PCL Dashboard Knee Injuries

Dashboard knee injuries are a common result of serious car accidents, particularly when a driver’s or passenger’s knee strikes the dashboard during a crash. These injuries often involve the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), which helps stabilize the knee.

In fact, 45% of PCL injuries were caused by auto accidents. A PCL injury can lead to long-term issues such as chronic pain, difficulty walking, and loss of mobility, sometimes requiring surgery or extensive physical therapy.

If you’ve suffered a dashboard knee injury in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and ongoing care. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we help victims throughout Chicago recover the damages they deserve after suffering PCL and other knee-related trauma.

Our Law Firm’s Recent Car Wreck Settlements

Every case is unique, but the following settlements highlight the range of outcomes possible when serious or fatal injuries occur due to another party’s negligence.

• $4,000,000 Settlement – Recovered for the family of a passenger who sustained fatal injuries during a work-related trip when the vehicle he was riding in crashed.
• $3,200,000 Settlement – Secured for a disabled pedestrian who suffered multiple orthopedic injuries after being hit in a Chicago crosswalk.
• $2,000,000 Policy Limit – Achieved for a client who suffered serious injuries in a rollover crash.

These results demonstrate that fair compensation can be won with the right legal strategy. If you or a loved one has a knee injury from a serious car crash, speak with an experienced attorney to explore your legal options.

How Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Dashboard Injury

A dashboard knee injury can quickly become a long-term issue. That’s why it’s critical to act quickly and work with a legal team that understands both the medical and legal sides of these claims. Our Chicago car accident lawyers will:

• Investigating your accident to determine liability and gather evidence.
• Working with orthopedic specialists to assess the extent of your PCL injury.
• Negotiating with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation.
• Taking your case to trial, if necessary, to fight for your rights.

In Chicago, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202), so acting quickly is critical to protect your rights.

What Makes Dashboard Knee Injuries So Serious

Dashboard-related knee injuries typically occur when a collision pushes the body forward, forcing the knees into the dashboard or steering wheel. Side-impact crashes can also cause twisting or direct blows to the inner knee.

Unlike sports injuries caused by strain, these impacts involve blunt force to a bent leg, often resulting in complete ligament tears. Without early diagnosis and treatment, even minor trauma can lead to long-term instability and may require surgery or extended rehab.

Common Dashboard Ligament Injuries

Posterior cruciate ligament tears (PCL) are the most frequent injuries in a dashboard impact, but other ligaments are also at risk. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and surrounding soft tissues may also be involved, especially when the knee area takes the full force of the crash.

Understanding the role of each ligament helps explain why some patients experience ongoing pain, reduced mobility, or the feeling that the knee isn’t stable after a car crash.

Why Dashboard Knee Injuries Occur in Car Accidents

Several crash-related factors contribute to the frequency and severity of dashboard injuries, especially those involving PCL injuries and other knee ligament injuries:

Blunt Trauma from Impact

In a motor vehicle accident, the knee collides with the dashboard, causing direct trauma. This impact typically affects the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and nearby structures like the patellar tendon and other cruciate ligaments. The force of the blow can result in partial tears, complete tears, or even fractured patellas.

Unrestrained Lower Body Movement

While seat belts secure the upper body, the bent knee remains exposed. This lack of restraint increases the chance of the injured knee striking hard surfaces, particularly in head-on collisions or during sudden deceleration. In these cases, the shin bone may be driven backward, straining the knee joint beyond its normal range.

Crushed Dashboard or Cabin Intrusion

A collapsing dashboard caused by a high-speed impact or car crash reduces legroom and places the knee cap closer to danger. This increases the likelihood of PCL tears or a torn PCL. A tight seating position can force the thigh bone backward against the knee ligaments, leading to a serious injury that may require surgery.

These dashboard injuries can lead to severe injuries with long-lasting consequences. Early diagnosis and quick, initial treatment are critical to prevent further injury and to stabilize the knee.

Common Symptoms of a Dashboard Knee (PCL) Injury

After an auto accident, it’s important to monitor for signs of PCL injuries, especially when the knee joint has been impacted. Common symptoms include:

• Ongoing or sharp knee pain, particularly behind the joint;
• Noticeable swelling and bruising;
• Instability in the injured leg, usually described as the knee giving out;
• Limited ability to bear weight on the affected limb;
• Reduced range of motion, making stairs or bending difficult;
• Audible popping sounds at the time the injury occurs.

These symptoms might overlap with other knee problems, such as an ACL injury, a torn posterior cruciate ligament, or knee fractures. Most ACL injuries and PCL tears are complex knee injuries involving multiple ligaments.

It’s critical to consult a medical provider, as most knee injuries can lead to lifelong conditions. Prompt care also strengthens your personal injury case if legal action is needed, as medical records are vital evidence.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Dashboard Knee Injuries

Though dashboard trauma can result in smaller knee injuries, it frequently causes serious injuries involving multiple ligaments. A complete tear of the posterior cruciate ligament, anterior cruciate ligament, or both can significantly impact mobility, stability, and long-term function.

Early imaging and evaluation can help determine if you’re dealing with a minor strain or a more complex case that may require surgery.

Diagnosis

To confirm PCL injuries and rule out other forms of trauma, doctors rely on a combination of physical assessments and imaging tools, such as:

• Conducting a physical examination to test whether the knee remains stable during weight-bearing and movement
• Ordering MRI scans to identify complete or partial tears in the cruciate ligaments and evaluate soft tissue damage
• Using X-rays or CT scans to check for a fractured patella or signs of trauma to the shin bone

A detailed assessment is critical to ensure the correct treatment plan is followed.

Treatment Options

Non-surgical care may be enough for minor injuries or low-grade PCL tears. Common treatments include:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to manage swelling;
• Anti-inflammatory medications for knee pain;
• Physical therapy to strengthen the knee joint and restore function;
• Bracing or taping to keep the knee stable and aligned.

In more severe cases, especially with a complete tear, you may require surgical intervention, such as arthroscopic surgery, to repair damaged knee ligaments. Recovery varies by individual, but full recovery may take months and involve multiple therapy sessions.

Regardless of severity, all knee injury cases linked to car accidents should be documented and treated promptly. Timely care not only improves healing but also supports any potential legal guidance or personal injury claims you may pursue.

Contact a Chicago Knee Pain Lawyer Today

If you’ve suffered a dashboard knee injury in a car accident, you shouldn’t have to carry the physical and financial burden alone. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we help injured victims in Chicago recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering.

Schedule a free consultation today to speak with an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney. There are no upfront fees—we only get paid if we win your case.Contact us at (888) 424-5757 or through our form to discuss your legal options.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.