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Not all injuries from car accidents are equal in severity. Ranging from bumps and bruises to traumatic brain injury and limb loss, the effects of a fender bender can be short-lived or last a lifetime. While most focus on neck and back injuries, there’s another prevalent body part that tends to take a beating when vehicles collide—the lower extremities, or legs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration divides leg injuries into the following categories:
- Ankle/foot
- Knee
- Lower leg
- Pelvis/hip
- Thigh
Considering that 20 percent of drivers admitted to trauma centers following motor vehicle crashes had at least one lower extremity fracture, the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine recommends a closer look at these occurrences and their lasting impact on quality of life. One study conducted by the association notes that such injuries often result in long-term reductions in mobility.
It is essential to consider the different types of injuries one can sustain to determine the kind of care needed.
Sprains and Strains
Perhaps the least intrusive and most common type of injury is superficial. Bumps, bruises, and even sprains and strains can be treated with minimally invasive bandages and braces. Although the physical impact may be minor, the trauma of the event may be long-lasting.
Broken Bones
Whether to the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), or fibula (calf bone), broken bones and fractures can cause pain, limit mobility, and possibly disable an individual for a period of time. While the highest incidence for a specific fracture is 5.7 percent for ankle injuries, according to the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, any of the above can require being in a cast or the assistance of physical therapy to return to assisted or full mobility.
Dislocation
The separation between two bones can cause strain that stretches or overextends the normal range of motion for hips, knees, and ankles. While most knees and ankles can be “popped” back into place, the potential to dislocate again increases after the first occurrence. Additionally, scar tissue may result in a limited range of motion over the long term or lead to osteoarthritis.
ACL Injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) connects the femur to the tibia and provides stability and flexibility to the knee joint. ACL injuries are common in car accidents and can cause pain, swelling, weakness, and popping in the knee joint. Recovery can take 6 to 12 months and often involves surgery and physical therapy.
Loss of Limb
While it is possible for a mangled limb to be re-attached, in some circumstances, it just is not possible. In some cases, a leg may be severed upon impact. In this instance, there are variable levels of lower extremity amputations, including:
- Foot, including toes or partial foot
- At the ankle (ankle disarticulation)
- Below the knee (transtibial)
- At the knee (knee disarticulation)
- Above the knee (transfemoral)
- At the hip (hip disarticulation)
According to a journal article published in 2022 by the National Library of Medicine, the most common type of amputation following a traumatic event was below the level of the knee joint.
Following amputation, the road to recovery may include pain medication, rehabilitative exercises, occupational therapy, mobility training, and environmental modifications.
The Atlantic City Car Accident Lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm Are Here to Help You
If you need legal help after a crash, the Atlantic City car accident lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm can work with you to determine the best course of action. Call 609-926-3300 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we serve clients in South Jersey, including Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, and Woodbury.