5 Most Common Leg Injuries From Car Accidents

Due to the forces exerted on the body during a collision, car accidents can result in a variety of leg injuries. These injuries can range from mild to severe and require different types of medical treatment, depending on the extent of the damage.

The most common leg injuries from a car accident include:

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries
• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Nerve damage
• Soft tissue injuries

As an experienced Norfolk car accident lawyer, I understand the severity of leg injuries after a collision. However, your health should not prevent you from getting quality legal care.

If you can’t come to my personal injury law office, I, Ed Atkinson, will visit you. Whether you are recovering at home or in a hospital bed, I can travel there so we can meet in person. We could also schedule a video call if that is more convenient for you. Call today for a free initial consultation.

1. ACL Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the major ligaments in the knee. It provides stability and prevents excessive forward movement of the tibia (shinbone) in relation to the femur (thighbone). In car accidents, sudden stops or changes in direction can put significant stress on the knee joint, leading to ACL tears or sprains.

These injuries often result from direct impact or sudden deceleration forces, causing the knee to hyperextend, rotate, or bend in an unnatural way. Symptoms of an ACL injury may include a popping sensation at the time of injury, pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty putting weight on the affected leg.

Treatment options may include rest, physical therapy, bracing, or surgical reconstruction of the ACL. Rehabilitation can restore strength, range of motion, and stability to the knee joint.

2. Broken Bones

The impact of a crash can lead to fractures in various leg bones, including the thigh bone, shinbone, fibula, and even the smaller bones in the foot and ankle. These fractures can range from simple hairline cracks to more complex breaks where the bone pierces through the skin, known as compound fractures.

Treatment typically involves immobilizing the leg with a cast, splint, or brace to allow the bones to heal properly. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones and secure them with hardware such as screws, plates, or rods.

3. Lacerations

Lacerations – or cuts – are common injuries sustained in car accidents. They often result from broken glass, sharp metal, or other debris in the vehicle or from external objects during a collision. These can vary in severity, from minor cuts and scrapes to deep wounds.

Depending on the depth and location of the cut, there is a risk of hidden tissue, muscle, or blood vessel damage in addition to external damage. Symptoms of leg lacerations may include bleeding, pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty moving the affected limb.

Treatment typically involves cleaning the wound to prevent infection, closing the laceration with sutures or staples, and dressing it with sterile bandages. In cases of deeper or more extensive lacerations, surgery may be required to repair damaged tissues and ensure proper healing.

4. Nerve Damage in the Leg

Nerves in the legs can be compressed, stretched, or even severed during a collision, leading to various complications. Common symptoms of nerve damage in the leg include numbness, tingling, burning sensations, weakness, and shooting pains.

As an experienced personal injury lawyer, I have seen the many ways car accident victims struggle with injuries. I know how to prove that your leg injury changed your life. Over the years, I have built a track record of successful case results. You can trust me to represent your best interests.

5. Soft Tissue Injuries

These injuries address damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues in the leg. In car accidents, the legs may be subjected to rapid acceleration, deceleration, or twisting motions, leading to strains, sprains, or tears in the soft tissues.

While some soft tissue injuries may heal with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) along with over-the-counter pain medications, others may require more extensive treatment, such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or even surgery in severe cases.

You need a personal injury lawyer to build an evidence-based case on your behalf. I will use a wide range of evidence, including medical records and any available photograph or video footage documenting your leg injuries. Let me worry about winning the case while you focus on healing.

Call Atkinson Law for a Free, No-Obligation, Case Review

Being injured in a car accident can be a scary experience, especially as you are uncertain about what the future holds. You can file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit to recover your past and future medical bills and more.

You have nothing to lose by talking to me. I work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you only have to pay if I win. Also, the first legal consultation is free. Contact me today to discuss your options.