Florida PCL Tear Car Accident Injuries

Car Accidents and PCL Tears: Understanding the Injury and Your Legal Options

Knee injuries are incredibly common in car accidents, largely because the knee absorbs a tremendous amount of force during a collision. One of the most serious knee injuries accident victims suffer is a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear—a tear in the ligament located at the back of the knee. This injury often occurs when a bent knee is driven backward by a heavy impact, such as when the knee hits the dashboard during a crash.

A PCL tear can require months of medical treatment, including surgery, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation. While you focus on your recovery, an experienced car accident attorney can help you pursue full compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

What Is a PCL Tear?

The posterior cruciate ligament is one of the major stabilizing ligaments of the knee. It connects the thigh bone to the lower leg and keeps the joint aligned as you move. When a sudden force strikes a bent knee, the PCL can stretch or tear—often alongside other ligament, cartilage, nerve, or bone damage.

PCL tears are frequently seen in high-impact crashes and are sometimes associated with knee dislocations or multiple-ligament injuries.

Types of PCL Tears

Doctors classify PCL injuries by severity:

• Grade 1: A mild, partial tear that often heals without surgery.

• Grade 2: A partial tear with noticeable looseness in the joint.

• Grade 3: A complete tear that leaves the knee unstable.

• Grade 4: The most severe injury—complete PCL rupture with damage to other ligaments.

Common Symptoms of a PCL Tear

After a crash, you may notice:

• Severe knee pain

• Difficulty bearing weight

• Instability or the feeling that the knee “gives out”

• Swelling and stiffness

• Inflammation or tenderness

Even if symptoms seem minor at first, early diagnosis is essential to prevent long-term complications.

How Car Accidents Cause PCL Tears

“Dashboard knee” is one of the leading causes of PCL tears in auto accidents. When the force of a crash pushes the victim forward, the bent knee can slam into the dashboard with enough pressure to tear the ligament.

This type of injury is especially common in:

• Rear-end collisions

• Side-impact and sideswipe crashes

• High-speed impacts involving sudden deceleration

Any force strong enough to drive the shin backward while the knee is bent can cause this injury.

How PCL Tears Are Diagnosed

After a car accident, it’s crucial to get immediate medical attention if you feel knee pain or instability. A doctor will typically:

• Perform a physical exam to test joint stability

• Check for abnormal backward movement of the shin

• Use X-rays or MRI scans to confirm the severity and location of the tear

Accurate diagnosis ensures you receive the right treatment plan—whether that involves immobilization, physical therapy, or surgery.

How a PCL Tear Can Impact Your Daily Life

A serious PCL tear can affect your mobility for weeks or even months. Many victims struggle with:

• Chronic knee pain

• Reduced flexibility and strength

• Difficulty walking or standing

• Inability to work—especially in physically demanding jobs

Even sedentary work may be difficult due to pain when bending or sitting. Many doctors recommend the R.I.C.E. method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) as part of early treatment, which can limit your ability to leave home or care for yourself.

These challenges can disrupt nearly every part of your life—travel, childcare, work responsibilities, and even your emotional well-being.

Recovering Compensation After a PCL Tear

When someone else’s negligence causes your injury, you should not be left to bear the financial burden alone. A skilled car accident lawyer can:

• Handle all communication with the insurance company

• Prevent the insurer from undervaluing or denying your claim

• Wait until you reach maximum medical improvement before negotiating, ensuring your full long-term costs are included

• Pursue compensation for medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, reduced earning capacity, and other damages

Proving Liability After a PCL Tear

To recover damages, your attorney must establish that the at-fault driver’s negligence caused the crash. Evidence may include:

• Photos and videos from the scene

• Witness statements

• Police and accident reports

• Medical records

• Crash reconstruction

• Citations or arrest records tied to the driver

A strong case can make a significant difference in the value of your settlement.

Injured in a Crash? Applebaum Accident & Injury Law Can Help

A PCL tear is a painful and debilitating injury that can impact your ability to work and support your family. At Applebaum Accident & Injury Law, we fight to ensure injured victims receive the care, support, and compensation they deserve.

Our team is committed to:

• Handling every part of your claim

• Giving you direct access to an attorney

• Fighting insurance companies that try to minimize your recovery

• Guiding you through treatment and helping you understand your rights

You don’t have to face this alone.

Get Your Case Evaluation Today

Call us (855-Call-Paul)or fill out our online contact form to speak with an experienced injury attorney. We’re here to support you every step of the way.