What Type of Car Accidents are Most Likely to Injure Your Feet?
A study by the National Center for Biotechnology found that 76% of all foot and ankle car accident injuries are caused by head-on collisions. This is because the lower extremities are first to absorb the impact of such an accident. Another 21% of foot injuries are caused by roll-overs and side impacts.
Foot injuries most often occur in head-on collisions, but can occur in any type of car crash. The foot, toe, and ankle areas are composed of many bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments. When a high impact crash occurs, the body naturally braces upon impact. This means the ankle and foot will receive the full force of the car’s impact and of the weight of the person’s body. This extreme tension near the ankle and foot area can cause severe damage to the tendons and ligaments, resulting in fractures and tears.
In addition, any overwhelming pressure from loose automobile material hitting the vulnerable foot and ankle during a car accident can result in severed skin or puncture wounds, both of which can be very serious.
What are the Symptoms of a Foot Injury After a Car Crash?
Common symptoms of a foot injury can range from mild to acute and may include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Torn tendons, ligaments, and muscles
- Severed ligaments, muscles, skin, and tendons
- Sprains
- Fractures
- Broken bones
Secondary complications may include infections. Certain injuries, such as fractures and broken bones, may also lead to chronic conditions such as arthritis, which may require a life-time of medication and treatment. In severe cases, such as a severed foot, amputation may be necessary.
What is Foot Compartment Syndrome?
Your foot is composed of four compartments (interosseous, medial, lateral, central) that house a network of blood vessels and nerves. Imagine one of these compartments being crushed during a high impact car crash. The swelling of the surrounding tissue from the damaged compartment will put pressure on this delicate nerve and blood vessel network, ultimately cutting off blood flow to the foot. This painful and severe injury requires immediate medical attention. A specialist will need to examine the damaged foot and possibly perform surgery to remove the pressure and restore blood flow.
If you think you are suffering from foot compartment syndrome, contact Patterson Law Group today and we will help you receive both monetary compensation and the best medical care following a car collision.
Who Is Most at Risk?
According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study, females and older drivers are more likely to receive lower extremity injuries. However, everyone is at risk, and the feet are not as protected by modern-day vehicle safety devices as other parts of the body.
What Happens After My Foot is Injured in a Car Accident?
A foot and ankle injury may severely limit your mobility until healing is complete. Pain medication may be recommended depending on the injuries sustained. Mobility guides, such as walkers and canes, and casts or bandages, may also be necessary during the healing process. X-rays and MRI’s may also be required to assess the extent of the damage. Some severe injuries, such as fractures and broken bones, may require surgery and even physical therapy.
Local Fort Worth Foot Injury Specialists
There are many available podiatrists in the Fort Worth area that can assist you in your recovery. Here are a few specialists who can help you get back on your feet:
Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists
4444 Heritage Trace Pkwy #400
Fort Worth, TX 76244
(817) 741-4000
Texas Foot and Ankle Orthopedics
800 5th Ave Ste 510
Fort Worth, TX 76104
(817) 250-4265
Family Foot Care
8751 Camp Bowie W Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76116
(817) 244-7121
Foot Injury Compensation After a Car Crash
Compensation for your foot injuries will depend on the severity of the injuries and the extent to which your mobility is affected. If you are unable to walk for a certain period of time, or your mobility is limited, then your earning potential may be affected. Patterson Law Group will strive to compensate you for any lost wages, medical care, and pain and suffering.
Compensation can also depend on who is at fault in the car accident. If the accident includes a collision with another car and the other driver is at fault, he or she can be sued for any injuries that you incur. We will also make sure that you receive compensation for any physical and emotional suffering sustained, including all hospital and therapy bills.
If you’ve been the victim of a car accident, Patterson Law Group will make sure that your healing is complete and that you receive the maximum settlement deserved. Call today for a free consultation.