It is common to experience a knee injury as a result of a car accident. Some injuries occur when the knee hits the dashboard or steering wheel; others may occur when the knee bends the wrong way. Knee injuries can lead to serious problems that may impair your mobility or quality of life. Consult with an experienced car accident attorney to understand your legal rights after an accident and to help determine fair compensation for your knee injury. Knee injuries after a car accident

Types of Car Accident Knee Injuries

You can suffer various types of knee injuries when you’re involved in a car crash. Many of these injuries occur in rear-end collisions when the knee of the driver or passenger slams against the dashboard, or the shinbone pushes inward, tearing the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). A knee injury can also happen if the leg is hyperextended or bent the wrong way and damages the ligaments near the knee. Sometimes, a knee injury may begin as bruising or stiffness then turn into something more serious.

Some common car accident knee injuries are:

  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
  • Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury
  • Medial cruciate ligament injury (MDL) injury
  • Torn meniscus
  • Knee fracture
  • Dislocated knee cap
  • Knee sprain
  • Torn knee cartilage
  • Patella injury
  • Deep cuts and lacerations

Many of these knee injuries can cause extreme pain, swelling, limited range of motion, and knee instability. Accident victims can experience difficulty with walking, standing, and doing daily activities. Depending on the severity, some knee injuries can take months to heal, and some can cause other problems such as arthritis. Conservative treatments may be advised for some knee injuries while surgery is an option for those that are more serious.

What to Do After a Car Accident

It is important to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident that results in a knee injury. You must be able to prove that the injury is a result of the car accident in order to have a legal case. There are several things to do after the crash that can help with a personal injury claim for a knee injury:

  • Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries, even if they seem minor
  • Take photos of your knee injuries
  • Obtain a medical report from your doctor for any treatment you receive
  • File a police report, and obtain a copy
  • Collect evidence from the scene
  • Obtain contact information from witnesses and other parties involved in the accident 
  • Contact a car accident attorney before speaking to an insurance company

Car Accident Knee Injury Compensation

If you have a knee injury after a car accident that has impacted your quality of life, impaired your mobility, or made it difficult to work, you may be entitled to compensation for damages. Many knee injuries can result in long-term problems that require ongoing care and treatment. Some may require surgery or multiple surgeries as well as physical therapy.

It is important to contact a car accident attorney immediately after your accident. A knowledgeable attorney can determine if you have a case and help you file a claim to recover compensation for any damages or loss. Some items you may be compensated for include:

  • Medical treatment
  • Rehabilitation
  • Physical therapy
  • Property damages
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earnings
  • Pain and suffering

Contact an Experienced Florida Car Accident Attorney

As a former State Trooper, Attorney Coy Browning understands car accidents and what is needed when investigating your personal injury case. If you were in a car accident and suffered a knee injury, contact Browning Law Firm to set up a free, no obligation consultation. You can reach us by filling out our convenient online contact form or calling our office.