Personal Injury Lawyer
Drivers and auto passengers will frequently sustain knee injuries during a crash. An attorney understands what the most common injuries are and knows how to fight insurance companies to get you the largest settlement. In cases where the other driver was negligent and caused your accident, you may also be entitled to additional compensation.
What are common knee injuries during a car accident?
The force of a car accident can send vehicle occupants straight into the dashboard, or if in the backseat straight into the front seats. This action can cause direct trauma to the knees. Here are some of the most common injuries that a knee doctor relies on sees:
- Broken or shattered patella (kneecap)
- Damaged cartilage, such as a torn meniscus
- Tears or damage to ligaments
It’s possible for drivers to injure the delicate meniscus (the cushioning tissue between the upper and lower legs) as they slam on the brakes. All other types of injuries can happen to anyone in the car, as their bodies are twisted and contorted from the impact of the crash.
Who covers my medical bills?
Many stats are no-fault states. This means, regardless of who is responsible for causing the crash, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) will kick in and cover medical expenses for you and your passengers.
PIP however may have limits on how much it will cover. If your knee injury is severe enough, you may be out of work for weeks or months missing out on lost wages, you could be paying extra in transportation costs to get to your doctors appointments, and you and your family could be suffering from the stress.
These factors could mean you are eligible to seek additional compensation from the other driver, if the accident was their fault.
What can I do?
The knee injury you have suffered as a result of a crash that was not your fault is undoubtedly impacting your life. It’s preventing you from enjoying your day to day activities and routines.
When should I seek help?
It’s important to seek medical help immediately after an auto accident. Even if you believe you were not hurt, it’s vital to document your symptoms and full health after a crash. Failure to do so could result in a decrease of your insurance claim. Letting days or weeks go by could mean an accident-related injury not only worsens but also could appear unrelated to the accident, in the eyes of the insurance company.
If you have even the slightest pain in your knee, be sure to bring that to the attention of the responding medical professional. It’s possible for injuries to not be completely visible immediately after happening. It may take some time for the full extent of the injury to surface.
As for seeking legal help, do so right away. Consult with a trusted attorney who can advise you of your rights and the potential compensation you may be able to secure.