Common Car Accident Leg Injuries in Washington

One moment, everything feels normal — you're sitting in traffic, listening to music, thinking about your day. The next, a violent impact jolts you, and excruciating pain shoots through your leg. Car accidents happen all the time, but some injuries can linger for months or even years. Among the most painful and life-altering injuries are those to the legs. Leg injuries steal your independence, your ability to work, to walk, to live the life you knew.

Whether it's a side-impact collision, head-on crash, or rear-end accident, your legs are vulnerable to severe trauma due to their position in the vehicle. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, speak with our Seattle car accident lawyers, who have decades of experience winning cases for people seriously injured in automobile accidents. We will do everything in our power to get you the compensation you deserve.

Why Leg Injuries Are so Common in Car Accidents

Leg injuries happen a lot in car crashes — especially in frontal collisions, and the numbers back it up. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), injuries below the knee are some of the most frequent in these types of crashes, and they often lead to long-term issues like mobility problems and chronic pain.

In fact, NHTSA research found that injuries to the knee-thigh-hip area make up about 55% of all Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) 2+ lower extremity injuries, and they account for 42% of the total life-years lost due to leg trauma in crashes.

Leg injuries are so common to drivers in auto accidents because a driver’s legs are positioned directly under the dashboard and steering column — meaning they’re at the front line when a crash happens. The force of a car collision can slam your knees into the dash, twist your hips awkwardly, or crush your legs entirely under debris. Even minor fender-benders can cause soft tissue injuries or bruising, while more severe crashes can lead to broken bones, ligament injuries, or long-term chronic pain.

Most Common Leg Injuries from Car Accidents

Let’s break down the types of leg injuries most often seen in auto accident victims:

Fractures and Broken Bones

The thigh bone (femur), leg bones (tibia and fibula), and kneecap (patella) are highly vulnerable. A broken leg may be obvious or hidden as a hairline fracture, only detected through imaging. Crush injuries from high-impact crashes may require surgery, pins, or rods.

Knee Injuries

The knee joint is complex and fragile. Damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), or medial collateral ligament (MCL) can cause instability and severe pain. A meniscus tear is another common knee injury, leading to swelling, locking, and long recovery periods.

Soft Tissue Injuries

These include muscle injuries, sprains, and strains. They may not show up on X-rays but can cause leg pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Left untreated, they may worsen over time.

Crush Injuries

If your legs are trapped under the dashboard or door after a car crash, you may suffer tissue and nerve damage that leads to complications like compartment syndrome, which can be life-threatening.

Dislocations and Joint Injuries

The hip, knee, or ankle joints may be dislocated during a crash, often requiring surgical intervention and physical therapy to regain function.

Long-Term Nerve Damage

In some cases, leg injuries from car accidents lead to long-term nerve issues, causing numbness, tingling, or chronic pain in the affected leg.

Even if you feel no immediate pain, there can be hidden injuries — internal damage or soft tissue injuries that can be easy to miss without a medical exam.

Lacerations

Lacerations are deep cuts caused by broken glass, metal, or debris. Although they may seem minor at first, they can lead to infection, nerve damage, or permanent scarring if not treated quickly. Some may require stitches or even surgery to close the wound properly.

What Should You Do After Suffering a Leg Injury in a Car Accident?

If you've been hurt, your first priority should be medical treatment  —  even if your symptoms seem mild at first.

• Move to safety and assess your leg: If you’re able, get to a safe location away from traffic. Don’t try to stand or walk if your leg is in pain — doing so could worsen a fracture or tear.
• Call 911 immediately: Always report the accident. Let the dispatcher know if you or anyone else has a suspected leg injury so paramedics can respond properly.
• Stay still if your leg hurts or looks deformed: If you feel severe pain or numbness or can’t move your leg, stay put and wait for emergency responders. Moving can worsen soft tissue or bone damage.
• Exchange contact and insurance information: If you can, get the other driver's name, license number, and insurance information. If not, ask someone to help.
• Take photos or ask someone to document the scene: Photograph your vehicle, visible leg injuries, road conditions, and anything that shows how the crash happened. This can support your injury claim later.
• Tell medical personnel about your leg pain: Whether it's throbbing, stiff, swollen, or just feels off, tell the EMTs and ER doctors precisely what you feel. Don’t downplay your symptoms.
• Get imaging and follow-up care: Ask for X-rays or MRIs if doctors don’t offer them. Some leg injuries, like hairline fractures or ligament tears, are easy to miss without scans.
• Follow your treatment plan exactly: Go to every appointment, follow rehab instructions, and avoid using the injured leg too soon. This shows the insurance company you’re serious about recovery.
• Avoid discussing fault or injuries with the other driver or insurer: Don’t admit blame or say, “I’m okay”. Let your medical records and legal process speak for you.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible: An attorney can help protect your rights, deal with the insurance company, and make sure you get full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain.

Can You Get Compensation for Leg Injuries in Washington?

Yes — if another driver’s negligence caused your crash, you may be eligible to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and money for pain and suffering through a personal injury lawsuit or auto accident claim.

Recoverable damages may include:

• Medical bills for surgeries, rehab, and long-term care
• Lost income due to time away from work
• Future earnings if your injury limits your career
• Physical pain and emotional suffering
• Property damage to your vehicle or personal items

What If the Insurance Company Downplays Your Leg Injury?

It happens often. An insurer may question the extent of your car accident injuries or push for a quick, lowball settlement, especially with soft tissue or lower leg injuries. Their goal is to pay you as little money as possible. Our job is to force them to be accountable. That’s why it’s important to have a skilled personal injury attorney review your case.

Why You Need a Washington Car Accident Lawyer

When you’re recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident, the last thing you should deal with is an aggressive insurance company or confusing legal forms. In some cases, serious leg injuries can even lead to a disabling condition that impacts your ability to work or live independently.

A professional car accident attorney can help by:

• Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
• Calculating your entire financial and medical losses
• Handling all communications and negotiations
• Preparing your case for litigation, if needed

In Washington, car accident victims have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. The statute of limitations for injured children is three years from their 18th birthday. But you should never wait to contact our lawyers. The sooner we can begin working for you, the better your case will turn out.

Leg Injuries Are Serious — Let Lehmbecker Law Help

Leg injuries can affect your ability to walk, work, and live a normal life — especially when left untreated or dismissed by insurers. Don’t tough it out alone.

Lehmbecker Law’s Washington car accident attorneys help clients across the state, fighting for their right to be compensated for their injuries. Our legal team understands how serious these injuries are and how aggressively insurers try to minimize them.

If you've suffered leg injuries from a car accident in Washington, and your case needs more than just an average lawyer, don’t wait. Help is a quick phone call away. Contact Lehmbecker Law today for a free consultation and get the trusted legal support you need to take the next step.