7 Common Knee Injuries from Car Accidents in New York

Considering the amount of time we spend behind the wheel, it’s no surprise that car accidents are a common occurrence on New York’s busy streets and highways. Every time we buckle up and hit the road, we hope for a safe journey, but unfortunately, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, your life is turned upside down, and you’re left dealing with a variety of injuries, including those affecting your knees.

Knee injuries are among the most prevalent types of injuries sustained in car crashes, and they can have a profound impact on your daily life. From the moment you step out of bed in the morning to the time you drift off to sleep at night, your knees play a crucial role in your mobility and overall well-being. When these essential joints are damaged in a car accident, the consequences can be far-reaching and long-lasting.

In this blog post, a Long Island car accident lawyer shares valuable insights into 7 common knee injuries from car accidents in New York. By understanding the types of injuries that can occur and their potential impact on your life, you’ll be better prepared to seek the medical attention and legal support you need to recover and move forward after a car accident.

1. Knee Contusion (Bruising)

A knee contusion, or bruising, is one of the most common knee injuries from car accidents. When your knee hits the dashboard, steering wheel, or any other hard surface during a collision, it can cause the blood vessels under your skin to rupture, leading to bruising and swelling. While knee contusions may not always be serious, they can still be painful and limit your mobility.

Treatment for knee contusions typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter pain medications can also help manage discomfort. In more severe cases, physical therapy may be necessary to regain full range of motion and strength in the affected knee.

2. Patellar Fracture

The patella, or kneecap, is a small bone that sits at the front of your knee joint. During a car accident, a direct blow to the knee or a severe twisting motion can cause the patella to fracture. Symptoms of a patellar fracture include severe pain, swelling, and difficulty extending your leg.

Treatment for a patellar fracture depends on the severity of the break. In some cases, a cast or brace may be sufficient to keep the bone in place while it heals. However, more severe fractures may require surgery to realign the pieces of the patella and secure them with pins, screws, or wires.

3. Ligament Tears (ACL, MCL, PCL, LCL)

Your knee joint is stabilized by four main ligaments: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). During a car accident, sudden changes in direction or force can cause one or more of these ligaments to tear.

Symptoms of a ligament tear include pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the tear and the specific ligament involved. Minor tears may heal with rest and physical therapy, while more severe tears may require surgical repair.

4. Meniscus Tears

The menisci are two C-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as shock absorbers between your thigh bone and shin bone. During a car accident, twisting or direct impact to the knee can cause the meniscus to tear. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and a catching or locking sensation in the knee.

Treatment for meniscus tears depends on the size and location of the tear. Small tears on the outer edge of the meniscus may heal on their own with rest and physical therapy. However, larger tears or those in areas with poor blood supply may require surgical repair or removal of the damaged portion of the meniscus.

5. Knee Dislocation

While less common than other knee injuries, knee dislocations can occur during high-impact car accidents. A knee dislocation happens when the bones of your knee joint are forced out of alignment, often causing damage to the surrounding ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves.

Symptoms of a knee dislocation include severe pain, swelling, deformity, and inability to move the knee joint. Knee dislocations are considered a medical emergency and require immediate treatment to restore proper alignment and address any associated injuries.

6. Patellar Tendon Rupture

The patellar tendon connects your kneecap to your shin bone. During a car accident, a sudden, forceful contraction of the quadriceps muscle can cause the patellar tendon to rupture. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and inability to extend your leg.

Treatment for a patellar tendon rupture typically involves surgical repair to reattach the tendon to the kneecap. After surgery, you’ll need to undergo a rehabilitation program to regain strength and range of motion in your knee.

7. Knee Bursitis

Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion and lubricate your joints. During a car accident, direct impact or prolonged pressure on your knee can cause the bursae to become inflamed, leading to a condition called knee bursitis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the affected bursa.

Treatment for knee bursitis typically involves rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and discomfort. In some cases, your doctor may recommend draining the affected bursa or administering corticosteroid injections to alleviate symptoms.

