A leg or foot injury from a car accident can disrupt every part of your life. Whether you’re dealing with a broken bone, torn ligaments, or long-term mobility issues, your physical pain is only part of the struggle. You may be unable to work, keep up with daily responsibilities, or even walk without help. And that’s not to mention the physical pain and emotional suffering a serious injury causes.
At Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., our car accident lawyers understand how overwhelming this can be, and we’re here to help you. Our experienced attorneys can review crash reports, photos, physical evidence from the crash scene, eyewitness testimony, and other evidence to find and prove who caused the crash. We can also use your medical and financial records to illustrate the full extent of your physical, emotional, and economic losses. If the other driver or their insurance company gives you trouble, we can negotiate on your behalf or take your case to trial.
Don’t bear the burden of someone else’s carelessness yourself. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation with our Huntsville car accident attorneys.
How Legs and Feet Can Sustain Car Crash Injuries
Drivers’ and passengers’ legs and feet are especially vulnerable during a car crash due to their position inside the vehicle. In a head-on or rear-end collision, the impact force can shove the dashboard, pedals, or floorboard into the lower body. Similarly, the doors or frame may crush inward in side-impact crashes, striking someone’s knees, ankles, or thighs.
Sudden stops can also cause a driver’s or passenger’s legs to twist or slam into hard surfaces, while rollover accidents may trap a person’s lower body under debris. High speeds aren’t necessary for leg and foot injuries. Bone fractures, soft-tissue injuries, and joint damage can happen even in lower-speed accidents, depending on the angle and force of the crash.
Types of Common Leg and Foot Injuries in Car Accidents
Some examples of foot and leg injuries from car accidents include:
- Broken bones – Bones in the leg and foot, including the femur, tibia, and fibula, can break from the blunt force of a crash, especially if a car slams into or crushes a vehicle occupant’s lower body.
- Knee injuries – An occupant’s knee can twist or strike the dashboard in a collision, which can cause ligament tears, dislocations, or cartilage damage.
- Ankle sprains and fractures – Sudden twisting or crushing in a crash can overstretch or break the bones and ligaments in the ankle.
- Muscle and tendon damage – High-impact collisions can strain or tear muscles and tendons in the legs and feet, making walking or standing painful.
- Crush injuries – When a vehicle collapses or traps the lower body, it can cause severe tissue damage or nerve injuries, or result in amputations in extreme cases.
- Dislocations – A severe collision can dislodge joints in the hips, knees, or ankles, leading to intense pain and significant mobility issues.
Signs and Symptoms of a Leg or Foot Injury
Watch for these signs and symptoms of a foot or leg injury from a collision:
- Pain or tenderness in the legs or feet
- Swelling or bruising
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Numbness or tingling
- Limited range of motion
- Visible deformities or misalignments
- Pain when putting weight on the leg or foot
- Stiffness or weakness
- Cramping or muscle spasms
- Open wounds or bleeding in the lower body
Physical Impact of Leg and Foot Injuries
Leg and foot injuries from car accidents can have a noticeable and significant impact on your daily life, both in the short and long term. In the early stages, you may need crutches, a brace, or even surgery, followed by weeks or months of physical therapy to regain your strength and range of motion. Swelling, pain, and limited movement are also common, making walking, driving, or doing basic tasks hard.
More severe injuries, such as fractures, torn ligaments, or nerve damage, can take much longer to heal. In some cases, the damage may be permanent, leaving you with a limp, chronic pain, or reduced function in the affected foot or leg. These physical limitations can make it hard to return to work, especially if your job requires standing, lifting, or a lot of movement.
Seeking Medical Attention – How Do I Know if My Leg Injury Is Serious?
It’s vital to take any leg or foot pain seriously after a car crash, even if it initially seems minor. Some injuries, like fractures or soft-tissue damage, may not be apparent immediately but can quickly worsen without treatment. If your leg looks deformed or you heard a “pop” during the crash, get medical help immediately. A doctor can run tests like X-rays or MRIs to find hidden damage to your foot or leg.
Potential Compensation for a Leg or Foot Injury
A foot or leg injury after a motor vehicle accident can affect you physically, emotionally, and financially. You need a lawyer’s help to document all your losses and maximize your potential compensation for your car accident injuries and related losses. With proper legal support, your compensation could include money for:
- Current medical bills
- Future medical expenses related to your injury
- Lost income while you heal
- Reduced future earnings if your injury affects your ability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- The cost to repair or replace your car and other damaged property
Why Choose the Huntsville Car Accident Attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C.?
Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., has served Northern Alabama since 1966, and we’ve consistently demonstrated our skill and determination on our clients’ behalf. Our car accident attorneys have won honors from The Best Lawyers in America for many years, with several receiving “Lawyer of the Year” distinctions in their respective practice areas. Our firm has also been named a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News & World Report for multiple years.
Some of the best accolades our law firm has won come directly from our clients in the form of positive testimonials. For example, here’s what one past client said about their experience with us:
“It was an absolute pleasure working with Morris King and Hodge. I would recommend them as your first choice.” — L.D.
When you choose Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., you’re choosing a team that’s fully committed to guarding your rights and protecting your future. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation about your personal injury claim.
