Knee, Joints & Torn Ligaments After a Motorcycle Accident

Colburn Law

Posted in Motorcycle Accidents on December 6, 2021

Injuries in the lower extremities, such as the knees, legs, and hips, are very common during motorcycle accidents. Although these injuries are often nonfatal, damage to the knees, joints, and ligaments can be very painful and result in permanent complications.

Lower extremity injury can also lead to costly medical care, lengthy recovery times, and significant pain and suffering. If someone else is responsible for your motorcycle accident, you could pursue legal action. Contact our Seattle motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free case evaluation.

Common Types of Lower Extremity Injuries

The body’s lower extremity includes the hips, knees, legs, ankles, feet, thighs, and toes. While riding a motorcycle, your lower half is exposed to your surroundings. If an accident occurs, you can sustain extensive damage to that area.

Common types of lower extremity injuries include the following.

• Torn ligaments: In the knee, you have four ligaments: ACL, MCL, PCL, and LCL. If a ligament is torn during an accident, you may require surgery and physical therapy.
• Dislocated knees: During a motorcycle collision, your knee can become dislocated from its socket. As a result, you can sustain severe damage to your bones and surrounding tissue.
• Ruptured tendons: Tendons are pieces of tissue that connect muscles to bones. If a tendon ruptures, you can experience severe pain when moving your legs or feet.
• Bone fractures: The lower extremity contains over 30 bones, which can easily shatter and break during a motorcycle accident. Fractured kneecaps and leg bones can make it difficult to walk, and you may need to use crutches or a wheelchair.
• Torn meniscus: The meniscus is a crucial piece of cartilage located between the thigh and the shin bones. If the meniscus is torn during an accident, these bones no longer have a cushion and begin to rub against each other. You can sustain severe pain, swelling, and stiffness.

The Long-Term Cost of Knee, Joint, and Ligament Injuries

A lower extremity injury can have a major impact on your life. You may be unable to move or perform daily activities for a long time after the accident, preventing you from returning to work or engaging in the tasks you once loved. In some cases, you can develop permanent disabilities due to the injury, such as nerve damage and limited mobility.

There are extensive medical costs associated with knee, joint, and ligament injuries. You may require reconstructive surgery, mobility equipment, several doctor’s checkups, and prescription medication. These needs can easily exceed tens of thousands of dollars.

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else, you could file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party. Washington is a fault state, meaning that negligent drivers are financially liable when they cause accidents. By filing a claim against the driver responsible for your accident, you can recover compensation to pay for the cost of your lower extremity injury.

Common damages available in motorcycle accident claims include the following.

• Past and future medical care
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earnings
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Disability accommodations
• Rehabilitation and therapy

If you plan on pursuing a motorcycle accident claim, you need a personal injury lawyer who can fight for your best interests. As soon as possible after your collision, speak to an attorney to discuss your case and legal options.