Knee Injury from a Car Accident

Car accidents happen all the time around us in Las Vegas. It seems like we are in a constant battle trying to avoid a crash on a daily basis.

With these accidents, there is always the possibility of injury. Even in minor fender benders, serious injuries can occur.

All parts of the body are at risk during a collision. This includes the knees. The force of the impact and the position of the leg are two of the main reasons.

Knee injuries will take time to recover from. Surgery may even be needed in some cases. This can have an effect on your work, daily routine, and future.

If you were injured due to the negligence of another, you may be eligible for compensation. It is important to seek immediate medical attention after the accident.

Hiring a personal injury attorney that understands knee injury accidents in Nevada can be very helpful.

Contact the Law Offices of Richard Harris for a free evaluation.

Why Knee Injuries Occur in Car Accidents

Knees are exposed to injury in accidents. This is because they are moving and can come in contact with the heavy steel and hard plastics of the interior.

Knees can find themselves in compromised positions during a wreck. Here are some of the ways.

Hyperextension: The unpredictability of an accident can twists a knee and cause damage to ligaments and cartilage. The foot position firmly pushing on the brake can cause tension on the knee during a crash. Bracing for impact can rotate the legs awkwardly. Side impacts and sudden stops can do knee damage.

Direct Impact: If the knee hits the steering column, dashboard, or door during a crash, injury can occur. Knee fracture injuries are common. Steel and heavy plastics within the car interior are hard and unforgiving.

Compression Injury: This occurs when the tibia and femur are driven together, causing damage to the knee as well. The forceful impact of a car accident can cause cartilage damage and fractures to the knee.

Crushing Forces: In high-speed impact car accidents, legs can get pinned and crushed. When this occurs, complex fractures and dislocations are common. In the most serious of these accidents, legs and knees can be amputated.

Knee Injuries to Passengers

Both drivers and passengers can have knee injuries in accidents. If in the passenger seat, injuries can be caused by the direct contact with the dashboard, center column, and door. If in the back seat, you can come in direct contact with the seat in front of you. Rapid deceleration from braking can lead to blunt impact, compression, etc.

Injuries to passengers will be similar to the driver’s.

This will include tendon and cartilage damage, soft tissue injuries, and bone fractures.

Get Medical Attention

After a car accident, it is critical to get medical attention for a knee injury. Injuries can get much worse without the proper medical care.

The shock and adrenaline from a car accident can mask the injury. Long-term damage can occur that could have been avoided with a trip to the ER or a doctor’s visit.

Arthritis, chronic pain, and instability of the knee are just some of the issues that can appear down the road. Better to play it safe than to be sorry. Get checked by a medical professional.

Here are some of the risks of delaying medical care.

• Missed Tears and Fractures: These injuries often require urgent care. Surgery and stabilization in a timely manner are important to a full recovery.
• If not attended to immediately, permanent damage can occur.
• Internal Damages: Cartilage and menisci damage can worsen when not cared for immediately. Putting weight on the leg and knee will be difficult.
• Complications from Delays: Neurovascular and joint injuries will take longer to recover the longer you wait. Don’t ignore any of the symptoms of injury.
• Higher Risk of Pain and Function: Poor healing will lead to a higher risk of chronic pain in the future. This is often due to scar tissue and improper treatment. The result of this can be knee instability and reduced function.

Having an immediate medical examination and evaluation is of major importance. An exam will target the pain, range of motion, and neurovascular damage to the knee. X-rays will show fractures. An MRI is valuable to see if there is damage to the ligaments or tendons.

Mobilizing the injury will help to protect it from further injury.

Crutches, ice, and elevation can help to control the pain and start the healing process. Emergency surgery can be effective when done soon after the injury.

Types of Knee Injuries from Car Accidents

Some knee injuries can be obvious after a car accident, while others can remain hidden.

Swelling and instability are the first signs of an injury. However, with some ruptures and tears, there can be a delayed reaction.

• Ligament Injuries: ACL, MCL, PCL, and LCL are some of the common tears and sprains. The knee is forced to move in a way that causes injury. Twisting, direct impact, and hyperextension of the knee cause instability and swelling. This makes it difficult to put weight on the leg.
• Dislocation and Neurovascular Injury: This is found in high-impact accidents. The entire knee joint can dislocate from the force. This can be painful and has the potential to cause artery and nerve damage. This can become complicated and needs immediate medical care.
• Patellar Dislocation: This can happen from a rotational force or lateral impact to the knee. Immediate swelling, pain, and deformity will occur. You will definitely know that something is seriously wrong.
• Meniscal Tears: Direct pressure or twisting the knee in a car crash can cause a meniscal tear. Some of the symptoms include pain, swelling, and a limited range of motion. The meniscus acts as a cartilage cushion in the knee. In some cases, the swelling can have a delayed effect, thus making it more difficult to notice.
• Patellar Fracture or Contusion: The kneecap can fracture when it directly hits the dashboard or instrument panel. Severe bruising is also common with injuries to the patella. This type of injury will result in pain and swelling. It will be difficult to extend the knee in the normal way.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: This includes contusions, tears, strains, and bursitis. Hematomas can get large depending on the injury. This will limit motion and the function of the knee. These injuries can cause internal bleeding, which can be difficult to detect.

