Common Types of Leg Injuries from Car Accidents

In 2021, the Federal Highway Administration recorded 9,417 serious crash injuries—a stark reminder of how a single car accident can alter your life in an instant. Among the most debilitating are leg injuries, which can make even the simplest tasks—walking, standing, working—painful and challenging.

Most common leg injuries in car accidents

The thigh, knee, foot, and shin—together, they form the structure of our leg, each playing a crucial role in movement and daily activities. Below are some of the most common injuries car accident victims may experience:

Fractures (broken bones)

• Femur fracture: The femur is the largest and strongest bone in the human body. Femur fractures are among the most common injuries in car crashes and can take several months to fully heal. If you sustain a femur fracture in a car accident, it’s crucial that you seek immediate medical attention to prevent complications and ensure proper recovery.
• Tibia and fibula fractures: The tibia (shin bone) and fibula (calf bone) are particularly vulnerable in car accidents, often bearing the brunt of the impact. Due to their positioning, they can fracture easily in high-impact collisions.
• Patella fracture: The kneecap may fracture due to direct impact during the accident, especially if the knee strikes the dashboard or steering column. This type of fracture is extremely painful and requires surgery to heal.

Knee injuries

• Dashboard knee (PCL knee): When the knee strikes the dashboard with force during an accident, it can cause a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear due to the impact. This injury can lead to pain, swelling, and instability in the knee, often requiring medical treatment or rehabilitation.
• ACL injury: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) connects the femur to the tibia, providing stability and flexibility to the knee joint. In the case of an accident, ACL injuries are quite common, causing a pop in the knee joint, severe pain, weakness, and swelling in the leg.
• Meniscus tear: A sudden twist or impact can tear the cartilage in the knee. Prompt medical attention is necessary to protect the leg against further damage.
• Knee dislocation: A forceful impact can knock the knee out of alignment, leading to dislocation. This serious injury can damage ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves, requiring immediate medical attention to prevent long-term complications.

Soft tissue injuries

• Sprains and strains: Ligaments and muscles in the leg can stretch or tear.
• Bruises and contusions: Direct impact can cause deep bruising and swelling.

Nerve damage

• Sciatic nerve injury: Trauma to the lower spine or pelvis in an accident can press or damage the sciatic nerve, causing severe pain or numbness. In some cases, this injury can cause long-term mobility issues and may require medical intervention or physical therapy to recover from.
• Peroneal nerve damage: Injury to the peroneal nerve, often caused by trauma to the knee or lower leg, can lead to foot drop—a condition where you have difficulty lifting the front part of your foot. It may also cause weakness, numbness, or tingling in the foot and toes, affecting mobility and balance.

Other injuries

• Lacerations: Accidents often cause cuts, bruises, and perforations in the tissues or skin of the leg.
• Compartment syndrome: In the case of severe crashes in which legs remain trapped under the wreckage, severe tissue damage may lead to compartment syndrome.
• Amputations: Severe crashes often require surgical removal or traumatic amputation of a leg due to irreparable damage.

While not all leg injuries lead to immobility or amputations, they can still significantly affect movement and lead to long-term complications, especially when you age. That’s why it’s crucial to take all leg injuries seriously.  If you experience pain, swelling, or discomfort in your leg after a car accident, seek immediate medical attention to prevent further damage and ensure timely recovery.

Should you hire an attorney for your leg injury in a car accident?

Consulting with an attorney after a car accident is recommended since they have experience with similar incidents and extensive knowledge of relevant laws and liability conditions. They can thoroughly investigate your case, uncover crucial details that strengthen your claim, and help you develop a strategy to maximize your compensation. The last thing you want is to pay out of pocket for an injury caused by someone else’s negligence.

Another key consideration is that insurance companies often try to downplay your injuries and pressure victims to accept minimum payouts to protect their business. Car accident lawyers understand the tactics insurers use and are skilled negotiators that insurers take seriously. Unlike the layman, an experienced lawyer can handle the legal complexities, clearly explain them to you, and ensure you’re not shortchanged in your settlement.

Types of compensation for leg injuries in an accident

The damages for leg injury in car accident cases include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages or job loss in case of severe injuries
• Pain and emotional suffering

An experienced car accident lawyer can review your medical documentation and accident case to help you decide which types of damage are applicable and what they can successfully argue for in a court of law.

What to do when your leg is injured in an accident

Leg injuries can be life-altering. It’s possible to entirely lose the ability to perform normal chores, making walking around the house, picking up your child, and other common daily activities all become challenging for you.

If you or your loved one has been in a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer at Glisson Law in Illinois. Our dedicated team will guide you every step of the way through the complexities of legal claims, advocate for your rights compassionately, identify liable parties, and take care of necessary paperwork so you can focus your energies on recovery.

Contact a car accident lawyer at our Alton, Illinois, office today. Call (618) 462-1077 for an initial consultation, or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation.