If you sustained a knee injury from a truck accident as a result of another person’s negligent driving, contact our personal injury attorneys to learn more about what you can do to be compensated. While not all truck-related accidents are serious, a knee injury can force you to adjust to life with impaired physical mobility. Whether you are suffering from a knee sprain, knee strain, or knee fracture after being involved in a traumatic truck accident, our Eason & Tambornini truck accident attorneys are ready to help you get the just and fair compensation you deserve.
What is a dashboard knee injury?
A dashboard knee is a specific injury to the leg after a truck accident that is caused by hitting your knee into the dashboard of a truck during a head-on collision. The force of the impact may damage the patella or kneecap. The patella is a free-floating bone that sits at the front of your knee and acts as a shield for your knee joint. Another classic dashboard injury is a partial or complete tear of the ligament that prevents the shinbone (tibia) from being pushed backward. If the force of the impact during a head-on collision is strong enough, it can push the shinbone backward and cause fractures. If you suffered from a dashboard knee after a truck accident, immediately consult with an experienced orthopedist in order to prevent disabling knee injuries and come up with an accurate medical diagnosis that will support your claim for compensation.
What is a dashboard kneecap injury?
The dashboards of trucks have varying levels of rigidity, but most are going to cause damage to your knee during a head-on collision. When your knee hits the dashboard, it creates injuries by breaking, stretching, or twisting ligaments and cartilage beyond their normal range. If the force is strong enough, it can break your kneecap and cause excruciating pain in the knee. If you sustained a dashboard knee injury after a truck accident, the pain and swelling could make it difficult or even impossible to straighten your knee or walk. If you’re suffering from kneecap pain after a truck accident, you should get it checked by an experienced orthopedist immediately to determine the best course of action. It will also help you increase your recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning potential, and even pain and suffering.
How can you tell if you have a broken kneecap?
A dashboard knee injury after a truck accident can cause a break in your kneecap, medically known as a patellar fracture. The bones in your knee may be broken into pieces, move out of line, or protrude out of the skin. If you suspect you have a broken kneecap, look for the following signs and symptoms:
- Bruising and swelling are noticeable around your knee
- Putting weight on the injured leg results in significant pain
- You feel excruciating pain when your knee is touched or when you move your leg
- You have difficulty bending or straightening your injured leg
If you suffered from a broken kneecap after a truck accident, immediately consult with your doctor to determine the severity of your injury and to be accurately diagnosed.
How long does it take to heal from a fractured patella?
Depending on the extent and severity of your injury, it can take weeks or months to fully recover from a fractured patella caused by a truck accident. Your doctor may prescribe painkillers to manage your discomfort and anti-inflammatory drugs to bring down swelling. Whether your treatment is surgical or non-surgical, your doctor or physical therapist will provide you with specific exercises to improve the range of motion of your knee and strengthen your leg muscles. Most importantly, you will not be allowed to do weight-bearing activities to prevent further damage to your fractured patella. Since kneecap fractures are among the most debilitating injuries that can impair your mobility, it is of utmost importance to immediately seek professional medical care after a traumatic truck accident.
What can you do?
We understand that dashboard knee, knee sprain, knee fractures, and other debilitating knee injuries caused by a truck accident can force you to adjust to life with impaired physical mobility and reduced self-confidence. Additionally, this traumatic experience can rack up substantial medical costs and cause you to be out of work for quite some time or even for a lifetime. If you need proven legal skills in dealing with insurance companies, medical expenses, and other financial matters, call us to schedule a free consultation with one of our truck accident lawyers in Sacramento.
