What Are Common Types of Leg Injuries From Car Accidents?
Car accidents can lead to various leg injuries, ranging from mild to severe. These happen often due to the positioning of the lower body in a vehicle and the force of impact involved in collisions. These injuries often result from the lower legs being pinned, hit by loose objects, or jolted by the sudden stop of a car. Below, we explain the most common types of car accident leg injuries.
Leg Fractures
Leg fractures affect the femur, tibia, or fibula due to high-impact forces. These fractures range from minor hairline cracks to severe compound fractures, where the bone pierces the skin. Immediate medical care is often needed to set the bone, with severe cases requiring surgery to insert rods or screws.
Recovery depends on severity, with some fractures needing weeks or months of immobility, physical therapy, and monitoring. Femur fractures, in particular, are extremely painful and usually require surgery and extensive rehabilitation to restore strength and mobility.
Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are another common outcome of car accidents. The knee joint, which connects the femur to the tibia, is vulnerable to injury from sudden impact or twisting. Injuries to the knee can include ligament tears, meniscus damage, or fractures of the kneecap. Torn ligaments, such as the ACL, MCL, or PCL, can destabilize the knee and require surgery, especially in serious cases.
Meniscus injuries, which involve damage to the cartilage in the knee, may need physical therapy or surgery, depending on the extent of the tear. Knee injuries can significantly impact mobility, and recovery often involves prolonged rest and physical rehabilitation.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue leg injuries, including sprains, strains, and contusions, are common in car accidents. Sprains involve stretching or tearing of ligaments, while strains affect muscles or tendons. Contusions, or deep bruises, can also be concerning when they deeply impact the muscles or tissues.
Although these injuries may not be as visibly severe as fractures or dislocations, they can cause significant pain, swelling, and stiffness. Recovery from soft tissue injuries can take days to weeks; in some cases, physical therapy may be required to regain full function.
Compartment Syndrome
Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that can develop after leg injuries like fractures or significant soft tissue trauma. It happens when pressure builds up within the muscles, leading to restricted blood flow and potential tissue damage. Symptoms include intense pain, swelling, and numbness; untreated compartment syndrome can cause permanent muscle and nerve damage. Immediate surgery called a fasciotomy, may be required to relieve pressure and restore normal blood flow to the affected area.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Leg Injuries From Car Accidents?
Leg injuries from car accidents can have lasting consequences, especially if the injury is severe. Long-term effects might include chronic pain, reduced mobility, and ongoing discomfort, which can impact daily life and physical activities. Depending on the extent of the damage and the success of medical treatment, some people may experience difficulty returning to their regular routines.
Physical therapy is often recommended to address mobility issues, and in many cases, individuals may need assistive devices, such as crutches or braces, during recovery. Leg injuries may also lead to emotional impacts, as prolonged recovery periods can be mentally challenging when they involve pain and loss of mobility.
The Monmouth County Car Accident Lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Represent Clients With Leg Injuries From Motor Vehicle Crashes
The Monmouth County car accident lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. have extensive experience helping individuals with serious injuries from automobile collisions. Call our Brick, Freehold, Point Pleasant, and Edison, New Jersey offices at 732-906-1500 or submit our online form for a free consultation. We serve clients in the surrounding areas.
