West Palm Beach Ankle and Foot Injuries in Car Accidents

Walking, running, and other outdoor activities are common in the West Palm Beach community. When a car accident greatly undermines a victim’s ability to partake in these experiences, or even do their job, by resulting in a serious ankle or foot injury, those responsible need to be held liable. The West Palm Beach car accident lawyers at Donaldson & Weston help victims pursue claims against drivers and others who have contributed to causing their injuries. Often, financial resources in addition to insurance policy limits are necessary to cover the costs of medical treatment, making legal action vital to support a victim’s recovery. If you have sustained an ankle or foot injury in a crash, contact us to speak with an attorney about your potential claims.

Common Ankle and Foot Injuries in Car Accidents

Most car accidents in West Palm Beach are caused by a driver’s negligence. In fact, across Palm Beach County, injuries in car accidents caused by distracted drivers have increased by nearly 50 percent in recent years. Aside from distractions, drivers who speed excessively, make dangerous maneuvers, or otherwise act recklessly can be found negligent. Negligence is shown when a driver breaches their duty of care to other road users by acting in an unreasonable manner under the circumstances. There must also be evidence that the driver’s actions led to the victim’s ankle or foot injury, and they suffered damages as a result. A victim who shows the negligence of a defendant may be compensated for medical costs, lost income for missed work, and their pain and suffering, as well as other damages.

Ankles and feet are used for most vital movements – ranging from walking to driving to performing certain aspects of a person’s job functions in many cases. An injury to this part of the body can require long-term physical therapy and rehabilitation, and sometimes surgical procedures become necessary. Because of the complex and fragile nature of ankles and feet, which are made up of a variety of tendons, bones, muscles, and ligaments, they can suffer significant damage from the impact of a motor vehicle collision.

Ankles support the majority of a person’s weight, providing flexibility and stability for the body. In a car crash, ankles and feet can be injured in numerous ways, such as by being pulled, pushed, crushed, or trapped in the vehicle. Some common ankle and foot injuries include:

  • Broken bones or fractures of the fibula, tibia, or talus, which connect an ankle to the foot. Toes or specific foot bones can also suffer serious fractures.

  • Nerve damage.

  • Ligament tears.

  • Bruising or lacerations.

  • Strains or sprains of muscles or joints.

  • Amputations.


Some injuries are more severe and permanent than others, but most are painful, and many require some degree of medical attention. Making sure that you receive medical treatment in the aftermath of a car accident is important to promptly diagnose your injuries and begin the path to recovery.