Last Updated: 6/15/2023

The legs and knees are at risk of injury during a car accident, and the ACL may be torn as a result of trauma. If you’ve experienced an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear as a result of a car accident in Des Moines, an attorney can help you recover the compensation you’re entitled.

What is the ACL?

The ACL is the ligament that’s found in the center of the knee. The ligament is responsible for stabilizing the knee joint. It works in concert with the posterior cruciate ligament to keep the femur and tibia from sliding out too far over one another.

When an ACL injury occurs, a person may have difficulty performing even basic movements like walking and jumping and will require medical intervention.  An ACL tear is often accompanied by other injuries like a fibula fracture.

Causes of an ACL Tear

An ACL tear occurs as a result of trauma to the ACL. In athletes, this can occur when stopping suddenly or landing on the leg in an incorrect position, such as by keeping a foot planted but turning the knee. In terms of a car accident injury, an ACL tear can be the result of the knee changing direction quickly (if an object pushes the knee one way or the other swiftly and unexpectedly), or as a result of a direct collision, such as an object or vehicle part making contact with the leg.

Treatment for an ACL Tear

An ACL tear is one of the most painful injury types, and is characterized by the loss of full range of motion, tenderness, swelling, and the inability to walk or move the leg comfortably, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. To treat an ACL injury, both surgical and nonsurgical options may be pursued depending upon the severity of the injury. Nonsurgical options usually include the use of a brace and physical therapy.

When an injury to the ACL is severe, though, surgical intervention may be necessary. During surgery, the ACL will usually have to be completely reconstructed. According to the Emory University healthcare website, most people will be able to return to their regular lifestyle activities (like playing sports) six months after surgery.

Why You Need a Des Moines Car Accident Attorney

It takes time and money to repair a soft tissue injury. Car accident victims may have to miss work and may face hundreds of dollars’ worth of medical expenses. When the cause of an ACL injury is a car accident that wasn’t the fault of the victim, the victim deserves to be compensated for lost wages, medical expenses, and suffering. You should get a lawyer after a car accident in Des Moines.

At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, our car accident attorneys can help you to file your claim for damages and will represent you through the claim process. If you’ve suffered an ACL injury, don’t wait any longer to take action. Call our offices now at (888) 435-9886

Corey Walker
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With over 28 years legal experience, Corey has been recognized for his work as an injury attorney.