This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Ruben Davidoff following our comprehensive editorial guidelines Ruben Davidoff ,the Founding Partner, has 30+ years of legal experience as a New York personal injury attorney.
Knee injuries from a car accident can be painful, costly, and life-changing. They often make walking, working, or even sitting difficult. Whether your injury is mild or severe, it can affect your entire routine and create unexpected stress. Many injury victims don’t realize how serious a knee injury is until it worsens over time.
Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers helps accident victims in Queens, New York, pursue compensation for knee injuries caused by car crashes. Our team understands how to build a strong personal injury claim, collect key evidence, and deal with insurance companies who may try to reduce your settlement. We handle personal injury cases with care and dedication.
If you are struggling after a crash, our experienced car accident lawyers will fight to recover the fair compensation you deserve. Let us guide you through the legal process while you focus on healing.
Table of Contents
Overview of Knee Injury in a Car Accident in Queens
Knee injuries are a common outcome of car accidents, but many people don’t realize how serious they can become. A direct hit to the knee or a sudden twist during a crash can lead to lasting pain, limited movement, or even long-term damage. These injuries may seem minor at first but often worsen without proper medical care.
Knee Injuries Are Common but Often Overlooked
In many car accident cases, the knee hits the dashboard, door, or another part of the car. Even in lower-speed crashes, the knee can twist unnaturally or absorb a lot of force. These injuries are often brushed off as soreness or minor bruises. But ignoring them can lead to serious injuries like ligament tears or fractures.
Because the knee supports your entire body, even a small injury can make walking or working painful. Many accident victims don’t seek treatment right away, which can hurt both their recovery and their personal injury claim. Early action is key.
Why Early Diagnosis and Legal Help Are Important
If your knee feels stiff, swollen, or painful after a car crash, don’t wait; seek medical attention immediately. Getting checked helps you heal and creates the medical records needed for a strong case. The sooner your injury is diagnosed, the easier it is to connect it to the crash.
Legal help is just as important. Insurance companies may claim your knee injury wasn’t caused by the accident or try to offer a low settlement. A skilled personal injury attorney knows how to prove your injury, gather evidence, and fight for your rights. If you live in Queens, NY, having a local lawyer who understands New York law can make all the difference.
A Local Attorney Can Help You Secure Compensation
Working with a Queens personal injury lawyer means having someone who understands local courts, judges, and how insurance companies handle car accident claims in your area. They can gather police reports, medical records, and expert opinions to show how the crash caused your knee injury.
Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers focuses on getting fair compensation for people hurt in motor vehicle accidents. Whether you're dealing with mounting medical bills, lost income, or long-term pain, our team is ready to help. We know the tactics insurance companies use and how to fight back. Let us help you protect your rights and recover what you’re owed.
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Common Knee Injuries From Car Accidents
Knee injuries can happen in many different ways during a car crash. The force of the collision, your body’s position, and the impact point can all affect how your knee is injured. These types of car accident injuries may range from mild strains to injuries that require surgery and long-term care.
Some of the most common knee injuries seen in Queens car accident cases are:
Torn Ligaments
Ligaments in the knee hold the joint together and provide stability. A car accident can easily tear these ligaments if the knee is twisted or bent the wrong way during impact. The most common torn ligament is the ACL, but PCL and MCL tears also happen frequently.
Torn ligaments often require months of physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery. These are considered serious injuries that may keep a person out of work and affect their daily life. A strong personal injury claim should always include the full cost of care and time off work caused by this type of injury.
Meniscus Tears
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that cushions the bones in your knee. When your knee twists under pressure, the meniscus can tear. This is common in car accident cases, especially when the leg is pinned or forced in one direction.
A torn meniscus can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty bending the leg. Some tears can heal with rest and therapy, but others need surgery. These injuries often lead to future medical expenses or long-term discomfort, which makes them important to include in your personal injury lawsuit.
Patellar Fractures
A patellar fracture means the kneecap is cracked or broken. This happens when the knee hits the dashboard or another hard surface during a car crash. These fractures are very painful and can make it impossible to straighten the leg.
In some cases, the pieces of the kneecap are displaced and need surgery to repair. Even with surgery, healing takes time and may leave lasting effects. Medical bills, therapy costs, and lost income from missed work can add up quickly in cases involving this type of serious injury.
Dislocations and Sprains
A knee dislocation occurs when the bones in the knee are forced out of alignment. This can stretch or tear multiple ligaments and soft tissues. Dislocations usually cause extreme pain and require emergency treatment. Sprains, while less severe, involve stretched or partially torn ligaments.
Both injuries can make walking hard and may take weeks to months to heal. These injuries are often underestimated but can seriously impact your ability to work or live normally. An accomplished personal injury attorney will ensure these costs are fully considered in your car accident claim.
