On This page
    ankle knee foot injury

    Car accidents create violent forces that travel straight through the pedals, floor, and dashboard, directly into victims’ bodies. Because the legs sit closest to these hardpoints, ankle, knee, and foot injuries from car accidents make up a large share of crash trauma. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) review of crash files shows that lower-extremity injuries are the second most frequent serious injuries among passenger-car occupants, surpassed only by head trauma. Over 30 percent of these cases involve the ankle-foot complex, often when the pedals, toe-pan, or floor crush inward during impact.

    If you’ve suffered from ankle, knee, or foot injuries in a car accident, Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyer’s South Carolina car accident attorneys are here to help. We understand that serious injuries leave a lasting impact on your life. Schedule a consultation with us to learn how to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

    How Our Legal Team at Joye Law Firm Helps Victims of Auto Accidents Who Sustained Ankle, Knee, and Foot Injuries

    • We secure crash reports, witness statements, and video footage before they disappear, establishing fault and preserving evidence that ties the wreck to your lower-extremity injuries.
    • Our team works closely with orthopedists, podiatrists, and physical therapists to obtain detailed records, MRI results, and future-care projections for ankle, knee, and foot trauma, crucial for proving the full extent of your damages.
    • We compile every medical bill, lost paycheck, mobility aid, and upcoming surgery into a clear, evidence-based claim. That ensures that the insurer sees the actual economic impact of your injury.
    • With detailed medical evidence backing up your claim, we negotiate for maximum compensation for you. If the insurer refuses to pay fair value, our litigators file suit and present compelling testimony on joint stability, chronic pain, and long-term disability.

    What Our Clients and Results Say About Working with Joye Law Firm

    At Joye Law Firm, we’re proud of the outcomes we’ve secured for our clients and even prouder of the trust they’ve placed in us during some of the most difficult times in their lives. Below are some results from injured motorists who turned to us after crashes and experienced firsthand the care, commitment, and results our legal team delivers.

    • $500,000 settlement for a woman who suffered injuries to her neck, elbow, shoulders, right knee, and leg after being T-boned by a truck on Highway 52.
    • $300,000 settlement for a man who underwent knee reconstruction surgery after being hit by a reckless driver.

    At Joye, our clients come first. So, we’re honored that they consistently express deep appreciation for the compassionate, professional, and supportive guidance they receive throughout their case and praise our clear communication, attention to detail, and dedication. Most of all, we’re proud to manage their complex legal matters with care and efficiency, so they can focus on recovery without added stress.

    Joye Law Firm comes highly recommended by clients who value not only our experience but the genuine compassion behind our work. If you or someone dear to you needs help, work with us and find out why.

    Most Common Foot Injuries After a Car Crash

    Below are the common foot injuries that car accident victims sustain. These are evaluated to help strengthen your personal injury claims.

    Injury What it Means
    Ankle sprain (Grade I, II, III) Grade I: stretched ligament, mild ankle pain
    Grade II: partial tear, swelling, and bruising
    Grade III: full tear, severe instability, and severe pain.
    Ankle fractures & ankle avulsion fractures Broken bone pieces at the malleolus or a small chip where a ligament rips away the edge of the bone.
    Heel bone (calcaneus) fractures & heel injury Crushed heel bone is often the most disabling of foot injuries.
    Stress fractures & metatarsal bone breaks Tiny cracks in long foot bones can grow into a full foot fracture if you continue to put weight on them improperly while they heal.
    Dislocated foot bones, torn ligaments, and serious sprains Bones slip out of joint; ligaments rupture.
    Meniscus tear (knee) A cartilage tear causes locking, swelling, and trouble bending or straightening.
    Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture The knee feels like it “pops” and then gives way; extensive physical therapy and sometimes surgery are needed.
    Internal bruising (deep muscle or bone contusion) Hidden blood collects inside soft tissue, causes throbbing pain days after the wreck.
    Puncture wounds & lacerations Cuts from glass or ripped sheet metal can lead to infection.

    Quick fact: An adult foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Damaging even one part can change the way you walk and cause long-term ankle and foot pain.

    Common Symptoms of Lower-Extremity Injuries After a Collision

    • Throbbing or sharp pain that worsens with movement
    • Rapid swelling or visible bruising around the joint
    • Warmth, redness, or tenderness to light touch
    • Trouble bearing weight; limping or refusing to stand
    • “Popping” sound at the time of injury or knee that feels loose
    • Numb toes or tingling past the injury site
    • Inability to fully straighten or bend the knee or ankle
    • Persistent foot pain that keeps you awake at night

    Sprains and fractures often start with the same swelling and severe pain, so only an X-ray or MRI confirms what is broken or torn. Delay can lead to chronic pain and arthritis that never quite goes away.

    How Vehicle Design and Crash Type Cause Ankle, Foot, and Knee Trauma

    1. Pedal box and toe-pan intrusion. The thin metal under the pedals can buckle in a front-end crash, pinching toes, shattering metatarsal bones, and causing ankle fractures.
    2. Dashboard and steering wheel contact. Knees move forward into the dash; toes may curl under, causing foot or ankle injury. Steering-wheel collapse can trap the foot or calf muscle.
    3. Collision mode.
    4. Speed and vehicle size. Higher speed equals more energy. Small cars absorb less, so occupants suffer more severe injuries.
    5. Seat position and belt load path. Sitting close to the pedals increases ankle load; submarining under a lap belt twists the knee and ankle.

