Many people underestimate the damage a car accident can cause throughout the body. For example, one of the most common injuries from motor vehicle collisions is when the knee hits the dashboard or other areas of the car.
If you experienced a knee injury in a Orlando car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you might have the right to receive compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us to learn how an Orlando knee injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options.
Knee Injuries and Car Accidents
There are many kinds of motor vehicle accidents, including head-on collisions, sideswipes,rear-end accidents, T-bone collisions, and more. Any of these accidents can involve severe and catastrophic impacts.
As a result, victims sustain traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, paralysis, and even lost limbs. However, according to a study published by PubMed, many auto accident victims experience serious knee injuries following a crash.
Common knee injuries include:
- Knee or leg fractures.
- Knee dislocations.
- Tears to tendons or ligaments.
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage.
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) damage (also known as “dashboard knee”).
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) damage.
- Meniscus injury.
It is important to understand that most car accident victims who sustain knee injuries suffer additional harm. Therefore, all injured victims should seek immediate medical attention following a crash.
Signs and Symptoms of Knee Injuries Following a Car Accident
Many car accident victims are in a state of shock or experiencing an adrenaline rush. In these situations, they may not truly understand or even feel their injuries until much later.
Even if they get checked out immediately, they might notice symptoms a few hours or days later that are signs of serious medical issues. So, if you experience new or worsening symptoms, talk to your doctor or another medical professional.
Knee injury symptoms that may become apparent after an accident include the following:
- Severe or mild pain in or around the knee.
- The knee feels hot or cold to the touch
- The knee swells due to inflammation, internal bleeding, or fluid build-up
- The knee becomes discolored either from internal bleeding or an infection
- You feel a decrease in mobility, strength, or the ability to bear weight on the leg
- You hear popping noises from the injured knee
Again, if you feel serious pain or notice changes to your knee, always seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Doing so is important to your health and your case.
Treatments for Knee Injuries
Sometimes, the knee will heal within days or weeks with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE therapy). However, some knee injuries from car accidents are much more serious.
After a severe injury, you may need hospitalization, surgery, and physical therapy for weeks or even months after the collision.
Unfortunately, many accident victims have chronic pain and knee injuries requiring lifelong treatments. In addition, many cannot return to work.
If you were injured in a collision, contact an experienced lawyer from our firm. We can help you understand your legal options and determine your next steps.
Compensation for Car Accident Victims
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may suffer economic and non-economic losses. However, it can be hard to put a dollar amount on non-economic damages like pain and suffering and a lower quality of life.
Common types of economic and non-economic damages you may qualify for include:
- Medical care.
- Lost wages.
- Loss of the ability to earn income (if the damage to your knee is permanent).
- Compensation for disability or paralysis.
- Property damage to the vehicle and its contents.
- Pain and suffering.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
If someone else’s carelessness caused an accident that brought you pain, inconvenience, and financial issues, you have the right to seek compensation for those damages.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer can help you better understand the potential financial compensation in your case.
Dealing With the Insurance Company
When communicating with an insurance adjuster about an accident or your medical condition, it is important to practice caution. Anything you say during the conversation may be used against you, so having a qualified lawyer speak on your behalf is better.
An experienced attorney from our personal injury law firm could provide insurers with the information they need without saying anything to jeopardize your potential settlement.
While every case is different, on average, accident victims with legal representation receive more compensation than those who handle their claims alone. The insurance company may automatically offer more when they find out you have a lawyer.
Building Your Case
Before sending a demand letter to the insurer, your personal injury attorney will need to do some preliminary work. First, they will collect evidence, such as:
- Medical records and bills related to your accident.
- Photos of the accident scene.
- Witness statements.
- Police reports.
- Expert opinions from medical professionals.
- Other information that can help prove your case.
An attorney from our law firm will use all available evidence to build a case the insurance company cannot ignore. They will also review the applicable insurance policies to determine how much coverage is available.
Sending the Demand Letter
Once your attorney has estimated the value of your case, they can send a demand letter to the insurance company. This letter will outline the details of the accident and your injuries and explain why you are entitled to compensation.
Pursuing a Fair Settlement or Court Award
The insurance company may respond with an inadequate offer at first. If this happens, your lawyer will negotiate for an appropriate settlement. However, if the insurer refuses to pay, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit and fight for you in court.
Learn More About Your Legal Rights After a Car Accident
You should understand that time is of the essence in a personal injury case. Under Florida Statutes §95.11(3)(a), injured victims have limited time to file a lawsuit. If you fail to take action within this period, you could permanently lose your right to do so.
An Orlando knee injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine could work with you to help you understand your legal options and protect your right to fair compensation. Never accept a settlement offer from the insurance company without talking to us first.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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