Knee injuries from a car accident are an unfortunate consequence for many victims. Seeking justice to receive the compensation you need is essential.
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries; one area commonly affected is the knees. The impact and forces involved in a car crash can lead to various knee injuries ranging from minor to severe. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for knee injuries resulting from car accidents is crucial for both accident victims and medical professionals.
At The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., we have over 25 years of experience helping car accident victims in St. Louis. Our sole focus is helping motor vehicle accident victims receive total and fair compensation, even in injury accident cases involving uninsured or underinsured drivers. Talk to a lawyer 24/7. Call us today for a free case evaluation.
Causes of Knee Injuries in Car Accidents
Car accidents can subject the knees to sudden and intense forces, leading to various knee injuries. Some common causes include:
- Direct Impact: A collision may directly impact the knee against the dashboard, steering wheel, or other parts of the vehicle, resulting in fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue damage.
- Twisting or Hyperextension: Sudden jerks or twists of the knee during a car accident can cause ligament tears, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears. Hyperextension of the knee joint can also lead to ligament or meniscus injuries.
- Dashboard Injuries: Passengers or drivers with legs extended and braced against the dashboard during a collision can experience significant knee injuries due to the impact. The force can cause fractures, dislocations, or damage to the knee joint and surrounding structures.
Symptoms of Knee Injuries
Identifying the signs and symptoms of knee injuries after a car accident is crucial for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Some common symptoms include:
- Pain and Swelling: Knee injuries often cause immediate pain and noticeable swelling around the knee joint.
- Limited Range of Motion: Injured individuals may experience difficulty bending or straightening the knee, resulting in a limited range of motion.
- Instability: Ligament tears or dislocations can cause instability in the knee, making it challenging to bear weight or walk properly.
- Locking or Catching Sensation: In some cases, torn cartilage or loose fragments may interfere with knee movements, causing a locking or catching sensation during motion.
Treatment Options
The treatment for knee injuries sustained in car accidents depends on the specific type and severity of the injury. Standard treatment options include:
- RICE Method: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) can help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation in the early stages of knee injury recovery.
- Immobilization: In severe cases, knee injuries may require immobilization with a brace, cast, or splint to promote healing and prevent further damage.
- Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy can help strengthen the knee, improve flexibility, and restore normal function.
- Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Surgical Intervention: In cases of severe knee injuries, such as complex fractures, multiple ligament tears, or extensive soft tissue damage, surgery may be necessary to repair the injured structures.
Knee injuries resulting from car accidents can vary in nature and severity, ranging from minor sprains to complex fractures and ligament tears. Seeking immediate medical attention following a car accident is crucial to ensure a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Timely intervention, including rest, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery, can help accident victims recover and regain normal function.
Talk to a Lawyer 24/7
For over 25 years, The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. has helped St. Louis car accident victims get maximum compensation. With a strong advocate, you may receive the financial compensation you need and deserve after an accident.
Our team of car accident attorneys is available to talk even on Saturdays and Sundays. Call us if you have been in an auto accident on the weekend.