear a popping sound and experience immediate pain and swelling. Like a severe tear to the meniscus, damage to the ACL or MCL ligaments usually requires surgery and lengthy recovery times.
Dashboard Knees
It’s not uncommon for people’s knees to hit the dashboard during a significant accident. In this type of injury, the shin bone is forced upward, harming the knee or thighs. Dashboard knees typically cause lots of pain and swelling and may require several weeks to recover from.
Amputation
An amputation is the worst type of leg injury a victim can face. While uncommon, amputations involve the partial or complete removal of the leg. People who undergo an amputation can experience lifelong disabilities that can significantly impact their ability to perform everyday activities like driving and walking.
Symptoms of Car Accident Leg Injuries
If you’re in a car accident, you’re susceptible to all types of injuries and wounds. A leg injury is generally pretty obvious, as you may find it difficult to stand up or walk following the accident.
Here are some symptoms of a leg injury to look out for if you’re in a car accident:
- Pain in the leg
- Difficulty twisting or turning the leg
- Swelling of the kneecap
- Bruises or contusions
- A loud popping noise
- Inability to stand up
- Bones that bulge in the legs
You might be able to recognize the signs of a leg injury immediately following a car accident. However, sometimes people’s adrenaline levels significantly increase during and after a collision. Increased adrenaline levels can mask pain symptoms, and the person may not realize that they’ve sustained a severe injury.
Even if you don’t believe that you have leg injuries following a car crash, getting checked out by a doctor at a hospital is never a bad idea. A doctor can alert you to any hidden issues you may not know about, like whiplash or internal bleeding.
Seeking a doctor’s attention ensures that you have a record of the injuries you’ve sustained if you need to pursue a lawsuit.
Damages You Can Recover From Car Accident Leg Injuries
A severe injury to your leg can inhibit your ability to walk, run, or perform your typical responsibilities. Some injuries require only gentle treatment, like rest and elevation, while others require months or years of rehabilitation.
Individuals who experience injuries to their leg can recover damages for their medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of quality of life. A lawyer can help you determine how much money you can recover in a legal claim.
Your damage award will typically include remuneration for your hospital treatment, surgery, doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other medical costs.
Your lawyer will consider your past medical expenses and assess your expected future costs. In some cases, they’ll consult with your doctor and medical experts to understand the extent of your injuries and the treatment you’ll require.
Your damages can vary extensively, depending on various factors. The severity of your injuries is one element, but other factors are also important. Your state’s rules concerning negligence, the limits of your or the other driver’s insurance policies, and your lawyer’s negotiation skills can also impact your settlement or award.
A qualified attorney can assess your case to determine how much you can recover in a lawsuit.