Why Are Knee Injuries Common After Car Accidents?
While most people understand how essential their knees are to support the body’s weight and movement, many do not know that the knee joint is one of the largest and most complex joints. Because of the complexity of this joint, it is particularly susceptible to many different injuries, including tears in the tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, or fractures or dislocations of the kneecap.
Car accident victims frequently report knee injuries. Knee damage is often caused by impact with the dashboard, steering wheel or other hard surfaces in the car. The kneecap can become dislocated or fractured in a crash, or the knee may be twisted or turned suddenly and awkwardly, causing tears or other damage.
Because they are not as immediately visible as lacerations or cuts, knee injuries are not always discovered immediately after a car accident. It is important to seek immediate treatment for a knee injury, because untreated issues could cause lasting pain and problems with mobility.
Types of Knee Injuries in Car Crashes
The majority of injuries incurred from a car accident fall into the following three categories:
Ligament Injuries
Ligaments are fibrous, connective tissue that plays a crucial role in movement. They are similar to tendons, which attach muscle to bone. The following ligaments could be affected in an accident:
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
The PCL and MCL are the ligaments most associated with car accidents.
Meniscus Injuries
The meniscus is a rubbery piece of cartilage that absorbs shocks and impacts during daily use of the knees and legs, such as walking, running, or playing a sport. A sharp twist to the meniscus in an accident can cause the meniscus to tear.
Fractures or Dislocation
Injuries besides those mentioned above include a shattered patella (or kneecap) and a tibial plateau fracture, or a crack/fracture in the shinbone.
Filing a Claim for Knee Injuries from a Crash
If you’ve suffered a knee injury in a car crash, make sure to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Your medical records could be a valuable piece of evidence if you need to file an injury claim against the party responsible for the crash.
As soon as you are able, make sure to contact an experienced car accident attorney. During your consultation, your lawyer will discuss the impact the accident has had on your health and your livelihood and will help determine the best course of action for seeking compensation for the knee injury you suffered.
How Can the Jebaily Law Firm Help Me?
If you’ve suffered a knee injury in a car accident that is not your fault, you need to hire a firm with the right experience to help you. The attorneys of the Jebaily Law Firm have proudly represented injured people in South Carolina for Over 50 Years. We have built a reputation of trust and integrity that has withstood the test of time.
Our lawyers are ready to help you seek the compensation you are owed if someone else’s actions caused you harm. Call us or contact us online now to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your rights and legal options.
