Knee Injury After A Car Accident FAQs
Common Questions About Knee Injuries After A Car Accident
Are knee injuries common after a car accident?
As a personal injury attorney, I can tell you that a knee injury is one of the more common injuries after a car accident – especially a side impact or rollover accident.
Why would I have a knee injury after a car accident?
Car accidents place significant force on your body’s discs, joints, and ligaments.
The ligaments around your knee are fragile and delicate and as such are susceptible to injury. The sudden impact of a car accident can cause your knee to twist or hyper-extend – putting stress on the ligaments. This is especially common if your knee makes contact with the dashboard, roof, car door or is locked in position during impact.
What kind of knee injuries happen as the result of a car accident?
More than 60% of car accident knee injuries involve the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).
The cruciate ligaments are found inside your knee joint. They cross each other to form an “X” with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the front. The cruciate ligaments control the back and forth movement of the knee and act as “ropes” to hold the bones together and keep your knee stable.
In a car accident, especially a side impact or rollover accident, your knee can suddenly severely twist or hyperextend (change direction rapidly). This sudden stress can cause the ACL to strain or possible tear. A torn ACL typically requires a knee scope (arthroscopic surgery). ACL Injuries can be quite problematic as it affects your everyday mobility and day-too-day activities.
During a car accident, you may also suffer from “dashboard knee”. This occurs when your bent knee makes contact with the dashboard or door. The patella (kneecap) can fracture from the sudden and intense impact. This is a very painful injury. A fractured patella requires open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) surgery.
What are the symptoms of a knee injury?
- Severe pain
- Lack of movement
- Popping noise
- Limping
- Significant swelling
What should I do if you have a knee injury after an accident?
You should seek immediate medical treatment.
An orthopedic surgeon would be in the best position to determine the extent and severity of your knee injury. In the interim, you should use the R.I.C.E. method to alleviate the pain.
- REST and placing a small pillow under your knee can provide relief.
- ICE, COMPRESSION, and ELEVATION will help reduce swelling.
Should I contact a Personal Injury Attorney if I have a knee injury as the result of an accident?
Yes! Reach out if you suffered from a knee Injury from an accident – We can help!
If you are involved in a car accident where you injure your knee, call the Plantation personal injury attorneys at Lyons & Snyder for a free consultation.
We can determine whether the at-fault party has available insurance coverage to compensate you for your past medical bills, future medical bills, and pain and suffering related to this injury.
