An injury to your knee can be painful and debilitating. Whether the pain is immediate or delayed, car accident-related knee pain is quite serious and can upend your life. Even after initial treatment, knee pain could still linger for weeks or months.
Knee injuries from car accidents may require surgery, physical therapy, or prescription medications to deal with the pain. This is because the knee itself is a complex structure, with muscles, tendons, and ligaments interconnected.
When trauma occurs and parts of the knee are damaged, the injured person may suffer long-lasting effects when not treated properly. Some common types of accident-related knee injuries include:
- Soft tissue injuries: Many soft tissue injuries consist of damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, all of which are found in the knee. A soft tissue injury could lead to lingering pain and further injury if left untreated.
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury: The ACL connects your femur to the tibia, and tearing your ACL is very painful and can take months to heal. If you suspect your ACL is damaged, you must seek medical attention immediately.
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury: The MCL is essential to keeping your knee stable while it is mobile. On the inner part of your knee is the MCL, and, just like an ACL injury, can be very painful when injured and will likely require a lengthy recovery.
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury: Also known as “dashboard knee,” a PCL injury is perhaps the most common knee injury to occur from a car accident. It is on the opposite side of your ACL which connects the top and bottom of your leg behind the knee. It is called dashboard knee because it is common for this ligament to be damaged when your car is rear-ended and your knee slams into the dashboard.
What Should You Do if You Have a Knee Injury From an Accident?
Knee injuries commonly result in long rehabilitation and pain management, more so than other injuries. It is also common for knee pain to persist long after the initial car accident, which makes it difficult to seek compensation from the insurance company.
The best way to receive the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses is to seek medical attention after a car accident. Not only does the healing of your knee begin sooner, but it medically documents your injury as well.
Additionally, it is also recommended to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can explain your legal options. You may be able to collect compensation for the following:
- Surgery
- Hospital visits
- Medications
- Rehabilitation like physical or occupational therapy
- Medical devices for assistance, such as wheelchairs or knee braces
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
It is likely that your knee injury can take months to heal correctly. Your ongoing treatment will mean limited mobility and lost time at work. Because of this, you may also be entitled to other damages, such as lost income while in recovery. There are also intangible losses you may claim, such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life.
West Chester Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Help Accident Survivors Suffering From Life-Altering Knee Injuries
There are many different types of car accident injuries, such as debilitating knee injuries. If you need legal help after a collision, speak with one of our West Chester car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. Call us at 610-565-3701 or fill out our online form for an initial consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.