Knee injuries are a common and often serious consequence of auto accidents in North Carolina. The force of impact in a collision can put extreme pressure on the knees, leading to painful conditions such as ligament tears, fractures, dislocations, and long-term joint damage.
These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing pain management. If you’ve suffered a knee injury in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our North Carolina car accident lawyers are here to help.
We are dedicated to helping victims of car crashes, truck accidents, and motorcycle wrecks get the justice and financial recovery they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Knee Injuries
Some of the most common causes of knee injuries include falls, auto accidents, overuse, and aging.
Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Accidents
Knee injuries can occur in a variety of ways during a motor vehicle accident.
- Direct Impact with the Dashboard – In a frontal collision, a driver or passenger’s knees may slam into the dashboard, leading to bruises, broken bones, or ligament damage.
- Twisting or Hyperextension – The force of an accident can cause the knee to twist unnaturally or become hyperextended, resulting in sprains, tears, or dislocations.
- Crushing Injuries – In truck or motorcycle accidents, the knee may be pinned between objects, leading to severe crush injuries that require extensive medical treatment.
- Sudden Bracing for Impact – Many accident victims instinctively brace for impact by pressing their legs against the floor or dashboard, which can strain or tear ligaments in the knee.
- Ejection from a Vehicle – In high-speed accidents, especially motorcycle crashes, victims may be thrown from their vehicle, resulting in knee fractures or dislocations upon landing.
Falls
Falls are one of the leading causes of knee injuries, particularly among older adults and workers in physically demanding jobs. Slipping on a wet surface, tripping over an object, or falling from a height can put significant stress on the knee joint, leading to fractures, ligament tears, and dislocations.
If a property owner fails to address safety hazards, they may be liable for a slip and fall accident.
Overuse
Overuse injuries are common among athletes, active individuals, and those whose jobs require repetitive movements. Activities such as running, jumping, and kneeling for extended periods can strain the knee joint over time, leading to conditions like tendinitis, bursitis, and stress fractures.
Without proper rest and treatment, overuse injuries can worsen, resulting in chronic pain and reduced mobility. Preventing these injuries often involves incorporating proper stretching, strength training, and rest periods into an activity routine.
Aging
As people age, the knee joints experience natural wear and tear, making them more susceptible to injury. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, which occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee deteriorates, can cause chronic pain and stiffness. Aging also weakens the muscles and ligaments supporting the knee, increasing the risk of strains and sprains from everyday activities.
Managing knee pain due to aging often requires lifestyle changes, such as weight management, low-impact exercise, and medical treatments like physical therapy or injections.
The Most Common Knee Injuries From Car Accidents
Knee injuries can range from mild to severe, with some requiring months of recovery and others leading to permanent disability. Some of the most common knee injuries in vehicle accidents include:
- Patellar Fractures – A direct blow to the kneecap can cause it to crack or break, making it difficult to bend or straighten the leg. Severe fractures may require surgery.
- Ligament Tears (ACL, MCL, PCL, LCL) – The knee is supported by four major ligaments, all of which can be torn or strained in an accident. ACL and MCL injuries are particularly common in car crashes.
- Meniscus Tears – The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that cushions the knee joint. A sudden twisting motion in a crash can cause the meniscus to tear, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Knee Dislocations – A forceful impact can cause the bones of the knee joint to move out of place, resulting in a dislocation. A dislocated kneecap can cause severe pain and may require surgery to correct.
- Tendon Injuries – The tendons in the knee can be stretched or torn in a high-impact accident, making it difficult to walk or bear weight on the affected leg.
- Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee) can develop due to repeated trauma or direct impact, leading to swelling and pain.
If you experience knee pain after a car accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even injuries that seem minor at first can develop into long-term issues without proper treatment.
Knee Injury Treatment
The treatment for knee injuries varies depending on the severity of the condition. Common treatment options include:
- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) – For minor injuries, doctors may recommend rest, ice packs, compression bandages, and keeping the leg elevated to reduce swelling.
- Physical Therapy – Many knee injuries require physical therapy to restore strength, mobility, and flexibility. A physical therapist can design a personalized rehabilitation program to help you recover.
- Pain Management – Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications may be used to manage pain and inflammation. In some cases, corticosteroid injections can provide relief.
- Chiropractic Care – Some accident victims benefit from chiropractic adjustments to help realign the knee and improve mobility.
- Bracing and Immobilization – Knee braces or casts may be used to stabilize the knee and prevent further injury while it heals.
- Surgery – Severe injuries such as fractures, ligament tears, and dislocations may require orthopedic surgery, including arthroscopic procedures or full knee reconstruction.
Recovering from a knee injury can be a long and challenging process, often requiring ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. If your injury was caused by a negligent driver, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden alone.
Compensation for Knee Injuries
Accident victims who suffer knee injuries may be eligible for various forms of compensation. Our skilled auto accident lawyers help clients seek fair compensation for all aspects of their injuries and damages.
Medical Expenses
This includes medical bills for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and specialized treatments such as orthopedic care or rehabilitation. Victims requiring ongoing medical attention can seek compensation for future medical expenses.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
If a knee injury prevents you from working, you can pursue compensation for lost wages. If the injury leads to long-term disability or limits your ability to perform your job, compensation may also cover future lost earnings.
Pain and Suffering
Victims can seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by their knee injury. The severity and long-term effects of the injury influence the amount awarded for pain and suffering.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Knee injuries can severely impact a person’s ability to engage in activities they once enjoyed. Compensation may be awarded for the loss of quality of life, including the inability to participate in sports, exercise, or everyday activities with family and friends.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the at-fault party acted with extreme negligence or recklessness, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.
Victims may receive up to three times the amount of compensatory damages or $250,000 in punitive damages, whichever is greater. In North Carolina, cases involving intoxicated driving are an exception to the usual cap on punitive damages.
What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement for a Knee Injury?
There is no single average car accident settlement for knee injuries since settlements vary widely based on the severity of the injury. For example, claims for minor injuries like sprains may settle for $10,000 or less. However, severe injuries like ACL tears can lead to settlements of $70,000 or more.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Accident Victims
A personal injury lawyer guides accident victims through the legal process and fights for fair compensation. An experienced attorney allows clients to focus on recovery rather than battling insurance companies or legal hurdles.
Building a Strong Claim
One of the key roles of a personal injury lawyer is gathering and presenting strong evidence. This may include medical records, expert testimony, accident reports, and witness statements. Establishing liability is critical in proving that another party’s negligence caused the injury.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. A personal injury attorney will assess the full extent of damages and negotiate aggressively for fair compensation. Our law firm protects victims from being pressured to settle for less than they deserve.
Representing You in a Lawsuit
Having legal representation can be crucial if the case goes to trial. While many personal injury claims are settled out of court, some require litigation to achieve a fair outcome. A lawyer will build a strong case, represent the victim in court, and advocate for their best interests before a judge or jury.
What Is the Time Limit for Car Accident Lawsuits in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, you usually have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. There are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, the clock may be paused if the victim is under 18.
It’s crucial to begin the legal process as soon as possible. Prompt action allows for better preservation of evidence, more accurate witness statements, and timely medical documentation of injuries.
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation
At North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious knee injury can take on you and your family.
Our dedicated legal team has extensive experience handling personal injury claims for car, truck, and motorcycle accident victims across North Carolina. We will fight to ensure you receive full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term disability caused by your injury.
If you or a loved one has suffered a knee injury in an accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
