The most common types of leg injuries after a car accident include:
- Leg fractures. These are among the most severe types of leg injuries from car accidents. The impact can cause breaks in the femur, tibia, fibula, or even in the smaller bones of the foot and ankle. Fractures can range from simple to compound fractures.
- Knee injuries: The knee is particularly vulnerable in car accidents. Common knee injuries include Anterior Cruciate Ligament ACL tears, meniscus tears, and patellar fractures.
- Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries involve damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the leg. They often include strains and sprains when the muscles and ligaments are overstretched or torn.
- Dislocations: A dislocation occurs when the bones in a joint become displaced. In car accidents, hip and knee dislocations are common and can be accompanied by ligament damage.
- Nerve damage: Trauma from a car accident can cause nerve damage in the legs, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness.