Injuries to the knee are some of the most common injuries car accident victims suffer. Whether it is a fracture, a sprain, a dislocation, or tearing of the cartilage or ligaments, knee injuries can severely hinder your mobility and could impact your ability to work and enjoy life.
If you suffered a knee injury in a collision, you could be eligible to secure compensation under California law. By contacting an experienced car accident attorney for legal help, you could seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
How Do Auto Accidents Cause Knee injuries?
According to the American Academy of Orthopedics, approximately a third of people hurt in motor vehicle accidents sustain knee trauma. The knee is a complex structure that is particularly prone to injury in car crashes. Most injuries are due frontal impacts, which result in a high-velocity impact (inertia) between the patella (knee cap) and the underside of the dashboard.
Accident victims often report knee injuries caused by blunt force impact to the affected area. This can happen when the knee strikes the steering wheel or steering column or dashboard, or any other surface inside the vehicle. The knee can also sustain severe damage if the steering column, dashboard, or side door is forced down in the crash, crushing the victim’s knees.
The most commonly reported knee injuries include:
- Fracture of the patella (knee cap)
- Rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
- Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Rupture of the medial collateral ligament (MCL)
- Knee sprains and strains
- Degenerative arthritis (often results as a long-term consequence of the injury)
Signs and symptoms of knee injuries include:
- Generalized swelling of the knee
- Diffuse pain and tenderness
- Generalized weakness and inability to weight bear
- Limited range of motion
- Having a stiff knee while bending the knee
Knee Injury Settlements After Car Accidents
When you seek compensation for a knee injury that you suffered in an accident with a negligent driver, your lawyer will likely take into account the following when calculating damages:
- Past and future medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages due to time off of work
- Required medical devices
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
If the driver’s insurance company fails to offer you a fair settlement, you and your attorney may pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover the money you need to pay your bills and move on with your life.
Contact a Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
Because of the complex structure of the knee and its importance to a person’s mobility, knee injuries will often require extensive treatment and rehabilitation. If you or someone you love has suffered a serious knee injury in a car accident, you could be owed significant compensation for your losses.
The experienced trial lawyers of Demas Law Group understand the impact that a knee injury can have on your life and livelihood. We are here to stand up for you and help you seek the full compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable and compassionate car accident attorney by calling us, filling out a contact form, or by chatting with us live on our website today.
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