Anyone that’s spent any amount of time on the road in Spokane has seen–or even been involved in–a car accident. Every car accident is different, from the type to the potential injuries they can cause. That said, one of the most common injuries across these many different car accidents is a broken ankle.
Because they frequently involve impact that twists and compresses the lower body, it’s easy to see why so many of these car accidents lead to broken ankles. Recovering from these extremely painful injuries can require extensive medical treatment, surgery, missing work, and physical therapy. If it happens to you, though, one other thing you’ll need in recovery is experienced legal support.
Spokane Car Accident Lawyers You Can Count On
It can be a very painful and stressful experience when you’ve been injured in a Spokane car accident. Still, they happen every day throughout the area. If it happens to you, you need legal support you can count on.
Since 1948 our team of experienced Spokane car accident lawyers at Crary, Chuang, and Domanico, P.S. have provided clients with the support and guidance they need to recover from a broken ankle or any other injury. Don’t hesitate to get the help you need, contact us today for a free consultation. You can count on our team.
Spokane Car Accident Statistics
Being that it’s Washington’s second-largest city behind Seattle, Spokane is one of the more populated areas in the state. 2022 data from the Washington State Department of Transportation found that there were:
- 4,027 accidents in Spokane
- 108 resulted in a serious injury
- 504 resulted in a minor injury
- 802 resulted in a possible injury
The prevalence of broken ankles in car accidents can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The speed and angle of the collision
- The type of vehicle involved
- Whether the occupants were wearing seat belts
In addition to the risk of ankle injuries in car accidents, it is important to note that these injuries can have long-lasting consequences, including:
- Chronic pain
- Limited mobility
- Reduced quality of life
Obviously, this data shows that both car accidents and the injuries that result from them are common in Spokane. Thus, it’s important to understand the causes of accidents that lead to broken ankles, as well as the different types of fractures that can occur.
What Causes Broken Ankles in Spokane Car Accidents?
When dealing with a car accident and a broken ankle, virtually everything can factor in. The positioning of your lower body in a vehicle coupled with the different types of collisions and impacts can lead to a broken ankle, among other lower body injuries. Some of the most common causes of broken ankles in car accidents include the following:
- High-speed collisions – The force of a high-speed impact can cause significant trauma to the lower extremities, including the ankles.
- Head-on collisions – Head-on collisions can result in severe ankle injuries, as the front of the vehicle absorbs much of the impact.
- Rear-end collisions – Rear-end collisions can also cause ankle injuries, particularly if the foot is on the brake pedal at the time of impact.
- T-bone collisions – T-bone collisions, also known as side-impact collisions, can cause ankle injuries if the foot is caught between the pedals or against the door during the impact.
- Rollover accidents – In rollover accidents, the ankle can be twisted or crushed as the vehicle rolls over or comes to a stop.
- Vehicle type – The type of vehicle involved in a car accident can have an impact on the likelihood and severity of ankle injuries. People in smaller vehicles are at a greater risk of suffering ankle injuries than those in larger vehicles. This is because smaller vehicles have less mass and offer less protection in a collision, leaving them more vulnerable to injury. Conversely, larger vehicles generally provide more protection and can reduce the risk of injury in a car accident.
Unfortunately, even seemingly minor car accidents can result in a broken ankle. After any car accident, getting medical attention is crucial for identifying and treating your injuries.
What Are the Different Types of Broken Ankles That Can Happen in Spokane Car Accidents?
Not only are there numerous factors that go into a broken ankle, but many are also surprised to learn that there are different types of fractures that can result from an accident. These can include:
- Lateral Malleolus Fracture – This fracture happens when the fibula, which is the bone on the outer side of the ankle, is broken. Twisting or rolling the ankle, or a direct blow to the ankle can cause a lateral malleolus fracture.
- Medial Malleolus Fracture – This fracture occurs when the tibia, which is the bone on the inner side of the ankle, is broken. Twisting or rotating the ankle or a direct impact to the ankle can cause a medial malleolus fracture.
- Bimalleolar Fracture – This fracture happens when both the lateral and medial malleolus are broken. A significant impact or trauma to the ankle, such as a high-speed car accident, can cause a bimalleolar fracture.
- Trimalleolar Fracture – This is the most severe type of ankle fracture, which occurs when all three ankle bones, including the tibia, fibula, and talus, are broken. A high-impact car accident or another traumatic injury can cause a trimalleolar fracture.
In addition to these types of ankle fractures, car accidents can also cause other injuries like ligament sprains or dislocations.
Treatment
Depending on the severity of the break, there could be many different treatment options that you’ll have to go through. Some of the more common treatment options for a broken ankle include:
- Immobilization – In many cases, a broken ankle will need to be immobilized to allow the bone to heal properly. This may involve wearing a cast, brace, or walking boot for several weeks or months.
- Rest and Ice – Resting the affected ankle and applying ice to the area can help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
- Pain Management – Pain medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or prescription painkillers may be prescribed to help manage pain.
- Physical Therapy – Once the bone has healed, physical therapy can help to restore range of motion and strength to the affected ankle.
- Surgery – In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the broken bone or to remove any bone fragments that may be interfering with the healing process.
Legal Options For Spokane Car Accident Victims
Most likely, you have options to file a claim if you have suffered a broken ankle in a car accident. This ultimately depends on another driver being at fault in causing the accident that led to your broken ankle. In legal terms, this is known as “negligence”. With that in place, you generally have two options for pursuing compensation: filing an insurance claim and filing a lawsuit.
Insurance claim
Usually, the first step in the process is to file an insurance claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Make sure to provide them with all the necessary evidence of the accident, including pictures of the damage to your vehicle and any injuries you sustained. Seeking medical attention and keeping records of all medical bills and treatments related to your injuries is also crucial. An insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case to investigate the accident and determine liability. Cooperating with the adjuster and providing them with any requested information is important.
Finally, negotiating a settlement with the insurance company is necessary to recover damages. Here, working with our experienced team can be crucial. We can handle the entire process from start to finish. Before accepting any settlement offer, we’ll make sure that it is fair and covers all of your losses.
Lawsuit
The second option you have is to file a personal injury lawsuit. This involves filing a Complaint in civil court and then going through the discovery process of exchanging evidence with the at-fault party. A lawsuit can potentially recover the same compensation for medical expenses and property damage that the insurance claim will, along with other damages, like emotional distress and pain and suffering.
Connect With CCD Law
At CCD Law, we have the experience and knowledge necessary to guide you through the legal process in Spokane. After suffering a broken ankle or any other injury in a car accident, your top priority should be your health and recovery. To that end, we can handle all the responsibilities that come with a claim for damages, allowing you to focus on recovery. Contact us today to set up a free, initial consultation with our office to get started.
