Common Leg Injuries from a Car Accident

Car accidents are a top cause of injuries, some of which are severe and sometimes life-altering. Among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents are those to the legs. If you suffered a leg injury in a car accident due to another person’s recklessness, you have legal options to pursue. At this time, you need to engage a car accident lawyer from a top Ohio injury law firm like Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz. They will evaluate the facts of your case, such as the injuries and their severity, to determine the best avenue for seeking justice.

How Common are Leg Injuries From a Car Accident?

Leg injuries are quite common in car accidents, which can be either minor bruises or more severe conditions. NHTSA reports indicate that there were approximately 5.9 million reported auto crashes in the United States in 2022. Of these, nearly 1.67 million resulted in injuries, with leg injuries being reported among the frontal collisions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also highlights that motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury-related hospital visits, with lower extremity injuries being significant in these cases. In fact, fractures to the legs, knees, and feet are some of the most common injuries sustained in serious car accidents.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents in the US are mostly linked to human error. Your lawyer will seek to understand the cause of the crash to be able to determine liability and pursue compensation. A car accident is likely to happen due to any of the following reasons:

Distracted driving. Distraction is one of the top reasons for increased car accidents. In 2022, the NHTSA reported that 3,308 individuals lost their lives in crashes influenced by distractions. Distractions include anything that diverts the driver’s attention such as adjusting the radio. The rise of smartphones has led to an increase in distraction-related crashes.
Driving under the influence. Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, slowing reaction times and reducing coordination. Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of fatal car accidents.
Reckless driving. Behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and ignoring traffic signals can lead to severe collisions. Inexperienced and reckless driving are common among young drivers.
Weather conditions. Bad weather can make driving a bit risky. Slippery roads and poor visibility can cause accidents, especially if drivers don’t adjust how they drive to match the conditions.
Speeding. Speeding remains a major factor in car accidents. When drivers drive too fast for road conditions, they are unable to accurately react to emergencies and this increases the severity of crashes. In 2020, speeding was responsible for 29% of all car crash fatalities.
Mechanical failures. While less common, defective parts such as brakes may malfunction, causing accidents. In such cases, your car accident lawyer will file a defective product claim against the part manufacturer.

Common Car Accident Leg Injuries

Leg injuries in car accidents take various forms. These injuries depend majorly on factors like the type of collision and the victim’s position in the vehicle. Different leg injuries come with unique implications for recovery and long-term health.

Below are some of the most common leg injuries resulting from car accidents:

Fractures. Fractures, or broken bones, are among the most common leg injuries in an auto accident. The impact of a collision may break the bones in the leg, with fractures often occurring in the femur (thigh bone), tibia, or fibula. Depending on the severity, fractures may require surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery periods.
Ligament tear. The sudden force of the crash can cause the ligaments in the knee to tear. Common ligament injuries include tears to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). These injuries are particularly common in high-impact crashes and often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Meniscus tear. The meniscus cushions and stabilizes the knee joint. A car accident impact can tear the meniscus, particularly if the knee is twisted or subjected to direct impact. Meniscus tears can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee, often requiring surgery and physical therapy for recovery.
Soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries may involve muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the leg. These injuries may not be discovered immediately but can cause significant pain and mobility issues. Treatment often involves physical therapy and pain management.

What to Do After a Leg Injury?

After experiencing a car accident, a leg injury could be a signal for a more serious issue. When this happens, you need to address the pain to avoid serious long-term complications. Also, your actions can help handle legal claims and seek compensation later on. Here is what to do:

Seek medical attention immediately. Remember that when it comes to dealing with leg injuries after a car accident, starting treatment quickly increases the likelihood of a successful recovery. Your personal injury lawyer will recommend seeking prompt medical care to support a swift recovery.
Document your injuries. It is important to maintain thorough records of your symptoms, medical treatments, and doctor’s visits. This documentation can prove the clear connection between your leg injuries and the car crash.
Follow medical advice. Adhere to your doctor’s recommendations of the prescribed treatments or physical therapy. Ignoring medical advice can hinder your recovery and weaken your legal case.
Consult with a car accident lawyer. Before speaking with insurance adjusters or accepting any settlement offers, talk to your car accident attorney first. They will have extensive experience handling car crash lawsuits and can assist in obtaining a settlement that accurately compensates you for your leg injuries.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit from a Car Accident?

If you’ve been in a car accident and are considering filing a lawsuit, you have a limited time frame to act. According to the Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10, you have two years from the day of the crash to bring a lawsuit for personal injury or wrongful death. This means if you wait longer than two years, you might lose the right to seek compensation through the courts.

However, if your leg injury is not immediately observable and you discover it later, the two-year clock might begin ticking from the date you discovered or should have discovered the injury.

Also, if you are a minor at the time of the car accident, the statute of limitations starts when you turn 18. Other special considerations involve lawsuits against government entities and cases where the defendants leave the country.

As seen, these rules have exceptions, so it’s always best to consult with a lawyer to understand how the law applies to your specific situation. They will file your case promptly so you won’t miss the opportunity to seek the compensation you deserve.

What Type of Compensation Can I Get for a Leg Injury?

If you’ve suffered a leg injury in a car crash, you can seek various forms of compensation. The amount and type of compensation will depend on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.

Medical expenses. This includes reimbursement for costs related to the diagnosis of leg injury, hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and any medical treatment costs.
Lost wages. If your leg injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, both current and future. This can include the loss of earning capacity if your injury affects your ability to work in the long term.
Pain and suffering. Restitution for pain and suffering is intended to cover the physical pain and emotional distress, as well as the decreased quality of life caused by your leg injury. This is often a significant part of a personal injury claim, particularly if the injury leads to long-term discomfort or disability.
Rehabilitation costs. Many leg injuries require extensive rehabilitation, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and possibly adaptive equipment. These costs will be featured in your compensation claim.

How Can an Ohio Personal Injury Attorney Help Me?

Recovering from a car accident related to leg pain can be challenging in many ways. At this, you require assistance from someone who understands the nature of such a case. A personal injury attorney can offer you assistance in several ways.

Firstly, your car lawyer looks into the facts of your case to determine validity and worth. This involves reviewing the accident details, medical records, and any other relevant evidence to ascertain whether you have a legitimate claim and estimate the potential compensation you might receive.

Once the case’s validity is established, the attorney will represent you in negotiations. Skilled in the art of negotiation, they will engage with the other driver or their insurance company to advocate for your best interests. This professional representation ensures that your claims are taken seriously and that you have a chance of getting a favorable settlement.

Another critical role the attorney plays is assessing the full impact of your leg injury to determine the recoverable damages. This means they will consider the immediate medical expenses and the long-term implications of your injury. That way, your car accident attorney ensures that damages are accounted for in your claim.

Contact Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz for your free consultation to learn more today.

Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.