Car Accident Leg Injuries

Car accidents usually involve severe trauma, and the most common traumas are the car accident leg injuries. These will seriously affect your mobility and your daily routine, which you have grown to enjoy in life. Many of the residents in Minnetonka have passed through the painful struggle of recovery at Schmidt & Salita Law Team, and we are here to walk you through the legal options and fight to get you adequate compensation.

Most Common Leg Injuries from Car Accidents

Injuries to the legs from car accidents can vary widely in severity and type, depending on the nature of the crash. These are some of the most common:

• Fractures: A broken leg, or leg fracture, typically occurs when one of the bones in a leg breaks, usually from falls, car accidents, or sports activities. Treatments range from splints in cases of minor breaks to surgical repair with pins and plates in cases of severe breakage. Early diagnosis is essential for correct healing.
• Knee Injuries: The knees often take the brunt of the impact, resulting in ligament tears such as ACL or MCL injuries. These can cause long-term instability and may require reconstructive surgery.
• Soft Tissue Damage: Sprains, strains, and torn muscles are common, particularly in high-impact accidents where sudden twisting or pressure is applied to the leg. Bruising and tenderness often accompany these injuries, requiring careful monitoring.
• Nerve Damage: Severe injuries may damage the nerves in the legs, causing numbness, pain, or even permanent loss of sensation or mobility. Nerve repair often involves specialized surgical procedures and extensive rehabilitation.
• Amputations: In the most tragic cases, traumatic injuries can lead to partial or full amputation of the leg. Victims usually require prosthetics and long-term support to regain independence.

Every type of injury presents distinct challenges, making addressing both the physical and legal aspects vital for a smoother recovery process.

Main Symptoms of Leg Injuries

Recognizing the symptoms of leg injuries after a car accident is essential, as even minor signs can point to more serious underlying conditions. Common indicators include immediate and intense pain, often accompanied by swelling due to internal bleeding or inflammation. Visible bruising or discoloration may signal damage to muscles or blood vessels, and darker, spreading bruises should prompt immediate evaluation. Limited mobility, such as difficulty bearing weight or moving the leg, can be a sign of ligament tears or fractures, often requiring immobilization to prevent further harm.

Numbness or tingling may suggest nerve damage and immediate medical attention would be important in order to avoid further long-term injury. A visible deformity, such as a crooked or displaced leg, would most definitely point toward a fracture or dislocation and require immediate attention. Many of the symptoms may not immediately show up, so monitoring one’s condition and seeking medical attention is important to receive the proper treatment and to support the legal claim.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Most car accidents are usually caused by a combination of driver behavior, environmental factors, and vehicle conditions. The more the causes are understood, the stronger a case can get. Here are some of the most frequent causes:

Distracted Driving

Distractions while driving can be visual, manual, or cognitive. Using a cell phone, eating, or adjusting devices are frequent examples. These behaviors significantly increase crash risks.

Speeding

Driving above the speed limit reduces reaction time and increases the severity of impacts, often causing more severe injuries. Serious leg injuries from high-speed collisions are among the most common types of severe injuries.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol and drug use impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time and increase the likelihood of a crash. Many of these cases have catastrophic injuries when high-speed collisions occur.

Adverse Weather Conditions

Snow, ice, and rain can create slippery roads, which is common in Minnesota’s winters and increases the likelihood of accidents. Drivers failing to adjust to these conditions are often held liable for resulting crashes.

Failure to Obey Traffic Laws

Running red lights, failing to yield, or not adhering to stop signs can result in collisions with catastrophic outcomes. These violations generally form the basis for proving negligence in accident cases.

Call Schmidt & Salita Law Team for a Free Consultation

To those suffering from the consequences of car accidents and leg injuries, we are here to help you through the process. Our car attorneys are well experienced and understand what you are up against, promising to fight for your rights. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team is here to help. Call (952) 473-4530 or contact us today for a free consultation.