Knee Pain After a Car Accident: What You Should Know

Posted on: October 3, 2023

Car accidents are unsettling events that often leave people with both physical and emotional scars. One of the most common complaints after a car accident is knee pain, which can signal a range of injuries, from minor sprains to severe fractures. Common car accident knee injuries you should be aware of are listed below.

Types of Knee Injuries from Car Accidents

Meniscus Tear

The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee that cushions and stabilizes the joint. Sudden twisting or forceful impact, such as during a car accident, can cause it to tear. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the knee. In severe cases, a fragment of the torn meniscus may drift into the joint space, causing the knee to lock up.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury

The ACL is one of the four main ligaments in the knee, and it is often injured in car accidents due to sudden stops or changes in direction. Symptoms of an ACL injury can include severe pain, swelling, and instability in the knee. Without proper treatment, an ACL injury can lead to chronic knee instability and early-onset arthritis.

Fractures

The knee is composed of several bones that can be fractured during a car accident, including the patella (kneecap), femur (thighbone), and tibia (shinbone). A fracture may cause immediate, intense pain, inability to walk or move the knee, visible deformity, and swelling.

Consequences of Knee Injuries

Regardless of the type of injury, knee pain can severely impact a person’s life. In the short term, people may experience discomfort, difficulties with mobility, and the need for ongoing medical treatment. They may also need to take time off work for recovery, resulting in lost wages.

In more severe cases, knee injuries can lead to long-term or even permanent disability. This can result in a significant change in lifestyle, including the inability to perform certain activities, potential job loss, and the need for long-term medical care and rehabilitation.

Legal Options and Compensation

If you have sustained a knee injury in a car accident, it is crucial to understand your legal rights. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Compensation can cover various aspects, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Our Freehold Car Accident Lawyers at Ellis Law Can Provide Legal Assistance if You Have a Knee Injury From a Crash

Any injury after a car accident can derail your life, and few can be as painful and debilitating as knee injuries. If you have a knee injury from a car accident, speak with our experienced Freehold car accident lawyers at Ellis Law about your legal options. Call 732-308-0200 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Freehold, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York City.