Leg Injuries From Car Accidents

After a car accident, you may be under the impression that you’ve only suffered some body pain and bruising. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. As many as 40% of people experience a form of leg injury as a result of a car accident, whether immediately or in the days that follow. Here are the facts about injuries to the lower extremities of the body and what actions injured victims should take so they are not left with expensive medical bills. 

The Different Types of Leg Injuries That Can Occur After a Car Accident

Car accident victims often experience shooting pains or soreness and assume this is the result of minor injuries that will go away on their own. In reality, these symptoms could be associated with severe injuries like herniated discs or hip injuries. The impact of a crash often causes muscles to uncontrollably tighten or contract. Not treating this type of spasticity can result in a lasting injury that will affect movement and motor functions.

Car crashes often cause cuts or bruises on your legs and other parts of your body. Although apparent injuries, like deep cuts, are immediately addressed, less apparent bodily harm often goes overlooked. Unfortunately, seemingly minor harm, like bruising can be just as harmful. In fact, bruising may be indicative of a more severe injury. 

Broken Bones 

If you feel any shooting pains in your leg, it may also result from a broken bone. The human body has more than 60 bones in the legs and feet alone. Therefore, any parts of the leg area can be fractured or shattered upon impact from a car crash. Hairline bone fractures (small cracks or bruises within the bone) may be more difficult to detect but are very common among car crash victims. 

Sprains and Strained Muscles 

Another common kind of injury is a sprain or strain of muscles and ligaments. Oftentimes wounds heal with medication and rest. However, sometimes they may require physical therapy and more intensive rehabilitation. Car crash victims need to be on alert for a potentially torn meniscus, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), or medial collateral ligament (MCL). Ultimately, these can lead to long-term damage to the knees, which can affect someone’s ability to walk and run. 

Deep Vein Thrombosis

When you get into a car crash you may also develop deep vein thrombosis. This is a blood clot that has formed in the body and may result in swelling or discoloration of the body. It’s also apparent in the form of skin bruising. If left untreated, a deep vein thrombosis can result in a fatal pulmonary embolism. This is when a blood clot clogs the arteries.

Dislocation

From the impact of the crash, one of your bones may also become dislocated. Your hips and knees are not used to that kind of intense pressure, forcing them to pop out of place. If this is a minor desolation, you may just experience difficulty when moving that joint. Regardless if its minor or major, it’s always best to have a medical professional examine it and position the bones back in place. 

What to Do if You Sustained a Leg Injury From a Car Accident

Even if it appears insignificant, leg pain can be a sign of a major injury. If you leave it untreated, you run the risk of suffering from a life-changing disability. In addition, if you do not take certain precautions after a car accident, you may be left with expensive medical bills to treat these injuries. 

Injured victims have a variety of resources to aid them after a crash with a negligent driver occurs. However, in order to fully utilize these resources, it’s beneficial to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer. You can recover maximum compensation if you follow these recommended tips.

Connect With Legal Experts

Finding the right personal injury attorney can help you secure the best outcome when dealing with the aftermath of a car crash. Depending on the complexities of your case, a lawyer can help negotiate with insurance companies and obtain the right evidence that will establish a strong personal injury claim.

At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, our experienced legal team is highly trained and prepared to negotiate the best settlement available so that you are compensated for all of your damages.

Document Everything

Following an accident, it’s important that you document all forms of damages, including physical pain and suffering, as well as financial losses. Any factors that affected finances, like lost wages from missing work, paying for surgeries, or installing wheelchair ramps in the home, can be compensated in a successful lawsuit.

Psychological suffering can also be accounted for. If the car accident caused emotional pain or had an impact on your quality of life, log those experiences and emotions in a journal. 

All losses must be properly documented, as they can make or break a case. Here are some items you should maintain immediately following the accident:

• Medical records
• Medical bills
• A police report
• The defendant’s auto insurance information
• Photos from the scene of the crash 
• Vehicle repair receipts

Following an accident, maintaining your records is of the utmost importance. By providing this information you can provide evidentiary support to your claims. If you are seeking financial and emotional loss, you need to have evidence.

Build Your Case

By utilizing the best legal representation, you can avoid the stresses of handling an accident case on your own–and potentially losing your case. Car accident lawyers are skilled in dealing with deceitful insurance companies, completing and submitting all legal paperwork, and collecting the right evidence.

In addition to obtaining a fair settlement, the goal is to make victims whole again. After contacting our car accident law firm, we can begin building your winning case and help you determine the best course of action. 

Keep Your Rights Protected in the Aftermath of a Car Accident 

What may appear as a minor car accident has the potential to change a victim’s way of life drastically. In a motor vehicle collision, the body can react in a variety of ways, oftentimes resulting in leg injuries. 

If you are involved in a car accident and suffered a leg injury or other physical or mental harm, contact The Law Offices of Daniel Kim. We will help protect your legal rights and help you get the proper medical treatment. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.