Long-Term Impact of Knee Injuries

Knee injuries sustained in car accidents can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the initial pain and discomfort. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may face:

• A lengthy recovery process
• Ongoing challenges that impact your daily life
• Chronic pain that limits your mobility and affects your ability to perform everyday tasks
• Reduced ability to stand, walk, or kneel for extended periods, which can be particularly debilitating if your job requires these activities

In some cases, knee injuries may require surgery to repair damaged ligaments, tendons, or cartilage. This can lead to:

• Risks and potential complications associated with surgery
• A lengthy recovery process involving months of physical therapy and rehabilitation

Knee injuries can also result in:

• Reduced mobility and flexibility
• Difficulty participating in activities you once enjoyed, such as sports or exercise
• Challenges with simple activities like walking or climbing stairs
• A toll on your physical and mental well-being, potentially leading to feelings of frustration, depression, or anxiety

The long-term impact of knee injuries can also extend to your professional life:

• Difficulty returning to work at full capacity, especially if your job requires physical labor or mobility
• Potential need to take extended time off work or change careers entirely to accommodate your limitations

In addition, the financial burden of long-term knee injuries can be substantial:

• Medical expenses related to initial treatment and ongoing care
• Lost wages due to time off work or reduced earning capacity
• Added stress and challenges associated with your injury

How a Long Island Injury Lawyer Can Help

As you can see, the long-term consequences of knee injuries can be life-altering, impacting your ability to work, enjoy hobbies, and maintain your quality of life. Dealing with chronic pain, reduced mobility, and mounting medical bills can be overwhelming, especially when your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. That’s why it’s essential to seek the help of a qualified Long Island injury lawyer who can fight for compensation for your injuries and help you navigate the complex legal process. An attorney can also help you by:

• Protecting your rights every step of the way
• Gathering evidence to support your claim, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements
• Building a strong case on your behalf
• Working with medical experts and other professionals to assess the long-term impact of your knee injury
• Ensuring that your compensation reflects the true scope of your losses

Your attorney can also:

• Handle negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf
• Fight for a fair settlement that accounts for all of your damages
• Represent you in court, if necessary, to ensure that you receive the compensation you need to move forward

Beyond financial compensation, your attorney can:

• Connect you with medical professionals and other resources to support your physical and emotional recovery
• Provide guidance and support throughout the legal process
• Answer your questions and keep you informed every step of the way

Get Back on Your Feet: Let The Harrison Law Group Fight for Your Rights After a Car Accident Knee Injury

If you’ve suffered a knee injury in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need a dedicated legal team to fight for your rights and help you secure the maximum compensation for your injuries. The Harrison Law Group, with over 30 years of trial experience in Suffolk, Nassau, and Queens Counties, as well as throughout Long Island and New York, is here to be your unwavering advocate.

As experienced New York knee injury lawyers, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a knee injury can take on your life. From mounting medical bills and lost wages to chronic pain and reduced mobility, the long-term consequences of a knee injury can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with the strong legal representation you need to navigate this challenging time.

At The Harrison Law Group, we work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries, including damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Our team has the knowledge, resources, and dedication to build a strong case on your behalf and fight for the best possible outcome.

We understand that the aftermath of a car accident can be a stressful and uncertain time, which is why we offer flexible appointment options, including evenings and weekends, as well as virtual consultations. With our contingency-based approach, you won’t owe us a penny unless we win your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery without the added financial burden of legal fees.

Don’t let a knee injury from a car accident stand in the way of your recovery and your future. Contact The Harrison Law Group today to schedule your free case evaluation and learn more about your legal rights and options. Call us at (631) 465-9797 or fill out our online form to take the first step towards your recovery.

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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

The Harrison Law Group, P.C.
534 Broad Hollow Road, Suite 100,
Melville, New York 11747
(631) 465-9797
https://www.hlgny.com