Knee Injuries From Truck and 18-Wheeler Crashes
When you picture a life-altering injury one might sustain in a car accident, a knee injury might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, this sort of damage can have a tremendous impact on all aspects of your life, from walking and driving to even simply getting dressed.
If you suffered a knee injury in a Texas truck accident, you may be facing considerable expenses. Seeking coverage for those expenses can be tricky due to the number of parties involved, but our Houston truck accident lawyers at Lapeze & Johns, PLLC , can help you file a claim or personal injury suit to secure compensation for the damages you have suffered.
Common Truck Accident Knee Injuries
Knee injuries most commonly occur when a passenger or driver’s knees hit the dashboard of the vehicle. Generally, if a person’s knees hit the dashboard at speeds of 20 mph or higher, an injury is likely to take place.
These injuries may include the following. (Please note that this list includes somewhat graphic descriptions of injuries):
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- Dislocation — A knee dislocation is when a person’s kneecap dislocates and slides to the outside of the leg, preventing the injured person from straightening the injured leg. This can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness.
- Torn Ligament — There are four ligaments in the knee that may be torn or sprained in a truck accident. In severe cases, these injuries can require surgery and up to a year of recovery. Even in minor cases, a person may suffer swelling, extreme pain, and difficulty walking.
- Patellar Fracture — All bones in the knee can be broken or knocked out of their alignment, and in certain cases, can lead to bones protruding from the injured person’s skin. A patellar fracture, specifically, is a broken kneecap. Surgery and splinting may be needed to treat this excruciating injury. Once again, walking and leg movement are likely to be challenging and painful.
- Degenerative Arthritis — Degenerative arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis, involves the deterioration of the cartilage in a joint. This can be caused by a lack of knee function for a period of time due to another injury. This condition can be a lifelong disability for some people.
As you can see, knee injuries can be incredibly devastating to a person’s usual way of life. If you’ve suffered a knee injury in a truck accident, you may be owed compensation for the pain and difficulty you’ve faced. You may wish to consult with a Houston truck accident attorney to ensure that your right to compensation is protected.
Damages Awarded for Knee Injuries
It’s clear that truck accident knee injuries can impact victims’ lives in various ways. Successful truck accident suits and claims may cover losses associated with the crash, including:
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- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Lost wages
- Reduced quality of life
- Reduced earning power
- Lost relationships
If you’ve been injured in any kind of crash, attain treatment from a medical professional as soon as possible. This will help ensure that your injury doesn’t worsen, that your treatment can begin right away, and that you have documentation connecting the injury to the crash. Failing to get medical records relating to your injury could seriously jeopardize your case or claim for compensation.
Seeking Compensation for a Texas Truck Accident Injury
The key to getting compensation for any type of injury is determining liability. You will need to determine who was at fault for the incident, whether through their actions or negligence.
For truck accidents, the legal process can be complex as a result of numerous factors that come into play in these accidents and a greater number of parties that could be responsible.
Some parties who may be partially responsible for your Texas truck accident include:
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- You — You may be found partially accountable for your own crash; if so, you may not receive as much compensation from a court judgment or third-party insurance claim.
- The Truck Driver — Like other drivers, truck drivers may be responsible for the accident because of distracted driving, alcohol or drug use, criminal actions, drowsy driving, or other actions or failures.
- The Trucking Company — Trucking companies may be to blame for cutting corners on safety, under training drivers, over-scheduling drivers, encouraging irresponsible behavior, and other actions that could result in unsafe conditions for the trucker and other drivers.
- The Cargo Loaders — Overloading a truck can make it tough to steer and control, and shifting boxes can knock a truck off course, both of which could contribute to an accident.
- Truck Maintenance — If a truck isn’t maintained correctly or if the components of the truck are faulty, then the mechanics or manufacturers may be held responsible for any incidents that arise as a result.
- Roadway Maintenance — Like all roadway accidents, truck accidents can result from poor infrastructure or road maintenance.
Hiring a Houston Truck Accident Attorney
Determining liability and seeking compensation after a truck accident can be especially trying. Victims who suffer life-altering knee injuries due to the actions or negligence of another party deserve justice and compensation.
If you’ve suffered a knee injury in a Texas truck accident, contact Lapeze & Johns, PLLC, today for help seeking financial relief!
