Last Updated: 2/8/2024

A car accident can place excessive stress on an ankle joint. This may be the case if an object strikes the ankle, the ankle becomes crushed, or the driver's or passenger's foot slams against the floor of the vehicle. Whatever the case, it can lead to a fracture.

The ankle is composed of three bones: the fibula, the tibia, and the talus. The fibula is the smaller bone of the lower leg. When a fibula fracture occurs, it’s often referred to as simply a broken ankle. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists the symptoms of a broken ankle as severe pain, bruising, swelling, tenderness, obvious deforming (the ankle is visibly out of place), and inability to put any weight on the ankle.

Pins on bone to heal bone fracture after work injuryHow do doctors diagnose a fibula fracture?

The first step in diagnosing a fibula fracture will be a physical examination. Then, a doctor will most likely use imaging tests to determine where in the ankle the fracture occurred, as well as the severity of the fracture. The doctor may also use a stress test to diagnose a fibula fracture.

Treatment Options and Recovery

Depending upon the extent of the fracture, the doctor may pursue either surgical or nonsurgical treatment options. Non-surgical treatment will typically require the use of a cast or brace for immobilization, as well as rest for several weeks. During this period, the patient should not put any weight on the ankle. The patient may thus be unable to perform normal work duties.                                                        

Can I file a lawsuit for a fractured fibula?

If you suffer injuries in a car accident in Iowa, you may have grounds to recover compensation for your damages. If you have the right coverage on your policy – like medical payments coverage – you may file a claim with your own insurer. But if another party caused your wreck, your primary means of recovering damages is by filing a liability claim. If you cannot recover a fair settlement in an insurance claim, you may file a lawsuit.

Recoverable damages may include the following:

Medical bills

Lost wages

Pain and suffering

The statute of limitations for a personal injury case in Iowa is two years from the date of the injury, so don't delay!

Contact a Car Accident Injury Attorney at Walker, Billingsley & Bair

If you fractured your fibula in a car accident, call the attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair today. Our attorneys can tell you what you need to know about filing a lawsuit or a claim, and will help you exercise your rights. To begin, call (888) 435-9886 now or contact us online. Also check out our Iowa car accident guide.

Corey Walker
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With over 28 years legal experience, Corey has been recognized for his work as an injury attorney.