Knees can sustain serious injuries in car accidents. Car accident knee injuries can lead to intense pain, limited range of motion, and swelling.
Some require weeks or even months to heal. This may mean extended time away from work, in addition to mounting medical costs. While your personal injury protection insurance may cover your costs, some injuries exceed this limit.
If your injuries occurred because of the negligence of another motorist, you may be able to file a claim against that driver. The car accident lawyers at Cordisco & Saile LLC can help you get the compensation you need to cover your accident-related costs.
What types of knee injuries are most common in a car accident?
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, there are three common types of knee injuries that occur in car accidents. This includes:
● Fractures: Your kneecap can fracture if it hits the inside of the car.
● Dislocation: The bones of the knee can dislocate partially or completely if your knee hits the dashboard during a crash.
● Ligament injuries: Taking an impact to the front, back, or side of the knee in a crash can partially or completely tear this ligament. You can sustain injury to the posterior cruciate ligament, anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, or the lateral collateral ligament.
What treatment might be necessary for knee injuries?
The treatment required for your knee injury will depend on the type of injury, your overall health, and a number of other factors. In some cases, nonsurgical treatment, such as rest, ice, and pain medications, allows the joint to heal slowly on its own.
Other cases, such as fractures and complete ligament tears, often require surgery to stabilize the joint and return normal function.
Regardless of whether you need surgery, your injury will likely limit your mobility for at least six weeks. In some cases, this period can extend to six months or more.
Doctors often use casts or braces that limit motion in the joint until healing is well underway, and many people cannot bear weight on their leg for at least a month. This means crutches, a wheelchair, or other mobility device may be necessary.
Depending on the nature of your job, you could miss only seven to ten days of work, even if you require surgery. Those with jobs that are more active or those that require standing, however, can expect to miss a month or more.
Even once you return to work, you may need to miss some shifts for physical therapy to rebuild the strength in your leg and restore range of motion to your knee.
How can I get compensation for my knee injury and other related damages?
After a Pennsylvania car accident, your first line of compensation comes from your own insurance policy. Under Pennsylvania’s no-fault car insurance laws, you must carry personal injury protection coverage that pays out regardless of who is at-fault.
Your insurance should pay for your medical care, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages up to the maximum limit of the policy. If your damages fall under this maximum limit, you should not need to pursue further action.
Can I file a liability claim against the other driver?
If the cost of treating your injuries exceeds the limits of your personal injury protection coverage, you may need to pursue other options to ensure you can cover all of your expenses. If your accident occurred because of a negligent motorist, your best option may be to file a liability claim against the at-fault driver.
Under Pennsylvania law, you will be able to file a liability claim or personal injury lawsuit if you suffered a “serious impairment of body function” in the crash.
This does not need to be a permanent injury, and many severe knee injuries qualify. A serious injury allows you to recover compensation for the full amount of your damages, including medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Cordisco & Saile LLC can help you navigate the car accident claims process, ensuring you get all of the compensation you need to cover your damages. If you suffered a knee injury in a Pennsylvania car accident, contact us today at 215-642-2335 to schedule a free consultation.
