Knees and legs are highly vulnerable in car crashes, and because these body parts are crucial for daily movement, an injury to them could hamper a person’s life. More than the medical bills and rehabilitation expenses, knee or leg injuries cause missed days at work, difficulty doing common tasks, and an overall diminished quality of living.
Compensation may be available from your own auto insurance or the at-fault party. However, it won’t be easy to claim the full damages you are entitled to. If your knee or leg has been injured in a New Jersey auto accident, get the help of a New Jersey car accident lawyer to pursue maximum compensation.
Common Leg and Knee Injuries in Crashes
Fractures
Bones that are commonly broken in a car accident include the thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia), calf bone (fibula), and kneecap (patella). Smaller bones in the ankle or foot can also suffer a fracture caused by a car accident.
In less serious cases, leg or knee fractures may heal with nonsurgical treatment such as splints, casts, and braces. But many bone fractures require internal fixation devices like screws, rods, and nails.
Bone Dislocation
Dislocation is the term for the misalignment of bones, particularly those around a joint like the knee. To restore bone alignment, a doctor will manually “pop” the bones back in place. This requires professional handling because improperly treated dislocation can damage surrounding blood vessels and nerves, further impairing the patient’s mobility.
Ligament Injuries
Ligaments are connective tissues that allow the various movements of the leg and knee. Specifically, they are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). In a violent accident, any of these ligaments could be stretched or torn, resulting in debilitating pain, loss of stability, and limited movements.
Some ligament injuries don’t require surgery, but others, especially a torn ACL, will need surgical reconstruction.
Torn Meniscus
There are two cushion-like cartilages within each knee called menisci (singular: meniscus). These act as a shock absorber between the thigh and shin bone. When the knee is abruptly twisted or rotated, a meniscus could tear and cause pain, swelling, the knee locking up, or the knee giving out. Although some meniscal tears can heal on their own, others require surgical repair or a meniscus transplant.
Amputation
In major car wrecks, the injury to the leg or knee may be so catastrophic that it requires the removal of the damaged limb. Medical amputation may be the ultimate result if the leg or knee is crushed in the accident, if a deep laceration severs the limb, or if a wound to the limb develops an infection.
Compensation You May Get for Knee or Leg Injuries
An injured leg or knee has an extensive impact on the physical, financial, and emotional aspects of your life. Hence, you may be able to claim the following compensation:
- Medical bills (surgery, hospital stay, doctors’ fees, medications, etc.)
- Rehabilitation/therapy costs
- Pain and suffering
- Missed earnings
- Post-injury needs (wheelchair, special transport, etc.)
- Prosthetic limbs
- Reduced ability to earn
- Mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life.
New Jersey is a no-fault state for car accidents, which means your auto insurance will cover you first, regardless of who was at fault in the crash. If you have significant losses and have exhausted your insurance coverage, you may pursue a claim from the at-fault party.
Whether you’re claiming from your insurer or the other party, you’ll need the help of a competent injury lawyer. Insurance companies are experienced in undermining claims. Your attorney should help you determine the true value of your claim and be ready to assert this value when pursuing a settlement so you don’t end up settling for much less than you need and deserve.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in NJ
The Grossman Law Firm has earned the trust of New Jersey car crash survivors. We are a top-rated personal injury firm that has won deca-millions for our clients over the last 25 years, helping them recover financially and emotionally after their accident.
Talk to us about your leg or knee injury from a crash. Call (732) 625-9494 or send us a message for a free consultation.
