After a car crash, some injuries can impact your mobility, work and quality of life. Knee injuries are one of the most complex injuries due to several bones and ligaments in that area.
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Do you know what steps to take if you have knee injuries from a car accident? Our South Bend car accident attorneys are here to guide you throughout the legal process. Schedule a free consultation so we can help you determine what steps would benefit you for your potential case.
If you have a valid case, we will represent you without any upfront costs. Our firm does not get paid unless we win your case.
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Types of Knee Injuries in Collisions
Knee injuries are among the most common trauma sustained in vehicle crashes. The complex structure of the knee makes it vulnerable to multiple types of damage during a collision. Impact, sudden twisting or direct trauma can cause severe and long-lasting knee injuries.
Some of the most common types of knee injuries that some car crash victims may sustain are:
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
The ACL stabilizes your knee during movement and control rotation. ACL injuries can range from partial tears to complete ligament ruptures.
This ligament can tear or rupture from sudden stops or forceful twists during a collision. Depending on your specific ACL injury, you may need surgical reconstruction, extended physical therapy or months of rehabilitation to recover.
Some victims may face potential long-term mobility limitations if they have severe injuries. As a result, it can have a significant impact on your ability to return to work or relationships with your loved ones.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injuries
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injuries are located at the back of the knee and occur when the knee is violently pushed backward. A car crash could cause PCL if the knee strikes the dashboard or when passengers are thrown forward in a vehicle.
PCL damage can cause victims to have chronic knee instability which can make it difficult for them to walk or stay balanced. Some of the common symptoms of PCL injuries are:
- Persistent pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Bruising
For minor injuries, some victims may be able to recover with rest and a knee brace to provide support for the knee. In some cases, some car crash victims may need surgical intervention
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injuries
MCL injuries result from direct sideways impact or sudden lateral force. In car accidents, these injuries can occur from side-impact collisions or due to being pressed against a car door.
Some symptoms may include significant knee pain and swelling. Victims may have difficulty bearing weight on the knee, which could mean they cannot stand for long periods.
Meniscus Tears
The meniscus is cartilage that cushions the knee joint. Car accidents can cause tears in the meniscus through sudden twisting motions or direct impact to the knee.
Other ways meniscus tears can happen during a collision include rotational forces or compression of the knee. Meniscus tears can lead to chronic knee pain, reduced range of motion, and long-term joint complications.
Kneecap (Patella) Fractures
A kneecap (patella) fracture is a break in the small, flat bone that covers and protects your knee joint. If car crash victims experience the following during a car crash, they may have sustained patella fractures:
- Direct dashboard impact
- Violent forward momentum
- Extreme compression during a collision
Depending on the severity of the injuries, some victims may have an extended recovery periods that can affect their work and social life.
Tibial Plateau Fractures
Tibial plateau fractures are breaks in the upper part of the shinebone that involves the knee joint. The force impact of an accident pushes the thigh bone into the tibia causing it to fracture.
These complex injuries can happen in crash accidents that involves:
- High-impact collisions
- Significant crushing forces
- Direct, powerful trauma to the lower leg
Although everyone’s injuries consist of various types of symptoms, tibial plateau fractures have the potential to cause permanent joint damage and risks of arthritis.
Knee Dislocations
Though rare, knee dislocations can lead to severe trauma after a collision. They occur when extreme force separates knee joint components or if multiple ligaments are simultaneously damaged.
Knee dislocations can cause immediate, intense pain. Usually, if car crash victims have knee dislocations they may feel sharp shooting pain at the accident scene. If knee dislocations go untreated it could lead to serious complications like potential nerve and blood vessel damage.
What To Do if I Have a Knee Injury From a Crash?
If you have sustained a knee injury in a car accident, seek immediate medical attention. Obtaining diagnostic tests early from a professional healthcare provider can help you get the treatment you need to recover in a timely manner.
Document all medical treatments and keep detailed medical records. This can strengthen your legal case. Insurance companies may try to dispute your claims, so it is beneficial to have documents that provide proof of your injuries and how it links to a car crash.
Avoid discussing accident details with insurance companies. They could use your words against you to lowball your claim or deny it.
We highly recommend speaking to a licensed attorney who can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and guide you through the legal process of seeking a car crash claim.
Call Our South Bend Car Accident Attorneys After a Car Accident
Knee injuries after a car crash can dramatically alter your life and become a financial burden. Medical treatments, lost wages and long-term rehabilitation create significant financial strain.
If you are looking to seek compensation after a car accident, call trusted attorneys to help you determine your legal options. At Pfeifer, Morgan and Stesiak, we fight for your full recovery costs.
Do not navigate this complex legal process alone. Contact our South Bend car accident attorneys today for a free consultation. We will help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve without any costs for our legal services. We only get paid if you do.
Schedule your FREE consultation today: (574) 444-0741.
