Knee Injury After a Car Accident in Columbia, SC

If you were injured in a car accident and are experiencing swelling, stiffness, or an inability to bear weight on your knee, you may have suffered a serious knee injury. It’s important to visit a medical professional if you are experiencing knee pain symptoms in order to fully assess the damage caused by the wreck.

Read below to learn more about common knee injuries, symptoms, and what legal rights you have to hold the negligent party accountable for your injury. Our South Carolina personal injury attorney offer free consultations and would be happy to answer your questions. Our office is conveniently located in Columbia, and we have been proudly servicing clients throughout the surrounding areas. Contact us online today or call us at 803-790-2800.

Symptoms of Knee Injuries After a South Carolina Auto Wreck

If you’ve been in a serious car accident, you may be experiencing pain throughout your entire body. However, it is important to take note of any significant changes or lasting pain in your knees, as this could be a sign of a more severe and specific injury. Common symptoms of knee injuries include:

• Swelling and stiffness
• Redness and warmth to the touch
• Weakness or instability
• Popping or crunching noises
• Inability to fully straighten the knee¹

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from a knee injury that could result in lasting damage if left untreated. It is important to visit a medical professional who can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend treatment. It may also be worth consulting a personal injury lawyer who can help you seek compensation to cover your medical bills and lost wages caused by the wreck.

Common Knee Injuries Caused by a Serious Auto Crash

Knee injuries typically involve sprains, tears of soft tissues, dislocations, or fractures. Your knees are very complex joints and an injury can involve many different structures in the knee. Common knee injuries include:

• Dislocations: Commonly caused by traumatic events such as car wrecks, dislocations occur when the bones in the knee become either partially or completely out of place.
• Fractures: The most commonly broken bone in the knee is the patella, as well as where the ends of the femur and tibia join to form the knee joint.
• Tendon Tears: The quadriceps and patellar tendons can be stretched and torn, often caused by direct trauma to the front of the knee.
• Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injuries: Commonly caused by car accidents, the PCL is often damaged from a blow to the front of the knee, while the knee is bent. PCL injuries are usually only partial tears and may heal without surgery, but it’s important to seek treatment and have the injury diagnosed so you can begin rehabilitation exercises.
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries: ACL injuries are one of the most common knee injuries, often experienced by athletes during sports activities and people who have been in a car accident. The anterior cruciate ligament runs diagonally in the middle of the knee and surgery is often required to regain full motion of the knee.
• Collateral Ligament Injuries: Frequently caused by a force that pushes the knee sideways, injuries to the collateral ligaments are often contact injuries.²

Treatment for Knee Injuries

During the initial period after your injury, it is important to take the proper steps to ensure a full recovery. The RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) protocol can help speed up the recovery process. If you continue to experience symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. The type of treatment recommended by your doctor will vary based on your diagnosis and pre-existing health.

What Compensation Can I Seek for a Knee Injury from a Car Wreck?

Compensation for a knee personal injury claim can vary widely depending on your diagnosis, the severity of the damage, the lasting effects of your injury, and other factors. Common damages you can seek compensation for include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost future earnings (if your injury affected your ability to earn the same income as before the accident)
• Lost enjoyment of life
• Other damages including physical pain and suffering
• Punitive damages (if the at fault party was grossly negligent or reckless in causing your injury)

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help with Knee Pain After a Columbia Car Crash

Suffering from a knee injury, especially in the wake of a traumatic auto wreck, can be life-altering and have a lasting impact on your physical and mental health. The last thing on your mind should be how you are going to pay the bills, especially if you cannot immediately return to work. A personal injury lawyer navigates the legal process for you so you can fully focus on your recovery.

Not only can our experienced accident attorneys help you seek compensation, we help hold the responsible person or business accountable by:

• Identifying and preserving evidence,
• Helping you get quality medical treatment,
• Find all avenues for financial recovery,
• Negotiating with the insurance adjuster, and
• If necessary, take your case to trial to secure a full, fair settlement.

Speak with our Columbia, SC Car Accident Attorneys Today

Regular car accident cases are difficult enough to navigate. If you are experiencing a knee injury because of a car wreck, contact our experienced team of legal professionals for a free consultation.

We are committed to helping you receive a full and fair settlement to help you move past this traumatic experience. To schedule a free consultation, please contact us through our website form, chatbox, or by calling. Our offices are conveniently located in Columbia and Myrtle Beach, and we have been proudly servicing clients throughout the surrounding areas. Contact us online today or call us at 803-790-2800 (Columbia, SC) / 843-427-2800 (Myrtle Beach, SC).

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Resources

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20350849
2. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/common-knee-injuries/