Leg Injuries from Car Accidents in Raleigh, NC

Leg injuries from car accidents have the potential to cause long-term complications and even permanent impairment. These severe injuries can prevent victims from working, moving around unaided, and doing activities they enjoyed before the collision.

If you suffered a leg injury in a car accident in North Carolina, you may be facing extensive medical treatment, a long recovery process, financial setbacks, and the uncertainty of whether or not you’ll ever fully heal. The team at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks in Raleigh is ready to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us right away at 919-661-9000 to get started with a free consultation.

Common Leg Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents

The possible leg injuries caused by car accidents can range from mild to severe, often requiring surgery, physical therapy, or long-term rehabilitation to treat effectively. The type and extent of leg injuries depend on factors like the speed of the crash, the point and angle of impact, and whether the victim was a driver, passenger, or pedestrian.

Some of the most common leg injuries from car accidents include:

Fractures – Bones can fracture when the force of impact crushes the legs against vehicle structures. Severe fractures may require metal rods, screws, or plates to stabilize the bones.
Crush injuries – When a car collapses around a person’s legs, it can cause extensive tissue damage and sometimes lead to amputation.
Knee ligament tears – Collisions can twist or hyperextend the knee, tearing ligaments such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial collateral ligament (MCL) and causing instability and severe pain.
Severed arteries – Deep cuts or bone fragments can damage major arteries, such as the femoral artery, leading to dangerous and potentially life-threatening blood loss.
Lacerations and bruising – Sharp debris or blunt impact can cause cuts, bruises, and soft tissue injuries that are painful and may leave scars.
Kneecap fracture – The patella, or kneecap, can fracture from direct force on the knee.
Meniscus tears — Meniscus tears from car accidents happen from sudden twists or impacts (like knees hitting the dashboard), causing pain, swelling, stiffness, popping, and limited movement, ranging from minor to severe.
Ankle injuries — Ankle injuries from car accidents are common, ranging from mild sprains (stretched ligaments/tendons) to severe fractures (broken bones) or tendon tears, often from bracing for impact or awkward bending, causing pain, swelling, and bruising, requiring prompt medical diagnosis.
Foot injuries — Foot injuries from car accidents are common and can be serious, ranging from fractures (like heel (calcaneus) or midfoot (Lisfranc)) and ligament tears (sprains) to severe crush injuries and tendon ruptures (like Achilles) or compartment syndrome, often caused by intense impact, leading to swelling, pain, and mobility loss, requiring prompt medical attention, potentially involving surgery, casts, physical therapy, and long-term care to avoid chronic issues like arthritis or disability.

Types of Accidents That Increase the Risk of Leg Injuries

Due to how they distribute force and impact, some types of car accidents are uniquely likely to cause leg injuries. Some factors that influence the risk and severity of leg trauma include the victim’s position, the type of vehicle, and the direction of the collision.

The following types of car wrecks are most likely to result in serious leg injuries:

Head-on collisions – These crashes generate powerful forward momentum, forcing drivers’ and passengers’ legs into dashboards or footwells. Fractures of the femur, tibia, and fibula are common, as are crush injuries from vehicle intrusion. Head-on collisions can also injure the knee, ankle and foot.

T-bone collisions – When one vehicle strikes another from the side, the impact can crush the lower limbs of the person seated closest to the point of contact. These accidents often cause compound fractures and knee joint injuries.

Rollover accidents – During rollovers, vehicle occupants may be thrown against doors or pinned under parts of the car. Legs can get trapped or crushed, leading to broken bones, torn ligaments, or severe soft tissue injuries that require extensive rehabilitation.

Long-Term Effects of Leg Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

Severe leg injuries from car accidents can cause lasting physical challenges that affect nearly every aspect of your mobility, such as:

Chronic pain, nerve damage, or joint stiffness can last even after surgery or physical therapy.

Fractures can lead to uneven limb length or arthritis, while ligament or tendon injuries may limit your balance and flexibility.

If you lose partial or full function of a leg, you may need braces, walking aids, or prosthetics.

Physical limitations from a leg injury can make standing, climbing stairs, and driving challenging, disrupting both your work and your daily activities.

Inability to exercise after a serious leg injury can cause other serious health conditions.

These physical consequences often lead to broader financial, psychological, and social effects. Extended time away from work can create financial strain, particularly when you face ongoing and steadily rising medical bills and rehabilitation costs. You may struggle with anxiety, depression, or a loss of independence if you’re no longer able to participate in sports, hobbies, or social events you used to enjoy. Persistent leg pain and visible scarring may also affect your confidence and emotional well-being.

Can I Get Compensation for a Leg Injury After a Car Accident?

If you suffered a leg injury in a car accident someone else caused, you may be entitled to seek compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. These options are designed to help you recover the financial, physical, and emotional losses that result from the crash, including:

Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation
Future medical costs related to ongoing care, physical therapy, or assistive devices
Lost wages from time missed at work during recovery
Loss of future earning capacity if the injury prevents you from returning to your previous job
Pain and suffering, including chronic discomfort
Emotional distress caused by trauma, anxiety, or depression
Loss of enjoyment of life due to physical limitations or inability to participate in activities

The amount of compensation you can get depends on factors like the type and severity of your leg injury, your recovery timeline, and the extent to which the injury affects your ability to work and live independently. The team at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks in Raleigh can review crash details, medical documentation, employment records, and expert opinions to build a strong claim that accurately reflects your total losses.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim After Sustaining a Leg Injury from a Car Crash

The statute of limitations gives you just three years from the date of a crash in North Carolina to initiate legal action. This may seem like a long time. However, keep in mind that prompt investigation can go a long way toward obtaining the evidence you need to support your claim. Delays can cause some types of evidence to deteriorate or disappear entirely. And if you don’t file a lawsuit before the deadline expires, the law will absolutely prevent you from recovering any compensation forever.

With this in mind, it’s essential to contact an attorney right away to start the evidence gathering process and begin preparing your claim. Don’t risk losing the opportunity to secure the justice and financial compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Raleigh Car Accident Lawyers for Help

Your choice of a personal injury attorney can be one of the most critical decisions you face in the aftermath of a crash. You need a lawyer with substantial experience, knowledge, and understanding of how North Carolina law enables car accident victims to pursue justice and accountability.

At Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks we’ve supported thousands of people across North Carolina who have suffered harm due to others’ carelessness. Our team has over 100 years of combined experience, and we’re here to provide the personalized care and one-on-one attention you deserve. We’ll do everything possible to help you get the support you need, from offering legal services in Spanish to providing regular updates through our state-of-the-art case tracking system.

Our firm has recovered millions for our clients and has an extensive record of positive reviews, such as this client who wrote:

“Very professional. They articulate things in a way you’ll understand, and show empathy and compassion for your situation.” – Russell

Contact Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks today at 919-661-9000 for a free case evaluation with an experienced and supportive car accident lawyer in Raleigh, NC.