Impact, force, and even safety devices like airbags and seatbelts can cause injury in an accident. Approximately five people are injured every minute in car crashes in the U.S. If you’ve been injured, a New York car accident lawyer can help.
Car accident leg injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to complex fractures or debilitating ligament injuries. The anatomy of the leg includes several bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and cartilage. Due to its anatomy, and the importance of legs for many people’s mobility, leg injuries are often serious.
A broken bone, or fracture, occurs when something hits the bone with enough force to break it. Breaks can be partial or complete, depending on how much the bone has separated.
Leg fractures can be a serious injury in a car accident. A broken leg can affect mobility for a substantial amount of time and serious injuries could cause additional tissue or nerve damage.
A soft tissue injury occurs when the muscles or ligaments are injured. Overuse or trauma can cause a soft tissue injury. Sprains, strains, and contusions are common soft tissue injuries.
A bruise, or a contusion, is when the blood vessels burst underneath the skin leaving a bluish, purple, red, black, or green mark. Bruises are generally caused by bumps or other trauma. Contusions may be painful to the touch and can be indicative of a more serious injury.
Even if it’s “just bumps and bruises,” it is important to take even the smallest of accidents seriously. Call the police after a minor car accident to document the incident and gather information from the other driver. You may also want to see a doctor since not all injuries are immediately apparent.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a band of tissues connecting the thighbone to the shinbone at the knee. ACL tears can be painful and lead to weakness in the knee and further damage to the joint due to instability.
The meniscus is the cartilage that sits between the thighbone and shinbone. A tear to the meniscus can occur if the knee is forcefully twisted. Meniscus injuries can be painful, and cause swelling, stiffness, and difficulty extending the knee.
Ligaments connect bones or cartilage together at the joint. Ligaments can be torn or strained due to the force and impact of a car accident. Ligament injuries are not only painful but can severely affect mobility.
A laceration, or a cut, is a wound to the skin and soft tissue of the leg. Lacerations can be caused by blunt or sharp trauma, like broken glass or metal. Depending on the severity of the cut, medical intervention may be required to close the wound. The scars caused by lacerations can lead to lifelong emotional distress.
If you are suffering, seeking guidance from an attorney after a car accident can be essential to understanding your potential compensation.
Receiving a leg injury in an accident can result in a range of symptoms. Joint pain, muscle weakness, and swelling are some common symptoms. Loss of feeling or nerve pain (“pins and needles”) can also occur depending on the nature of the injury.
Besides serious leg injuries, whiplash, brain, back, and neck injuries after a car accident are also common. Receiving medical care following an accident can be vital to identifying your injuries and getting the care you need.
The causes of a leg injury from a car accident vary. The force of the accident can cause the legs to move in unnatural positions. Impact from the crash or from objects in your vehicle can also cause trauma to the leg. Crush injuries can also occur if the leg becomes trapped in the wreckage.
If you have been injured in an accident, you may wonder whether you can recover financial compensation. In New York, car accident settlements for a leg injury can include damages such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
Getting compensation for a driver injured in an accident will depend on several factors. The amount of compensation often depends on the severity of the injury, type of injuries and damages, dispute of car accident fault, and negotiation skills of the involved parties.
If you were injured in a car accident, seeking guidance from an attorney can help. When complex legal questions like “who is liable in a car accident, owner or driver?” or “how much does the road accident fund pay for leg injury?” or “do I need to file a lawsuit?” arise, it’s vital to have a skilled personal injury attorney by your side.
Your car accident lawyer can:
Leg injuries from a car accident can be life-altering. The team at Gregory Spektor & Associates, P.C. can help you explore your legal options. They will guide you through the compensation process, providing you with compassionate support during these challenging times.
