If you experience ankle and foot pain after a car accident, you should undergo an evaluation by a doctor as soon as possible. Ankle and foot injuries may be minor, but they could also require surgery, physical therapy, and other treatment to regain full range of motion and mobility.
Most states allow accident victims to recover compensation for their medical care costs and other expenses following a collision. A car accident lawyer may be able to help you hold the at-fault driver liable and recover money damages for your assessment, treatment, and other related costs.
What Types of Injuries Can Cause Ankle and Foot Pain?
Because the driver’s foot is on the pedal during an accident, they often suffer significant injuries to their lower limbs. Passengers and drivers alike can sustain lower leg and foot injuries if they become trapped under the dash.
The impact of a collision could cause damage to almost any part of either the foot or ankle, including:
- Broken bones
- Joint dislocations
- Tendon or ligament damage
- Muscle or other soft tissue injuries
The most severe foot and ankle injuries could lead to amputations. Others require multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and pain management. Some of the most common injuries people experience in their feet, and lower legs include:
- Contusions and lacerations
- Sprains and strains
- Torn ligaments
- Ruptured tendons
- Fractures, including serious dislocated fractures such as a Lisfranc injury
In most cases, the doctor who evaluates you will be able to diagnose you based on an examination of the foot and ankle, X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other medical imaging.
Can Ankle and Foot Injuries Lead to Lasting Disability?
Most ankle and foot injuries heal in time, but some can lead to chronic pain, limited activities, and even mobility concerns. This could affect your everyday life in several ways. For example, you may:
- Struggle to stand for long periods or walk significant distances
- Require ongoing pain management
- Not be able to complete the household chores you handled previously
- Miss extended time at work or be unable to complete your previous job tasks
- Have to give up activities you once loved
If any of these apply to you, it is important to discuss them with your attorney. You may be able to recover financial damages for the economic costs and intangible losses.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 537-8185
Can I Seek Compensation for My Injured Ankle and Foot?
You may be able to build a case to pursue compensation. A successful claim would mean holding the at-fault driver accountable and recovering fair compensation based on your incurred costs and losses. This varies based on the details of your case but will likely include:
- Medical assessment, treatment, and follow-up
- Any related future medical needs
- Mobility aids or other prescribed equipment or medications
- Rehabilitation or therapy
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning ability for lasting injuries
- Vehicle repairs
- Miscellaneous expenses
- Pain and suffering damages
- Mental anguish
- Reduced quality of life, if applicable
To recover these damages, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability auto insurance or sue them in civil court for fair compensation. You will need to have evidence available to prove:
- The driver acted carelessly or recklessly (negligence)
- They caused the crash and are legally liable
- You suffered physical, psychological, and financial harm
- The value of your damages
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help Me with My Injury Claim?
You may want to consider working with a car accident lawyer to file your claim and seek compensation. A lawyer will have the necessary resources and knowledge to investigate what happened, build a case, and pursue fair and just damages on your behalf.
Most cases do not go to trial. Instead, they reach a settlement through negotiations outside of court. However, suing is necessary under some circumstances.
Even across the Gulf South, timelines for filing a personal injury lawsuit differ widely. You might have up to three years in Arkansas (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105) or Mississippi (Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49), while Alabama (Ala. Code § 6-2-38) gives you up to two years. In Louisiana, victims generally only have one year to begin the legal process under La. Civ. Code Art. 3492. Some circumstances could shorten these deadlines further, too.
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Call Our Office for a Free Consultation to Discuss Your Rights to Compensation
You can trust the Morris Bart law firm to assess your car accident case and determine your options for holding the at-fault driver accountable. We have 15 locations throughout our service area, where we work for victims in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas.
Call (800) 537-8185 for a free consultation with a team member about your ankle and foot injuries today.
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