knee injury

Common Knee Injuries Caused by Accidents

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There are many different types of knee injuries, ranging from simple burns and cuts to severe soft tissue and ligament injuries, knee fractures, and kneecap damage. Knee-related soft tissue injuries may prove to be more complicated than others. You may need long-term treatment and rehab.

The consequences of a knee injury depend on the injured victim’s age, the severity of the impact, and their current physical condition. Initial medical treatment may suffice for minor knee scrapes and cuts to heal. But serious knee injuries will likely have a long-term impact on your ability to work and perform your regular activities.

Types of Knee Injuries in Mississippi Car Accidents

The knee joint is more vulnerable and complicated as compared to other parts of the leg. This joint doesn’t just support your body weight. It also bends and rotates on its axis, which is made possible by tendons, bones, ligaments, and cartilage working together. You may have experienced one or more of the following injuries if you experience knee pain following a car accident:

1. Torn meniscus

The knee cartilage or menisci acts as a shock absorber or cushion to protect the joints. Car accidents can cause the knee to abruptly shift and tear the meniscus. Often, swelling occurs following the meniscus tear. The injury can cause the knee joint to make a clicking sound or lock up. If rest is unable to heal the torn meniscus, surgery is the only remaining alternative.

2. Dislocated patella

The patella or kneecap may get dislocated by a violent jolt from a car accident. You may have trouble flexing and extending the joint when the kneecap gets dislocated. The knee will need an x-ray for making sure the patella is only dislocated and not fractured. The doctor will recommend physical therapy for keeping the patella in position after repositioning the kneecap.

3. Tendon rupture

The quadriceps tendon or a patellar tendon can rupture following an accident to cause extreme pain. This may happen when the patella gets dislocated and shifts to the patellar tendon or quadriceps tendon. Surgical procedures are used for treating most tendon ruptures.

4. Torn ligaments

Ligament tears are of various types, such as medial collateral ligament (MCL), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). PCL is the most common type of tear following a car accident. Typically, the term ‘dashboard knee’ refers to a PCL injury. Most patients elect surgical procedures to repair the damage and restore mobility following a ligament injury.

Types of Car Accidents Resulting in Knee Injuries

These are a few types of car accidents that can cause knee injuries:

  • Head-on collisions: The force and impact of these accidents can cause the knee to hit the dashboard or the steering wheel. The impact of an accident may push the engine into the victim’s lap in severe accidents, resulting in wounds, burns, and fractures on the knees and legs.
  • T-bone accidents: There is a high likelihood of impact trauma in T-bone accidents since the knee can always hit the gear shift or the console. Side impacts twist the body which can tear knee ligaments, including the ACL.
  • Side collisions: Side impact into stationary objects can cause blunt force trauma by pushing the knee into the console or the dashboard. Much like T-bone accidents, this can also cause tearing and twisting.
  • Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collisions commonly result in dashboard knee, which occurs when the forward force of the collision pushes the knee into the dashboard. The impact may cause a painful soft tissue injury or fracture of the kneecap.

Filing a Knee Injury Claim in Mississippi

You can file a personal injury claim against the responsible party within the timeframe stipulated by the statute of limitations. If you miss the statute of limitations deadline, you could lose the right to seek compensation for your injuries. The first step following an accident should be to seek immediate medical attention. This is necessary for acquiring a record of your symptoms, injury, and treatment options. You can only collect damages once this record is established.

You should also consider consulting with an experienced attorney. The personal injury process begins with filing a claim with the insurance company of the at-fault driver. Having an attorney on your side will increase the likelihood of obtaining fair compensation. You would need to file a complaint in court if the insurance company and you cannot come to an agreement.

Knee injuries are not something you should take lightly. You should focus on recovering from the injuries and allow your attorneys to handle negotiation or the lawsuit process. The law allows a car accident victim to claim compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Speak With a Reputable Car Accident Attorney in Mississippi

The dedicated personal injury attorneys at the Gardner Law Firm can help if you suffered a knee injury because of another person’s negligent driving. We can help you understand your legal options. Our attorneys have the necessary experience and knowledge to help victims acquire adequate compensation for covering their medical bills and loss of earnings. Schedule your free and confidential consultation with us today. Call 228-436-6555 or write to us online.