Victims suffering from knee pain after a car crash may also have limited mobility. Even if the pain seems minor initially, it could worsen in the days that follow. Knee injuries, left untreated, can lead to chronic pain or even permanent damage. Victims who understand more about these injuries, including what they can do to recover both physically and financially, often move forward more quickly.
At Sigman Janssen, we are committed to helping injured victims in Oshkosh get the compensation they need and deserve. If you suffered a knee injury due to someone else’s negligence, our experienced car accident lawyers in Oshkosh can guide you through every stage of your case, ensuring the best possible outcome for you.
Need legal help after a car crash? Request your FREE case review today. Call: (920) 335-1394
Can I Sue for My Knee Injury Damages After a Car Crash?
The short answer is yes – in Wisconsin, victims of car accidents have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. To be successful in your claim, however, you must be able to prove the other driver caused the crash that injured you. You must also be able to prove that the crash resulted in medical costs, lost wages and other damages.
It is important to work with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer to gather the necessary evidence, such as credible witness testimonies, relevant medical records, photos, video footage and police reports, to support your case. If your knee injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, filing a lawsuit can help you to recover compensation.
Types of Knee Injuries Oshkosh Drivers Face in Crashes
Knee injuries are common in car accidents, ranging from mild to severe, but even minor knee pain can take a few weeks to resolve. The type and extent of a knee injury largely depends on the force of impact and positioning of the victim’s legs during the accident.
Common knee injuries resulting from car crashes include:
- Ligament Tears (ACL, MCL): Damage to the ligaments that stabilize the knee.
- Fractures: Broken bones in the knee, such as the patella (kneecap) or femur.
- Dislocations: When the knee joint has been forced or twisted out of its normal position.
- Meniscus Tears: Damage to the cartilage that cushions the knee joint.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Strains and sprains to muscles, tendons and ligaments.
- Contusions (Bruises): Swelling and bleeding within the knee due to the severity of the impact.
Why Insurance Companies Deny Valid Knee Injury Claims
Insurance companies often deny valid knee injury claims in an attempt to minimize their financial liability. They may argue the injury was pre-existing, not as severe as claimed, or that it was caused by something other than the car accident. Insurance companies are well-known for using tactics to attempt to reduce the amount of compensation they have to pay out, even when the injury is clearly linked to the crash.
Insurance adjusters may also challenge the extent of your knee injury by questioning the timing of treatment, especially if you did not seek medical help right away.
Without strong legal support, it can be difficult to understand these challenges and secure fair compensation. Having a skilled lawyer who understands these tactics and how to counter them can greatly benefit the outcome of your claim.
How MRI and X-Ray Evidence Strengthens Your Knee Injury Claim
After being involved in a car crash, you should get a medical examination right away. Waiting to seek medical care gives insurance companies more room to argue that your injuries could have been caused by something else.
Diagnostic testing, such as from MRIs and X-rays, helps doctors determine what injuries you sustained. This is extremely beneficial to you in multiple ways:
- You get the treatment you need sooner, which often results in a more optimal recovery
- Your medical records contain evidence of your visit, which helps link your injuries to the crash that caused them
- The diagnosis, recommended treatment and follow-up care are all documented in your medical records
These records provide your attorney with concrete evidence to insurers and the court, making it harder for them to dispute the severity of your injury.
What Diagnostic Testing May Reveal the Cause of My Knee Pain?
Your doctor may order multiple tests to look at both the bone structure and surrounding soft tissue to check for injuries that may have occurred in the crash. Diagnostic testing that can help your doctor determine what is causing your knee pain may include:
MRI Scans: Detailed Imaging of Soft Tissue Damage
MRI scans provide high-resolution images of soft tissue, such as ligaments, cartilage and muscles. This helps identify tears, strains or other damage that might not be visible on an X-ray.
X-Rays: Identifying Fractures and Bone Damage
X-rays are effective at revealing fractures, breaks and other bone injuries in the knee, which can provide strong evidence of the physical impact of the crash.
Are There Time Limits for Filing a Knee Injury Claim in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, you generally have three years from the date of the car accident to file a lawsuit, including those involving knee injuries. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss filing by this deadline, you could lose your right to pursue any compensation for your injuries, even if your case seems strong.
There may be some exceptions to this filing deadline, such as if the insurance company made an advance payment to you on your claim. To err on the side of caution, we strongly recommend consulting with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Your attorney can review the circumstances of your situation and ensure you meet all necessary deadlines, preserving your right to compensation.
Call Sigman Janssen for Legal Help Today
Injured in an Oshkosh car accident? If so, calling our law firm first could be an important step forward in your recovery.
At Sigman Janssen, we have been helping injured victims for decades, recovering millions in compensation on their behalf. We want to help you too, and our legal team is dedicated to helping you get the full and fair compensation you deserve. Our firm takes a thorough and strategic approach to ensure the best possible outcome for your car crash claim. We also guide you throughout the legal process, helping you to avoid mistakes that could hurt your case.
Worried about costs? We take injury claims on contingency, so there are no upfront costs or fees to pay. We only get paid if you do.
Call Our Trusted Law Firm Today. (920) 335-1394