Steps to Take After a Knee Injury

If you feel that you are injured, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. If you are in severe pain, have a visible deformity, have rapid swelling, or can’t put weight on the leg, get care urgently. Car accidents can be confusing at the time. The most important thing is that everyone is ok, including yourself. Here are some important steps to take after a knee injury. These can make a major difference in the recovery process.

• First Aid: The RICE method is the best place to start. Rest the knee and stop all activity. Ice the knee in consistent intervals. The first 72 hours are crucial to slow and stop the swelling. Compress and wrap the leg. Elevate the leg above the heart.
• Limit Weight-Bearing: Avoid putting weight on the knee at first. Test it a bit slowly to find out the severity of the injury. Use crutches, braces, or other ways to protect the knee. Especially if there is severe pain.
• X-rays & MRI: This can help in the evaluation of the injury. Check for soft tissue, ligaments, and meniscus injuries. After the results, physical therapy, bracing, or limiting activity may be the best options. Surgery may be needed in some cases.

How Long Can Rehabilitation Take

Time of rehabilitation from a knee injury can vary depending on the severity. For example, a mild sprain can take 1-4 weeks to recover from. A moderate ligament sprain takes 4-8 weeks. A meniscus repair that requires surgery takes 3-6 months. A knee fracture can take 3-6 months, and a full knee replacement can take 3-12 months to make a full recovery.

Why Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

Hiring a lawyer after a car accident can be beneficial in improving your chances of a successful outcome.

A knee injury can be costly both physically and financially. An attorney can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.

Knee injury car accidents can be complicated. Having a personal injury attorney can help to make sure that you receive fair and full compensation.

• Medical Costs and Coverage: Ensure that costs are covered. This includes medical expenses now and in the future. A knee injury may need ongoing treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation. Knee injuries can have long-term costs.
• Lost Wages: Knee injuries can affect your job and income. You may need to take extended time off of the job. Jobs that require movement will be impacted the most.
• Loss of work will most likely mean loss of income. An attorney can help you recover all the wages lost from the injury.
• Prove Liability: Accidents can be complex. Proving liability is not always easy. An attorney can put a case together with facts that can strengthen your chances of winning. Gathering information, evidence, and witness testimony are some of the common examples. An accident reconstructionist and other methods may be necessary to back up your claim.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies will have their own interests. They will often lowball offers and intimidate you into a fast deal. A lawyer understands how to deal with this and will help to give you your best options forward.
• Filings and Deadlines: Knee injury claims will need to be filed on time and properly. State statutes and procedural legalities can be overwhelming to someone not trained in these issues. Making sure that filings are on time is vital to the claim.

It is best to hire an attorney immediately after a car crash and knee injury. Especially when the fault of the accident is unclear and medical costs are escalating.

This is where insurers will try and push for a quick settlement not in your best interests. A personal injury attorney will look out for what is best for you.

An Attorney can help with Negotiations or Trial

The Law Offices of Richard Harris can handle both negotiations and trial work. Securing you the best possible outcome is our goal. Some cases will be able to be settled through negotiations, while other may need to go to trial. Either way we got you covered.

• Negotiations: It will be important to organize your claim and assemble a complete demand package. This will include medical records, expenses, wage loss documents, and any other bills related to you injury accident. Future expenses will need to be considered. This can include surgeries, lost earning potential, and pain and suffering. We will handle all communications with insurance companies. In order to maximize your claim an optimized list will be provided. Settlement talks will need to be at the right time to increase your odds. Most cases can be settled through negotiations.
• Trial: Taking a case to court will need pretrial preparations. Obtaining defendant reports, expert testimony, and witness statements are often part of this phase. In the courtroom a coherent narrative will need to be expressed. Tying in the crash to the knee injury and the consequences is critical. Presenting the damages will be an important part to the financial outcome of the trial.

Richard Harris works on a contingency fee basis. This means that we will only get paid if we win your case. There are no upfront legal fees and no out-of-pocket expenses. If you have been injured due to the fault of another, contact us immediately. You can reach us by phone or email, or come by the office. Remember, there is a statute of limitations in Nevada on personal injury claims. If you wait too long, you may not be able to receive compensation. Call today!