Car Accidents Can Lead to Serious Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are among the most painful and debilitating consequences of a car accident. From fractures to ligament tears, these injuries can limit your mobility, cause long-term discomfort, and require extensive treatment, including physical therapy or surgery.
If you suffered a knee injury in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to bear the cost of your recovery alone. At Applebaum Accident Group, we fight to help injury victims recover the compensation they need to move forward.
How Car Accidents Cause Knee Injuries
Your knees are extremely vulnerable in a crash, especially when they’re bent while driving or riding. When a collision occurs, the force of impact can drive your knees into the dashboard, steering column, or door, causing severe trauma to the bones, ligaments, and cartilage that support the joint.
Common Accidents That Cause Knee Injuries
Certain types of crashes are more likely to cause knee injuries:
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Head-on collisions often force the dashboard into the driver or passenger’s knees.
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Rear-end crashes may propel your body forward, slamming your knees into hard surfaces.
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Side-impact (T-bone) collisions can cause twisting injuries or direct impact to the knees, especially on the driver’s side.
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Sideswipe accidents may expose the knee to trauma when struck near the door panel.
No matter the type of crash, if your knee took the brunt of the impact, the resulting injury can be serious—and costly.
Common Types of Knee Injuries After a Car Accident
Patellar Fractures
Your kneecap (patella) protects the knee joint. A high-impact crash can fracture this bone, which may cause the knee to lose its ability to support weight or bend properly. Common types of patellar fractures include:
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Stable fracture – Small displacement of the bone, may heal without surgery.
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Displaced fracture – Bone fragments are misaligned, usually requires surgery.
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Comminuted fracture – Bone shatters into several pieces.
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Open fracture – Bone breaks through the skin, posing a serious infection risk.
Torn Ligaments
Your knee’s stability comes from four primary ligaments. A strong force—such as contact with the dashboard—can tear these important structures:
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PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament) – The most commonly injured ligament in crashes, often referred to as “dashboard knee.”
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ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) – Often torn when the knee is forcefully twisted.
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MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) – May be injured during a side-impact crash.
Torn ligaments often require surgery and long-term rehabilitation. In severe cases, they may result in permanent disability.
Meniscus Tears
When the knee twists unnaturally, the cartilage (meniscus) between the thigh and shin bones can tear. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and limited motion. While some minor tears heal with rest and physical therapy, more serious cases require surgery.
Tibial Plateau Fractures
This type of fracture occurs at the top of the shinbone and can disrupt the entire knee joint structure. A crush injury or direct impact between the shin and the dashboard can cause this serious break. Recovery is lengthy, often requiring surgery and months of physical therapy.
Seeking Compensation for Knee Injuries After a Crash
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, but if your injuries are severe and your medical expenses exceed your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, you may need to file a claim against the at-fault driver.
To recover compensation, you must prove that another party’s negligence caused your injuries. This could include:
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Distracted or reckless driving
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Driving under the influence
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Speeding or traffic violations
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Vehicle or part defects
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Poor vehicle maintenance
An experienced personal injury attorney can gather crucial evidence, including police reports, medical records, crash footage, and witness statements, to help establish liability and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Damages You May Be Entitled To
A successful personal injury claim can help you recover damages such as:
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Medical expenses (including surgeries and rehabilitation)
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Lost wages and future earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Permanent disability or reduced quality of life
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Property damage
We’re Here to Help After a Knee Injury Car Accident
At Applebaum Accident Group, we understand how life-changing a knee injury can be. Our team is committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and helping you pursue maximum compensation.
No Recovery, No Fee.
We offer free consultations, and you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
📞 Call now(855) – call-paul or contact us online to schedule your case evaluation.
Let us handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing.