What Is A Dashboard Knee Injury?

Claiming Compensation Following A Car Accident

This type of injury sustained in a traffic accident is common but often overlooked, so what is a ‘Dashboard Knee’ injury?. The knees are not generally the first body part which may come to mind when it comes to collisions. But a dashboard knee injury can be painful, lead to complications and even require surgery in serious cases,

Dashboard Knee injuries happen when your bent knee hits the dashboard on impact during an accident. This may result in damage to the kneecap (patella), ligaments or cartilage. Injuries may be fractures or tears and can cause long term mobility issues.

If you’ve suffered from this type of injury in an accident which wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. Jefferies Claims may be able to help as we partner with experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

What is a Dashboard Knee Injury?

A dashboard knee injury occurs when the knee forcefully strikes the dashboard during the collision. This typically happens to front-seat passengers during frontal collisions. When the impact occurs, the knee gets pushed backward. This sudden force potentially damages the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), one of the key ligaments stabilising the knee joint.

The PCL is not as commonly injured as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). However when it is damaged, it can cause significant discomfort and mobility issues. In some cases, the injury can also involve fractures to the kneecap. Additionally, damage to other structures within the knee can happen, such as the meniscus or cartilage.

Possible Complications of a Dashboard Knee Injury

While some dashboard knee injuries heal with rest and physiotherapy, others can lead to long-term issues, including:

Chronic Pain and Instability – Even after the initial recovery, some people continue to experience knee pain and a feeling of weakness or instability.

Osteoarthritis – Damage to the cartilage or ligament can lead to early onset osteoarthritis. This causes stiffness and discomfort over time.

Reduced Range of Motion – Scar tissue and ligament damage can limit movement in the knee. This may have an impact on daily activities like walking, running, or climbing stairs.

Surgery Requirements – Severe cases may require ligament reconstruction surgery or even knee replacement if the damage is extensive.

Long Recovery Period – You may need months of physiotherapy and rehabilitation to regain full use of your knee. In turn, this may affect your ability to work or perform everyday tasks.

Other Dashboard-Related Injuries

While the knee is one of the most common injuries in dashboard-related accidents, other injuries can also occur due to the force of impact:

• Hip and Pelvic Injuries
• Lower Leg and Ankle Injuries
• Chest and Abdominal Injuries
• Head and Facial Injuries

When Can You File a Personal Injury Claim for a Dashboard Knee Injury?

If you’ve suffered a dashboard knee injury in a traffic accident, you may be entitled to claim compensation. However, to file a personal injury claim, you will need to prove another party was responsible for the crash.

It is crucial that you obtain your medical records to prove the knee injury and any related complications. Personal injury claims must generally be made within three years from the date of the accident. Furthermore, if your injury resulted in financial loss, such as medical bills, lost wages or rehabilitation costs and has significantly affected your life, this can strengthen your case.

Next Steps To Take

A doctor’s diagnosis is essential when claiming for compensation. You should also gather evidence such as photos of the accident scene, your injury and damage to your vehicle. Any witness statements from other passengers or bystanders also serve to strengthen your case.

Jefferies Claims can guide you through the process and advise you in confidence regarding a potential claim. We work with experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Take the next step, contact our team on 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange an free, no-obligation telephone consultation with a member of our expert team.