If you are involved in a car accident, one type of injury you may suffer is to the knees. You may have simple cuts or bruises to more severe burns, soft tissue, or ligament injuries. In some cases, injuries to soft tissues are more complicated than other types and, as a result, may require ongoing treatment.
Sometimes, serious knee injuries come with a physical and psychological burden. Because of how this type of injury can impact your life, it’s a good idea to get in touch with our legal team at Fetterman & Associates to discuss your case. We can help you file a personal injury claim and ensure you are going down the path of full financial recovery.
Common Types of Car Accident Caused Knee Injuries
If you are involved in a car accident, you may experience an injury due to the sudden force from an external source on your knee. Some of the common car injuries that occur include:
ACL Injury
This commonly occurs if someone falls from something; however, can occur in a car accident, too. Some people hear a popping sound. Sometimes, immediate surgery is required.
PCL Injury
Also called “dashboard knee,” this injury is seen when the passenger or driver’s knee collides with the dashboard. Common signs of this injury include swelling and pain. The injury can also impact the ligament that connects the shinbone and thighbone.
MCL Injury
The PCL and MCL injuries are similar. With an MCL injury, the knee is damaged when it collides with something solid in the vehicle. This ligament is connected to the tibia and femur, like the PCL.
Meniscus Injury
With a meniscus injury, the discs responsible for preventing friction between your knee bones are damaged. The discs offer stability and cushioning to your knee while you walk. You may suspect this injury if you deal with instability, severe pain, swelling, and locking of the knee.
Potential Outcomes of Car Accident Caused Knee Injuries
Your age, your physical condition, and the severity of the injury determine what consequences you will face if you experience a knee injury. Some injuries heal after the initial medical treatment is provided. However, there are other knee injuries that may result in longer-term consequences. It’s best to have a physician evaluate your knee injury and recommend treatment.
Usually, doctors recommend the RICE treatment method for knee injuries. The acronym stands for, Rest, Ice, Compression (gentle), and Elevation. Sometimes, the treatment isn’t effective, and, in this case, your doctor may recommend that you undergo physical therapy for a few weeks or months.
For more serious injuries, doctors could suggest surgery. The recovery time for this treatment depends on how severe the injury is. With a minor injury, you may feel better in a few days; however, for more serious injuries, healing time may be a few months or longer.
The Potential Long-Term Impact of Car Accident Caused Knee Injuries
A common joint disease, osteoarthritis, arises from underlying bone fractures or the breakdown of the cartilage between the joints. Undergoing regular treatment for these issues can help reduce the symptoms and pain; however, there is no cure for osteoarthritis.
Meniscus Tear Injuries
If you are in a car accident, it may result in several different injuries. Even though injuries to your knees aren’t as common as to your back or neck, they are still often quite serious. Some even require immediate surgery, which is both time-consuming and expensive.
If you or someone in your family has suffered a knee injury because of a car accident, you need to make sure you receive all the benefits and compensation you are entitled to. At Fetterman & Associates, we help people like you who have been injured because of the fault or negligence of another person or party.
Determining Liability for Your Car Accident and Knee Injuries
The person liable for your car accident can vary based on the circumstances of the situation. Our experienced legal team can sort out who is at fault for your accident and injuries and ensure they are held liable for your pain, suffering, and losses.
It’s worth noting that to ensure your claim can move forward, it’s necessary to prove that the at-fault party’s negligence caused your knee injury. Our legal team will request all your medical records and develop a timeline that proves the car accident was the cause of your knee injury.
With this type of accident case, you have the potential to recover several types of damages that you may experience. Damages that may be included in your accident claim include medical bills, lost earning potential, injury-related trauma, property damage, and lost wages.
Call Us Today for Help and Information
If you need help with your car accident claim that resulted in a knee injury, contact our legal team today. We will work for you to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.