Car accidents can cause a wide range of serious injuries to those involved, and one of the most common types of injuries is leg injuries. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries like fractures, breaks, dislocations, damage to the ACL or MCL, and even amputations. In this article, we will discuss the common causes, types, and treatments of leg injuries from car accidents.
As an auto accident and injury law firm in Orlando, Florida, we know all too well the devastating impact that car accidents can have on victims, particularly when it comes to leg and knee injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered one of these injuries because of a careless or reckless driver, don’t hesitate to call us at (321) 352-7588 to set up your free legal consultation.
Now, let’s talk more about leg injuries from car accidents.
Causes of Leg Injuries in Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause leg injuries in numerous ways, including:
Impact with the Vehicle
When a car collides with another vehicle or object, the force of the impact can cause the legs to be thrown around inside the car. This can result in fractures, dislocations, and other types of injuries. Additionally, the legs of the driver or passengers can be trapped or crammed into the dashboard, door, or other hard surfaces inside the vehicle, which can cause serious leg injuries.
Crush Injuries
If a car is crushed in an auto accident, the legs of the driver or passengers can get trapped underneath the vehicle, leading to serious injuries like fractures and crushed bones. The weight of the car can destroy a person’s legs, which can result in disfigurement, disability, or permanent damage.
Pedestrian Accidents
When a car crashes into a person on foot, the victim can suffer serious leg injuries, including fractures, breaks, dislocations, and amputations. The force generated when a motor vehicle crashes into a person’s body can cause significant damage to the legs, and the victim may be thrown a considerable distance onto concrete, which further increases the risk of serious injury. In some cases, pedestrians may get trapped under a vehicle as a result of a pedestrian accident, which can lead to crush injuries and other serious leg injuries.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can also cause serious leg injuries, particularly if the rider is thrown from the bike or pinned under the motorcycle. Like pedestrians, motorcyclists are vulnerable because their body takes the impact of a collision with a motor vehicle. The impact of the collision can cause significant and permanent damage to the legs, resulting in fractures, dislocations, and other types of injuries.
Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable to leg injuries in accidents involving cars for the same reason as pedestrians and motorcyclists. When a car collides with a bicyclist, the rider's legs often become trapped between the car and the bicycle, causing serious injuries like fractures, breaks, and crush injuries. In addition, bicyclists who are thrown from their bikes in a collision can suffer leg injuries from the impact with the hard ground or other objects or vehicles.
Scooter Accidents
Scooter accidents have become more common in recent years, particularly with the rise of electric scooters and scooter share in urban areas. When a scooter rider is involved in an accident with a car or other vehicle, they can suffer serious leg injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to fractures, breaks, and dislocations. In some cases, scooter riders may become trapped under the vehicle, resulting in crush injuries or even amputations.
Golf Cart Accidents
Golf carts are often used in residential communities, theme parks, and other recreational areas. While golf carts may seem harmless, golf cart accidents can cause serious leg injuries. When a golf cart collides with another vehicle, the legs of the driver and passengers can be thrown outside the vehicle and trapped between a hard surface and the golf cart, leading to fractures, dislocations, and other types of injuries. In addition, golf cart accidents often result in crush injuries when the cart tips over or rolls on top of the driver or passengers.
Types of Leg Injuries from Car Accidents
Leg injuries resulting from car accidents can vary widely in their severity and type, ranging from minor to permanent. Understanding the different types of leg injuries that can result from car accidents is crucial to treating and recovering from these injuries. Some of the most common types of leg injuries resulting from car accidents include the following:
Fractures
Fractures are one of the most common types of leg injuries resulting from car accidents. They can range from simple hairline fractures to complex fractures that require surgery. Fractures can occur in any bone in the leg, including the femur, tibia, fibula, and patella. Depending on the severity of the fracture, treatment may include immobilization with a cast or brace, surgical repair, or even surgical amputation in severe cases.
Dislocations
Dislocations occur when a joint is forced out of its normal position, causing pain and significant damage to the affected joint. Dislocations can occur in the hip, knee, ankle, and other joints in the leg. Treatment for dislocations may include reducing the joint back into its normal position, immobilization with a cast or brace, and physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
Amputations
In severe cases, car accidents can result in the loss of a limb. Amputations can be partial or complete and can have a significant impact on a victim's quality of life. Amputations may be necessary if the leg is severely damaged or cannot be repaired through surgery or if the leg develops severe infection. After an amputation, the patient will need to undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation to learn how to use a prosthetic limb and adjust to the lost leg.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, such as cuts, bruises, and sprains, are extremely common in car accidents. While these injuries are typically less severe than fractures or dislocations, they can still cause significant pain and discomfort. Treatment for soft tissue injuries may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), as well as physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
Treatments for Leg Injuries from Car Accidents
The treatment for leg injuries resulting from car accidents will depend on the severity and type of the injury. Some common treatments for leg injuries from car accidents include those listed below.
Surgery
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones and joints. Surgery may also be necessary to repair soft tissue injuries or to remove damaged tissue in the case of crush injuries. Surgical intervention may be necessary for complex fractures or dislocations that cannot be treated with a cast or brace.
Casts and Braces
For less severe fractures and dislocations, a cast or brace may be used to immobilize the affected area and facilitate healing. Casts and braces can help to stabilize the affected area of the injured leg and reduce pain and swelling. They may also be used in conjunction with physical therapy to help the patient regain strength and mobility.
Physical Therapy
After a leg injury, physical therapy may be necessary to help the patient regain strength and range of motion. Physical therapy can help to reduce pain and stiffness in the affected area, increase flexibility, and prevent further injury. Physical therapy may include exercises, stretching, massage, and other techniques to help the patient regain function in the affected area.
Surgical Amputation
In severe cases where the leg cannot be saved, a surgical amputation of the limb may be necessary. After an amputation, the patient may need to undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation to learn how to use a prosthetic leg. Prosthetic limbs can help patients regain mobility and function, but they may require significant adjustment and training to use properly.