Knee Bursitis or Soft Tissue Injuries
Bursitis happens when the small fluid-filled sacs around the knee become inflamed. A crash can trigger this condition through blunt trauma or by aggravating the knee during recovery. Other soft tissue injuries, like tendon strains or bruising, can also lead to lasting pain and stiffness.
These injuries may not show up on X-rays, but they can be very real and very painful. They often require physical therapy, pain management, and time off work, especially in serious car accident cases. A good personal injury lawyer knows how to present these “invisible” injuries in court or in insurance company negotiations.
Symptoms to Watch For After a Collision
Knee injuries from a car accident aren’t always obvious right away. Sometimes the pain or swelling shows up hours or even days later. If you’ve been in a crash (no matter how minor) pay close attention to how your knee feels. Early signs of injury can help your doctor diagnose the problem and support your personal injury claim.
Swelling, Pain, or Stiffness
Swelling around the knee is often the first sign of trauma. It may feel warm or tender and can make the joint feel tight. Pain when bending, standing, or walking is also common. Stiffness might make it hard to fully extend or bend your leg.
These signs may mean there is internal damage, such as torn ligaments or soft tissue injuries. Seeking medical care right away is crucial. Not only does it help you heal, but it also creates medical records that can support your car accident claim.
Popping or Locking Sensation
If your knee pops, clicks, or locks when you move it, that’s not normal. These sensations could be signs of a meniscus tear or other cartilage damage. You might also feel like something is catching in the joint or that your knee won’t move smoothly.
These symptoms can make walking unpredictable and painful. Make sure to mention them to your doctor. They are important clues in diagnosing knee injuries and proving the severity of your condition during a personal injury case.
Difficulty Walking or Bearing Weight
If you feel unstable or can’t put weight on your leg without pain, there’s a good chance you’ve suffered a serious injury. Torn ligaments, fractures, or a dislocated knee can all make walking difficult or even impossible.
If you start limping or avoiding steps, take that seriously. Don’t try to “walk it off.” Get medical help and speak to a personal injury attorney who can guide you through the legal process and protect your right to fair compensation.
Clicking or Grinding During Movement
Clicking, grinding, or crunching sounds when you move your knee may indicate damage inside the joint. These sounds may be caused by loose fragments of bone or cartilage, a patellar fracture, or worn cartilage due to trauma.
Grinding usually gets worse over time and may lead to long-term issues like arthritis. Be sure to report these symptoms and follow through with all treatments. They are strong indicators of injury and should be documented carefully if you plan to file a car accident claim.
Medical Treatment and Long-Term Recovery
Getting the right treatment after a knee injury from a car accident is critical. Early care helps you heal faster and protects your ability to file a strong personal injury claim. Treatment can range from simple rest to complex surgery. Recovery often takes weeks or even months, especially in serious car accident cases.
A few of the most common steps that doctors take to diagnose and treat knee injuries include:
Imaging Tests: MRI, X-rays, CT Scans
After a crash, your doctor may order imaging tests to see inside your knee. X-rays can show fractures or dislocations. An MRI helps reveal soft tissue damage like torn ligaments or meniscus tears. In some cases, a CT scan may be used to see more detailed bone injuries.
These tests not only guide your treatment, they also serve as solid evidence in your personal injury case. Accurate imaging is often the key to showing the injury was caused by the crash and not something else.
Conservative Treatments
Many knee injuries can heal with non-surgical care. This includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (known as RICE), as well as physical therapy and pain medication. Doctors may also use braces or wraps to support your knee as it heals.
These treatments are common for sprains, soft tissue injuries, and some partial tears. Even though they’re less invasive, conservative care can still lead to weeks of missed work and activity. Your car accident attorney should include these recovery costs when seeking a fair settlement from the insurance company.
Surgery for Severe Tears or Fractures
If your knee is severely damaged, surgery may be necessary. This is often the case for full ligament tears, patellar fractures, or when bones are out of place. Procedures can include arthroscopic surgery to remove or repair torn tissue, or open surgery to install screws or plates. Recovery from surgery can take months.
Physical therapy is usually needed to regain strength and motion. These procedures come with high medical costs, and you should never have to cover them alone if someone else caused the crash. A skilled personal injury lawyer can demand full coverage through your car accident claim.
Long-Term Impact: Limited Mobility, Chronic Pain, Arthritis
Even after treatment, many people deal with long-term issues like stiffness, swelling, or joint instability. Some develop chronic pain that affects sleep and daily movement. Others may experience early arthritis or long-term weakness in the knee.
These effects can limit your ability to work, enjoy hobbies, or care for yourself. In serious injuries, these challenges are life-altering. Your personal injury attorney should include these future problems in your personal injury lawsuit to ensure you receive enough compensation for future medical expenses and quality of life.
How a Queens Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Recovering from a knee injury after a car accident is hard enough without having to fight insurance companies or figure out the legal process on your own. A skilled Queens personal injury lawyer can step in, handle the complex legal work, and make sure your voice is heard.
