When we think of what happens to the body during a West Palm Beach car accident, we picture the head slamming forward and back causing traumatic brain injury, neck injury and spinal cord injury. However, the lower body is also affected by the force of a car crash. In many cases, the impact of the crash sends the victim sliding forward and under the steering wheel, slamming his or her knees on the dash board. In other accidents, the knee is ben or twisted in an unnatural way. Often car crashes cause serious damage to the cartilage and bones that create the knee joint. In fact, car accidents are one of the most common causes of knee injuries.
West Palm Beach car crash knee injuries can range from minor tears and bruises to dislocations, fractures and ruptures.
Common knee injuries include:
- ACL Tear – The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is the ligament that holds the knee in place. ACL tears may be painless at first, but over time they can cause significant pain and disability.
- PCL Tear – The PCL, or posterior cruciate ligament, is the ligament in back of the knee that keeps the knee stable. Damage to the PCL can result in severe pain, instability of the knee, and trouble walking.
- Torn Meniscus – The meniscus is the cartilage in the knee joint that pads and prevents friction between the leg bones. If this is damaged, the knee may stick or “pop”.
- MCL Tear – The MCL, medial collateral ligament, keeps the knee flexible. If it is torn, the accident victim may have difficulty walking and performing every day activities.
Knee injuries are painful and often require long recovery times. West Palm Beach car accident victims with knee injuries may be unable to work for an extended period of time. If you have sustained a knee injury in a Florida car crash, you may be concerned about how to pay your medical bills and other expenses.
West Palm Beach auto accident lawyer Craig Goldenfarb helps victims of South Florida car accidents to get the compensation they are entitled to. If you have sustained a knee injury in a Florida car crash, you may be eligible for compensation for your hospital and doctor’s bills, physical therapy, rehabilitation, medication, lost income and lost earning capacity, pain and suffering and diminished quality of life.