According to the National Safety Council, approximately 4.5 million medically-consulted injuries from motor-vehicle accidents occurred in the United States in 2019. While people frequently associate severe head injuries or spinal cord damage to car accidents, knee injuries resulting from car accidents are more common than one might think. The knee is one of the most vulnerable body parts when involved in a car accident, particularly when the victim is sitting in the front seat of the car. Depending upon the force experienced by the knee, knee injuries may range from a simple bruise to severe ligament damage. If you suffered injuries in a car accident, learn how a Tennessee knee injury car accident attorney at Labrum Law Firm at (615) 338-9500 can help you with your case.
Types of Knee Injuries from Car Crashes
According to the National Institutes of Health, knees provide stable support to the entire body. The knee is the longest joint in the human body and bears the weight of the entire upper body above it. Knee injuries can be excruciatingly painful and may take a long time to heal. There can be multiple types of injuries caused due to a car accident.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury
This is one of the major ligaments in the knee. The injured person may hear a loud “pop” in his or her knee in case of an ACL tear. A doctor may suggest an immediate surgery depending upon the severity of the injury.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injury
Posterior Cruciate Ligament is the ligament that attaches the shin bone to the thigh bone. This type of injury may occur when the knees of the passenger or the driver hit the dashboard of the car. Symptoms include pain and swelling in the knee area.
Medial Cruciate Ligament (MCL) injury
This ligament joins the thigh bone to the lower leg. Symptoms of an injury may include pain, stiffness, and swelling. This injury can mostly be treated without surgery.
Meniscus Injury
The meniscus is a cartilage that helps to prevent friction between the bones in the knee joint. Hyper-flexing of the knee can cause a meniscus injury. Symptoms include swelling and knee pain.
Knee Dislocation and Knee Fractures
High-pressure car accidents can also lead to complete dislocation of the knee or severe knee fractures.
Symptoms of Knee Injuries From Car Accidents
There are several different symptoms of knee injuries that a victim of a car accident may experience including the following:
- Consistent pain lasting for more than a few days
- The inability of the knee to support body weight
- Excessive swelling
- The occurrence of popping sounds when the knee moves
- Limping while walking
- Stiffness in the knee area
- Discoloration
- Temperature change in the knee area
Treatment of Knee Injuries
A victim suspecting any type of injury in a car accident must immediately seek medical attention, especially after suffering any suspected he treatment of a knee injury may depend upon the severity of the injury. A common method adopted by doctors to treat knee injuries is the “RICE” technique. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. The doctor may also suggest physical therapy in mild cases or even surgery for serious injuries. Knee injuries may take months or even years to heal completely and may seriously affect the life and livelihood of the victim.
Damages in a Knee Injury Car Accident
The aftermath of a knee injury car accident can be traumatizing for the victim. Knee surgeries are expensive and recovery and rehabilitation may take a long time. Sometimes, the permanent effect of a knee injury may affect a victim's work, recreational life, and general mobility. The victim of a knee injury car accident can claim compensation for the following:
- Past and future medical bills
- Therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Past and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
It is also important to note that under the laws of Tennessee, the victim of a knee injury car accident has only one year from the date of the accident to take legal action to receive compensation for their injuries and losses.
If you suffered knee injuries in a car accident, learn how a Tennessee knee injury accident attorney at Labrum Law Firm can help you understand your legal options.
Claim for Compensation After a Knee Injury Car Accident
The victim of a knee injury car accident might have to go through several stages of building his or her case before finally getting the compensation.
Investigation
To prove fault of the negligent party, the facts surrounding the car accident need to be properly investigated. All information relevant to the case such as date, time, and place of the accident, cause of the accident, witness testimony, and medical proof should be recorded and preserved by the victim to support the investigation process.
Mediation and Negotiation
Before going to trial, it may be a good idea to negotiate and mediate with the at-fault party and the insurance companies. The victim should be careful to not make any statements to the insurance company without first considering receiving legal advice as these statements may later be used against them, if the case goes to trial.
Filing a Lawsuit
If the parties are unable to reach an amicable settlement, the case may proceed for trial. All important evidence collected during the investigation should be preserved to prove fault and get compensation.
Learn How a Tennessee Knee Injury Car Accident Attorney Can Help
Proving fault in a car accident can be a complex legal process as multiple stages are involved. Further, dealing with insurance companies might not be easy and these insurance companies may subtly try to take statements from the victim which can be later used in the trial to support their own case. If you suffered knee injuries related to a car accident, contact our legal team today to learn how a Tennessee knee injury car accident attorney at Labrum Law Firm at (615) 338-9500 can help you with your case.
