A knee injury may not sound as dramatic as a broken bone or a head injury, but if you have suffered a knee injury from a car accident, you already know how serious and life-altering it can be. Your knees are critical to nearly everything you do: walking, standing, driving, working, even sleeping comfortably. When a car accident leaves you with knee pain, swelling, or instability, your daily life can quickly feel like a series of overwhelming limitations and frustrations.
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we understand how disruptive an accident can be, not just physically, but emotionally and financially. That is why we fight aggressively for the full and fair compensation our clients deserve. From dealing with insurance representatives to negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf, we do not just sit back and hope for the best. We are here to fight for you.
A Knee Injury from a Car Accident Can Be Serious
Knee injuries are common in car accidents due to the type of impact drivers and passengers often experience, especially at higher speeds. Whether it is a sudden jolt against the dashboard, twisting of the leg, or blunt trauma from the vehicle frame, your knees are particularly vulnerable. Injuries may range from relatively minor contusions to serious fractures or torn ligaments. Many people do not realize how severe their condition is until days or even weeks after the accident, when knee pain intensifies and they are unable to walk it off (or, sometimes, walk at all). If you are experiencing knee pain after a car accident, it is essential to seek medical care immediately, both for your health and for any potential injury claim.
Common Knee Injuries from a Car Accident
Understanding the type of injury you are facing can help you prepare for treatment and recovery. Here are some of the most frequent knee injuries from car accidents:
- ACL/MCL tears. Ligament injuries are painful and often require surgery followed by lengthy physical therapy.
- Meniscus tears. Twisting injuries can damage this cartilage, leading to swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility.
- Patellar dislocation. A sudden jolt can dislocate the kneecap, making walking extremely difficult.
- Fractures. Impact can cause breaks in the kneecap or tibial plateau, often requiring surgical repair.
These injuries often involve more than just initial treatment. Recovery may include follow-up appointments, imaging, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing care to regain mobility and strength.
Is Compensation Available for a Knee Injury?
If you are suffering from a knee injury from a car accident, you may be dealing with more than just physical pain. Navigating the recovery process while juggling medical bills, time off work, and confusing insurance paperwork can feel overwhelming. It is important to know that you may have legal options.
Under New York’s no-fault insurance law, your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits should cover up to $50,000 in medical and lost wage benefits regardless of who caused the accident. However, more serious injuries may qualify for a personal injury lawsuit under New York Insurance Law. If your knee injury results in a fracture, torn ligament, or long-term impairment, you may be eligible to recover additional damages like pain and suffering.
What Compensation Can Cover
Knee injuries should be taken seriously, not only because of the pain and hassle of treatment, but because they can result in forced lifestyle changes that impact your overall well-being. For example, if you were a competitive athlete, a fitness trainer, an avid hiker, or even a parent with a toddler who needs to be carried around, a serious knee injury could forever inhibit your ability to do those activities. Sudden and severe limitations to daily routines can also lead to anxiety and depression, which are important emotional considerations when determining compensation.
If your knee injury from a car accident qualifies under New York’s serious injury threshold, you may be entitled to compensation beyond what your no-fault insurance provides. A fair knee injury car accident settlement can include compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future),
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering, and
- Rehabilitation and assistive devices.
Keep in mind that New York follows a comparative negligence rule. That means your compensation could be reduced if you were partly at fault for the accident, but you may still recover a portion that reflects the other party’s level of responsibility.
What to Expect from a Car Accident Settlement for Knee Injury
It is important to understand that every accident is unique. Determining the value of a car accident settlement for a knee injury depends on several factors:
- The severity and permanence of your injury,
- Whether surgery or long-term rehab is required,
- Impact on your ability to work or participate in daily life, and
- Documentation of your pain and suffering
For example, a minor soft tissue injury might result in a lower settlement, while a serious injury involving surgery and permanent disability could lead to a significantly higher payout. Insurance companies may try to minimize these claims, especially if the injury does not involve visible trauma or if you had a pre-existing condition. That is why it is crucial to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can present strong medical evidence, expert testimony, and documentation to support the full extent of your damages.
Do Not Wait Too Long to Act
New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, the sooner you begin the process, the better your chance of building a strong case. Early action helps preserve critical evidence like witness statements, photos, and medical records.
Let Us Help You Move Forward
Dealing with knee pain from a car accident is about more than managing your physical symptoms. It is about protecting your quality of life.
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we are not only concerned with your immediate needs but also committed to your long-term recovery. That means helping you get access to medical care, rehabilitation services, and the support you need to regain control. We have decades of experience and have recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of injured New Yorkers.
If you have questions about your injury, the claims process, or your legal options, do not wait. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how our experienced team can advocate for you while you focus on healing.
