When you suffer knee injuries from a car accident, it can cause significant pain, instability, and difficulty walking. You should see a doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis so you can begin treatment. Not only will this help you get better quickly, but it will also document your injuries for an insurance claim or lawsuit.
If you were the victim of the traffic accident, you can likely recover compensation for your medical care and treatment for your knee. This is possible by holding the at-fault driver responsible and filing a claim with their auto insurance provider or suing them in civil court.
Common Knee Injuries that Occur in Vehicle Collisions
Many people suffer knee pain and injuries at some point throughout their lives. This joint requires many structures to work together properly to provide movement, stability, and mobility. If there is a problem with any of the bones, cartilage, or soft tissues, it can cause pain and other concerns.
Knee joints generally only move in one way. During a car accident, they could hit structures within the car, overextend, or twist beyond their normal range of motion. This could lead to injuries such as:
- Fractures of the leg bones or patella (kneecap)
- Sprains or strains
- Meniscus injuries
- Dislocation
- Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and/or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
What Will Happen When I See a Doctor for My Car Accident Knee Pain?
Knee injuries will likely require you to see an orthopedic specialist, sports medicine doctor, emergency department doctor, or another physician familiar with these injuries who has access to medical imaging. In many cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is necessary to diagnose an issue with the knee’s ligaments and other soft tissues.
The treatment prescribed will depend on the injuries you suffered. In some cases, a splint or brace along with rest, ice, and elevation may allow the joint to heal on its own. However, other injuries require:
- Casting or bracing
- Surgery
- Prescription pain management
- Physical therapy
For even relatively minor injuries, it could take six to 12 weeks to recover fully. More serious injuries such as ACL tears require even professional athletes to miss six to nine months. Your recreational activities could be on hold for even longer.
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How Will My Knee Injuries Affect My Life?
Because your knee injury will likely slow your mobility for weeks or months, it can keep you out of work, prevent you from taking part in many of the activities you enjoy, and disallow chores around the house such as mowing the lawn.
Depending on your job duties and which knee is hurt, you may not be allowed to drive or return to work until the injury heals fully. Your doctor could limit exercise and recreational activities, as well.
During this time, you will need to continue your treatment plan, including physical therapy and other steps to rebuild the strength and range of motion in the injured knee.
How Can I Recover Compensation for My Knee Pain and Injuries?
Most states operate a fault-based car accident system, meaning you can claim compensation and hold the driver who caused your crash accountable. You will use a claim based on that driver’s auto liability policy or sue them in civil court to seek compensation.
You may want to work with a personal injury law firm on this. It can handle all aspects of your case, including:
- The investigation
- Gathering evidence
- Filing your claim
- Valuing your damages
- Negotiating a settlement
If you need to sue the at-fault driver, there are time limits. Of note, there are also factors that can give you much less time than these statutes of limitations seem to offer. You should consult our car accident attorney to learn more about the timeline for your case.
- One year to sue in Louisiana under La. Civ. Code Art. 3492
- Two years to begin the process in Alabama per Ala. Code § 6-2-38
- Three years to file the paperwork in Arkansas under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105 or Mississippi per Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49
Your lawyer can ensure that you do not miss any applicable deadlines in your state as long as they can handle your case early enough in the process.
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Speak with a Team Member About Your Legal Options Today
The Morris Bart law firm provides complimentary case evaluations for accident victims in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. You can speak with a team member from the Morris Bart law office closest to you today for free. Our contingency fee firm can serve you at any one of our 15 locations.
Call (800) 537-8185 now to discuss your accident, knee injuries, and legal options with one of our team members. We are standing by and ready to help.
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