    When to Seek Medical Treatment After a Crash

    Getting checked quickly matters for two big reasons: your health and your personal injury case.

    • Call 911 if you see a bone out of the skin, lose feeling in the foot, or cannot move your toes.
    • Visit the ER or urgent care within 24–48 hours, even for mild swelling. Early imaging finds hidden stress fractures or a minor ankle sprain that could become unstable.
    • Warning signs that need emergency care include severe swelling, intense ankle pain, skin that looks pale or blue, or a foot that sits at an odd angle.
    • Keep every record. EMS notes, X-ray images, prescriptions for pain medication, and the referral to physical therapy will later prove the link between the wreck and your medical bills.

    Long-Term Impacts of Severe Ankle, Knee, and Foot Injuries

    Untreated or badly treated car accident injuries in the lower limbs can change daily life:

    • Chronic pain and arthritis. Damaged cartilage causes grinding in the joint years later.
    • Permanent mobility limits. Even a well-healed foot fracture can reduce ankle flexion by 10° or more, making stairs hard.
    • Lost wages and career change. Workers who stand, lift, or drive for a living may not return for months; some never return to the same job.
    • Emotional suffering. Lingering limp and severe trauma can lead to anxiety or depression.
    • Higher medical expenses. Repeat surgery, injections, and adaptive shoes add up quickly.

    Modern Treatment Options, Surgery, and Physical Therapy

    Crash-related lower-limb damage often needs a multi-step care plan:

    Treatment What It Involves Typical Healing Process
    Closed reduction and casting Realign the broken bone without cutting skin; apply cast or boot. Ankle fractures often stay non-weight-bearing 6 weeks; full activity in 3–4 months.
    Open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) Surgeon makes an incision, uses plates or screws to hold bone. Crutches 6–8 weeks; physical therapy starts once the bone knits.
    Arthroscopic repair Tiny camera fixes meniscus tear or removes bone chips. Return to desk work 2 weeks; sports 4–6 months.
    Ligament reconstruction (ACL graft) Replace torn anterior cruciate ligament with tendon graft Rigorous rehab 9–12 months to regain knee stability.
    External fixation for severe trauma Metal frame outside the leg keeps shattered bones aligned. Often followed by staged surgeries and long extensive medical treatment bills.
    Regenerative medicine Platelet-rich plasma or stem-cell injections for stubborn soft tissue tears. Early studies show faster pain relief, but insurers may fight the cost.

    Treatments like surgery, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation can be expensive. In serious cases, a legal claim may help cover these expenses, especially when recovery affects your ability to work or enjoy daily life. Medical records, imaging, and the treatment timeline can be important evidence if you decide to move forward with a personal injury claim. It’s important to keep all documentation and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely.

    Real-World Recovery Timelines (From Minor Sprain to Heel Bone Fracture)

    • Grade I ankle sprain: May walk in 1 week, light sport in 3 weeks.
    • Grade III ankle sprain or ligament tear: The victim may need to wear a brace for 4 weeks and then be allowed to jog at 3 months.
    • Metatarsal stress fracture: Need to use the boot for 4–6 weeks, full load at 3 months.
    • Heel bone fractures: Use non-weight-bearing within 10–12 weeks, then go hiking at 6 months.
    • Complex multi-bone foot fracture: This may require surgery and takes a year to reach 75 percent of the former function.

    Early motion within safe limits reduces scarring and speeds the healing process. Missing therapy sessions often lead to stiffness and ankle and foot injuries that return during cold weather.

    Frequently Overlooked Costs (Why the Insurance Company May Underpay)

    1. Adaptive gear. Knee scooter, custom orthotics, or ankle-foot orthosis.
    2. Home changes. Grab bars, stair lifts, and wider doors for walkers.
    3. Future care. Likely injections or hardware removal.
    4. Travel for treatment. Mileage to a specialty surgeon is two hours away.
    5. Co-morbid injuries. Victims may also suffer traumatic brain injuries that complicate rehab.

    Every cost related to your claim needs to be clearly documented and supported. Insurance companies are not required to pay for anything that isn’t properly listed or backed up with proof. That’s why working with a legal team like Joye Law Firm ensures nothing is missed or undervalued. Even small expenses, if left out, can add up and end up coming out of your pocket later. Being careful and complete now can help protect you from unexpected costs down the road.

    Call Joye Law Firm After Sustaining Ankle, Knee, and Foot Injuries from Car Accidents

    When you’re injured, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a team that knows how to build a strong case and truly cares about your recovery. At Joye Law Firm, we’ve been serving South Carolinians since 1968, and we’ve built a reputation for delivering life-changing results in complex injury cases.

    What sets us apart?

    • Extensive experience with orthopedic and joint-related injuries from car accidents
    • Innovative approach, our team uses cutting-edge technology and works with medical, vocational, and accident reconstructionist experts to support your claim
    • With a compassionate, client-first approach, we understand how much is riding on the outcome of your case, and we don’t treat you like just another number
    • Proven results, with hundreds of successful cases involving foot, ankle, and knee injuries

    Our law firm has resolved thousands of car accident cases that involve foot and ankle injuries, ranging from acute foot injuries to long-term chronic pain with arthritis. The law limits of the amount of time you have to pursue an auto accident claim. If you miss that statute, you lose the right to pursue compensation for present medical expenses and future care.

    Don’t delay, talk with our attorneys today. Schedule your free case evaluation today, and we will help you get back on track.

    Contact Us
    Attorneys at Joye Law Firm's Myrtle Beach office