Whether your goal is a fair settlement or taking your case to court, legal help can make all the difference in how much compensation you receive.
Prove Your Knee Injury Was Caused by the Crash
One of the first and most important things your personal injury attorney will do is show that your knee injury was directly caused by the accident and not by something else. This may seem simple, but insurance companies often argue that your injury is unrelated or pre-existing.
To fight back, your lawyer will collect key evidence, including your medical records, accident photos, and possibly testimony from doctors who specialize in car accident injuries. By clearly linking your injury to the crash, your lawyer strengthens your car accident claim and helps protect your right to fair compensation under New York law.
Work With Medical Experts to Document Damages
In many personal injury cases, it’s not just about showing you were hurt; it’s about proving how badly you were hurt, how long recovery will take, and how the injury affects your life. That’s why a reliable car accident lawyer works closely with medical experts who can clearly explain your diagnosis and outline your need for surgery, therapy, or future care.
These experts also help calculate future medical expenses, which are important when your injury leads to long-term issues like chronic pain, mobility loss, or arthritis. Without this medical insight, the full impact of your injury may be overlooked or undervalued by insurance companies.
Handle All Insurance Negotiations
Dealing with insurance companies can be stressful and confusing, especially when you’re injured and trying to recover. Adjusters are trained to protect the company’s bottom line, not yours. They may offer a quick settlement that doesn’t even cover your medical bills, or they might drag out the process to get you to give up.
A qualified personal injury lawyer knows how to push back. Your attorney will handle all calls, paperwork, and deadlines, and negotiate directly with the insurer for a full and fair settlement. If the insurer won’t cooperate, your lawyer can prepare your personal injury lawsuit and take the fight to court if needed.
File a Lawsuit if Needed to Maximize Compensation
Sometimes, the only way to get the financial compensation you deserve is to take your case to court. If insurance companies won’t offer a fair settlement, your Queens car accident attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf. This means gathering even more evidence, preparing legal arguments, and presenting your case to a judge or jury.
Going to trial may sound intimidating, but having an experienced personal injury attorney by your side means you're not going through it alone. Your lawyer’s job is to protect your interests and help you recover compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, pain, and long-term needs.
Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers Today!
FAQs
1. Are Knee Injuries Considered Serious Enough to File a Claim?
Yes. Knee injuries are among the common car accident injuries that can lead to long-term pain, limited movement, or even surgery. Like broken bones or spinal cord injuries, they may require extensive treatment and time off work. If your knee was injured in a car accident, you have the right to seek compensation through a valid auto accident case. A competent car crash attorney can help you understand your options and fight for what you deserve.
2. Can I Still File a Claim if My Injury Doesn’t Show Up Right Away?
Absolutely. Some common car crash injuries, including knee trauma or psychological trauma, may not show symptoms immediately. It’s not unusual for pain and swelling to appear hours or days after an accident. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention immediately and speak with Queens personal injury attorneys who know how to link delayed symptoms to the crash. The sooner you act, the stronger your case can be.
3. What if I Already Have Knee Problems From Before the Accident?
You may still have a strong case. Under New York City injury laws, if a car accident worsened a pre-existing condition, you may still be able to file a personal injury claim. The key is showing that the crash aggravated your condition. A skilled personal injury law firm can work with medical experts to prove how the accident caused new damage or worsened your symptoms. Insurance companies often try to deny these claims, so having the right legal representation is essential.
4. Are Knee Injuries as Serious as Other Car Accident Injuries?
Yes. While they may not always be life-threatening like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, knee injuries can still cause lasting harm. They affect mobility, limit your ability to work, and may even lead to permanent damage. In some automobile accidents, knee trauma can be just as disruptive as other major injuries. That’s why these cases should never be underestimated, and why working with the right Queens personal injury attorneys can help ensure you’re taken seriously.
5. What Causes Most Knee Injuries in Auto Accidents?
Many knee injuries happen due to direct impact or twisting motions during a crash. When your body is thrown forward or sideways, your knees can hit the dashboard or twist unnaturally. In distracted driving accidents or rear-end crashes, this kind of trauma is very common. These injuries are part of many auto accident cases and should always be checked by a doctor, even if they seem minor at first. Once diagnosed, your car crash attorney can help you build a strong case and demand full compensation.
Contact Our Queens Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you’ve suffered a knee injury in a car accident, don’t wait to get help. These injuries can worsen over time, making it harder to walk, work, or live comfortably. Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers understands what you’re going through. Our team is here to guide you and help you recover what you’ve lost.
As a trusted personal injury law firm serving New York City and Queens, we work hard to hold insurance companies accountable. We know how to build strong claims, gather the right evidence, and fight for the maximum compensation possible under New York law. Whether your injury involves broken bones, ligament damage, or long-term pain, we’re ready to help.
We offer a free consultation to review your case. You pay nothing unless we win. Contact us today and let a dedicated Queens personal injury attorney protect your rights and help you move forward.
