Car accidents can result in injuries to various parts of our bodies, affecting physical health and overall quality of life. While upper body injuries, such as fractures or head trauma, often receive more attention due to their severity, knee injuries should not be underestimated. These injuries can include ligament tears, sprains, or even fractures, which can lead to significant pain, swelling, and decreased mobility. Individuals suffering from knee injuries after a car accident may find it challenging to perform everyday activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or participating in sports. The impact on their physical capabilities can lead to emotional distress and frustration, potentially resulting in a diminished quality of life. Therefore, recognizing the importance of knee injuries in the context of automobile collisions is crucial, as they can have long-lasting effects that extend beyond the initial trauma.
Background
The knee is composed of several components. The main bones involved are the femur, tibia, fibula, and patella. In addition to these bones, the knee relies on muscles, tendons, and ligaments for stability and movement. Within the knee joint, two pieces of cartilage called the menisci on top of the tibia act as shock absorbers. All of these parts must work together properly for the knee to function correctly. Trauma or acute injury to the knee can cause severe damage, potentially impacting a person’s quality of life forever.
Most Common Knee Injuries
The most frequently represented knee injuries that result from an automobile collision include:
- Torn Meniscus – Trauma resulting from forceful twisting or hyper-flexing of the knee joint can lead to various symptoms, including pain, swelling, a popping sound, and difficulty supporting weight on the affected knee. Treatment typically involves therapy to strengthen the muscles that stabilize the knee. However, if these measures prove ineffective, surgery may be necessary.
- Knee Fracture – A knee fracture, like any broken bone, can vary in severity. Typically caused by a direct impact, a kneecap fracture can occur at the top, center, or bottom of the kneecap and may affect multiple areas. Common symptoms include bruising, swelling, and difficulty walking or straightening the leg. The specific location and severity of the fracture will determine whether surgical intervention is needed for healing.
- Torn ACL – An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury occurs when this ligament tears away from the knee joint, leading to severe pain and potential debilitation. The recovery time can vary based on the injury’s severity. If rehabilitation therapy is sufficient, healing may take about 3 to 6 months. However, if surgery is necessary, the recovery period could extend to 6 to 9 months.
- MCL Tear – A sprain or tear to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) occurs when this ligament, which connects the thighbone to the lower leg, is injured. Symptoms typically include pain, stiffness, and swelling, with the intensity of pain varying from mild to severe based on the extent of the injury. Surgery is usually not necessary unless the ligament is completely torn, as it may heal without surgical intervention.
Knee injuries that result from automobile collisions can be severe. If you need weeks or months to recover, you must deal with lost wages. You may not be able to do the same work as you once did, resulting in loss of earning capacity. Knee injuries can affect you in ways you would not have otherwise imagined.
Possible Outcomes of a Knee Injury
The consequences of a knee injury vary depending on the severity of the injury, age, and current physical condition. Some injuries heal with time after initial medical treatment. However, some injuries may trigger long-term consequences. A doctor is the best person to suggest the best treatment option for your case.
Treatment
Doctors often begin treatment for minor knee injuries with an approach known as RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). If a doctor observes no improvement, they may recommend physical therapy for several weeks or months. More serious cases may require surgery. The recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury. For instance, minor injuries may heal within a few days, while more serious injuries could take weeks, months, or even years for a full recovery.
Representation for Knee Injuries
If you’ve suffered a knee injury in an automobile collision due to another driver’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation for your damages. Maginnis Howard’s skilled personal injury attorneys have decades of experience handling complex cases, including those involving victims who have suffered significant knee injuries due to the negligence of another North Carolina driver.
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis. That means that you do not pay any attorneys’ fees unless and until we make a recovery on your behalf. You can reach us at (919) 526-0450 or by email through our contact page. You may also visit one of our three conveniently located offices in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Fayetteville.
