Knee Injury After a Car Crash in DC
A knee injury after a car accident in Washington, D.C. can affect just about every part of your life. Walking, driving, going to work, and even getting around your own home can become difficult when you’re dealing with a serious knee injury.
And what first seems like a bruised or swollen knee could turn out to be a torn ACL, damaged cartilage, or a fracture that requires surgery and months of physical therapy.
On top of trying to recover, you may be missing paychecks, facing medical bills, and wondering how long it will take to get back to normal.
If another driver caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and the impact the injury has had on your daily life.
Common Knee Injuries After a Car Accident
Your knee can hit the dashboard, twist during the impact, or absorb a tremendous amount of force in a collision. Some injuries are immediately obvious, while others may take additional testing to diagnose.
ACL Tears
The ACL is a ligament that helps keep your knee stable. A tear can cause swelling, pain, and the feeling that your knee might give out when you walk. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may include surgery and several months of rehabilitation.
Meniscus Tears
The meniscus is cartilage that cushions the knee joint. A tear can make bending, standing, and walking painful. Some people also experience swelling or a knee that catches or locks. Treatment may involve physical therapy or surgery.
Tibia and Fibula Fractures
The tibia and fibula are the bones in your lower leg. A fracture near the knee can make it difficult or impossible to put weight on your leg. More serious fractures may require surgery, followed by a lengthy recovery.
What If Your Knee Pain Isn’t Getting Better After the Accident?
Maybe you thought your knee was just bruised after the accident. But now it’s been a few weeks, you’re still having trouble walking, or the swelling hasn’t gone away.
Persistent knee pain, swelling, instability, or difficulty putting weight on your leg can be signs of an injury that needs further medical attention.
A doctor may recommend additional testing, such as an MRI, to determine whether you have ligament damage, a meniscus tear, or another injury that wasn’t obvious immediately after the crash.
Don’t ignore symptoms that continue or get worse. Getting the right medical care is important for your recovery, and your medical records also help document how the accident affected you.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Knee Injury Claim?
After a car accident, you’re probably more concerned about getting your knee better than dealing with insurance paperwork. But a few things can make a real difference in your case.
- Get medical treatment. Tell your doctor how the accident happened and explain all the symptoms you’re experiencing, even if they seem minor.
- Keep track of your treatment. Save your medical records, test results, bills, and information about upcoming appointments.
- Document missed work. If your doctor takes you out of work or gives you restrictions, keep copies of those notes and track your lost income.
- Be careful with the insurance company. Don’t rush into a settlement before you understand how serious your injury is or what additional treatment you may need.
If your knee injury is keeping you from working, read our article Can’t Work After a Car Accident? Here’s What to Do Next.
How Much Is a Knee Injury Worth After a Car Accident?
There isn’t one settlement amount for every knee injury. Two people can have the same diagnosis but very different recoveries and very different car accident claims.
For example, someone who recovers after a few weeks of physical therapy is in a different situation from someone who needs surgery, misses six months of work, and continues having trouble walking.
Several factors can affect compensation, including:
- The severity of your knee injury
- Whether you need surgery or additional medical treatment
- How much work and income you’ve lost
- Whether you’ll need future medical care
- How the injury affects your daily activities and quality of life
Insurance companies may try to settle a claim before the full extent of an injury is known. Once you accept a final settlement, you generally cannot go back and ask for more money if you end up needing additional treatment.
That’s why understanding your injury, recovery, and future medical needs matters before settling your case.
Ask Frank: Knee Injuries After a Car Accident
In this video, Attorney Frank Kearney talks about serious knee injuries, including ACL tears, meniscus injuries, and fractures, and how they can affect a car accident case.
Talk to Donahoe Kearney About Your Knee Injury
If you hurt your knee in a car accident in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, we’d be happy to talk with you about what happened.
Attorney Frank Kearney has more than 30 years of experience handling serious injury cases. Our team can answer your questions, help you understand your options, and deal with the insurance company while you focus on getting better.
Call 202-393-3320 or book a free consultation.