Every car accident settlement relies on specific details about that individual crash and its injuries and damages. Knowing what someone else received from an insurer does not tell you what your case might be worth.
In Louisiana, you can hold the at-fault driver accountable for the injuries you suffered, including your knee pain and any underlying damage. This is usually possible by filing an insurance claim based on that driver’s liability car insurance coverage. An attorney from our firm can help you determine a fair settlement value.
Several Types of Knee Injuries Are Common in Traffic Accidents
The knees are somewhat exposed when a driver or passenger is sitting in a car. This can cause significant damage in a crash. Some ways knee injuries occur include:
- Hitting the dashboard
- Impacting the steering wheel
- Smashing into another hard surface
- Twisting in an unnatural position
- Overextending
The knee is a complex joint, requiring several ligaments for stability, in addition to several bones that work together to support a person’s weight and movement. Injuries that could cause knee pain after an accident include:
- Fractures of the leg bones at the knee
- Patella (kneecap) fracture or injury
- Sprain or strain of the knee
- Meniscus (cartilage) tear
- Dislocation
- Ligament tear, partial tear, or another injury
The three ligaments in the knee that often suffer damage in a crash include:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
Treatment of Car Accident Knee Injuries
When you see a doctor for your knee pain, they will likely examine the knee, discuss your symptoms and accident, and use medical imaging to see what is happening. Many minor injuries require only a wrap or splint, rest, ice, and elevating the leg. Recovery time can be weeks, however.
More serious injuries usually call for a cast or surgery and then a brace. Physical therapy and limited activities are likely. Healing could take six to 12 weeks or even longer, in some cases.
Knee Injuries Can Affect Your Quality of Life for Years to Come
A knee injury will certainly impair your mobility while it is healing. Some people experience arthritis or other causes of pain and inflammation in an injured knee – chronically or on and off after a major injury. If the pain and impairment are serious enough, a knee replacement may improve your quality of life.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientAn Attorney May Be Able to Help You Negotiate a Fair Settlement for Your Injuries
Since the at-fault driver is legally liable for your expenses and losses after a Louisiana car accident, the most straightforward way to recover these damages is to file a claim based on their liability car insurance coverage.
However, insurance companies do not care if you receive just compensation. Instead, they want to settle each case for as little as possible. This is why it is vital to understand the value of your claim. You can document your losses by gathering proof of:
- Current and future medical treatment costs for your injuries
- Lost wages and reduced earnings
- Property damages
- Accident-related expenses
- Pain and suffering
Some of these damages are much more challenging to put a price on than others. If you work with a personal injury attorney from our team, they will handle this process for you. We know how to value intangible and future losses and can also file a claim and negotiate with an insurer on your behalf.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientDo You Need to Sue the Driver Who Hit You and Caused Your Knee Injury?
If your attorney cannot convince the insurer to offer a fair and just settlement based on your injuries, you may need to sue the driver who caused the collision. By suing them, you can take the case in front of a judge and jury who will determine:
- Who caused the accident
- The value of the case
- How much the liable party will pay
A lawsuit does not give you as much power to accept or reject an offer as settlement negotiations do. However, it is sometimes the only way to secure appropriate compensation based on your crash and injuries. Under CC Art. 3492, car accident victims in Louisiana have only a one-year period to sue in most cases. If you miss the deadline, you could put your rights in jeopardy. Act quickly to connect with a personal injury law firm.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientA Team Member from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Will Speak with You today
You can discuss your knee injuries and car accident claim for free today with a member of the Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers team. We provide confidential, no-obligation consultations to accident victims in Louisiana. We have offices in Lafayette, Alexandria and Marksville, and New Orleans.
We are a contingency fee law firm, so you will pay no upfront fees for representation, and we will receive our payment only if we win compensation for you. Call (337) 777-7777 to learn more.
