Knee injuries are one of the most common outcomes of car accidents.
The reason knee injuries are so common after car accidents, is that they are often directly in the line of airbags, which can apply a high level of force. Here is what you need to know about this type of damage.
Symptoms
One of the biggest issues car accident victims go through is not know if they have an injury or not. The first thing we’ll say on this matter is that you should always see a doctor. Even if you barely feel a symptom or aren’t expiring any, it is best to see a medical professional anyways. The second is to watch out for the following signs when it comes to knee injuries.
Discoloration – The three typical colors you’ll see are blue, green, and red. Each signals inflammation and damage, the most common of which is bruising.
Temperature – Another indicator of the healing response is a rise in temperature, which is caused by more blood being in the area.
Pain – The most obvious clue is pain. If you feel it, you should see a doctor.
Weakness – Lastly, you may find that your knee is weaker during weightlifting, sports, or day to day tasks. No matter what, this discomfort is cause for concern.
Injuries
The most common knee injuries that come from car accidents include fractures, dislocations, sprains, cartilage damage, and ligament tears. Each of these damages comes with its own set of symptoms and complications. Though we could list them, it is a better for you to speak with a doctor and getting expert medical information.
The Most Common Cause
Though high-speed collisions can cause a vehicle to make an impact with your knee directly, the more common occurrence is airbag complications. What happens is your airbags deploying, and the force of their quick inflation may twist your knee in an uncomfortable way. This movement can compromise the structure of the knee and cause injury.
Treatment Options
Your specific treatment will depend on the opinion of your doctor. Generally, at-home remedies include ice, heat, and rest. Minor knee injuries will solve themselves using these tactics. For severe ones, you may need to utilize physical therapy or surgery, both of which may be paid for by a personal injury lawsuit.
Your Means of Compensation
The one silver lining of sustaining a knee injury from a car accident is that you may not have to pay for your treatment. The reason is that your case could fall into the personal injury legal framework. In short, if you can prove that another party was at fault for your damages, you can get your medical bills and many other expenses paid for.
If you injure your knee in a car accident, one thing you must understand is that you don’t have to take on that tragedy alone. Instead, you can speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney and get the ball rolling on obtaining benefits from the liable party. Timing is crucial in these cases, so starting the process as soon as possible is in your best interest.