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Knee Pain After a Car Crash: What Injured Victims Need to Know

Two doctors reviewing X-ray of a kneeThe knee is one of the most complex and vulnerable joints in the human body, making it far more susceptible to acute injuries during motor vehicle crashes. Victims with knee injuries often need extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

At TSR Injury Law, we have a proven history of success recovering the compensation crash victims need to move forward with their lives. Our experienced Minneapolis car crash attorneys understand how knee injuries can affect your ability to be mobile, to work, enjoy daily activities, and to maintain independence. We work diligently to hold at-fault parties accountable and to build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.

Call to request your FREE, no-risk case review today. (612) TSR-TIME

Do I Need to See a Doctor if I Have Knee Pain After My Minneapolis Car Crash?

Yes – you should seek immediate medical attention after any motor vehicle crash that causes knee pain, even if symptoms seem minor at first. Your knee pain could be the result of severe trauma, such as a fractured kneecap. Delays in treatment not only allow injuries to worsen significantly without proper medical care but also give insurance companies a reason to question or deny your claim.

When you go to an emergency room immediately after a car crash, your visit is recorded in your medical records, along with the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This information creates vital evidence that links your knee injury directly to the crash. Insurance companies closely examine this documentation when determining compensation.

Waiting to seek medical help for your dashboard knee or other knee trauma, from the perspective of the liable insurance company, makes it seem like your injuries are not serious as you claim. This time gap gives insurers room to argue that your injuries could have been caused by something else.

What Is a Dashboard Knee Injury?

Dashboard knee injuries occur when the force of the crash drives a victim’s knee directly into the vehicle’s dashboard. This impact is what causes trauma to the patella (kneecap), ligament and other surrounding tissues.

The most common types of crashes that can cause dashboard knee injuries include front-end collisions, rear-end crashes and T-bone impacts.

Common dashboard knee injury symptoms include:

  • Sharp pain when bending or straightening the knee
  • Swelling and bruising around the kneecap
  • Difficulty walking or bearing weight
  • Grinding sensation during movement
  • Instability when standing or walking

What Other Knee Injuries Are Common After a Car Crash?

When your knee absorbs the impact of a crash, it can cause multiple injuries to the area all at once. The sudden force, whether from direct trauma or a twisting motion, is more than enough to damage the complex network of ligaments, cartilage and bone that make up your knee joint. Getting medical attention for these injuries early leads to better treatment outcomes.

Common knee injuries from crashes include:

  • Ligament Tears (ACL, MCL, PCL): Stabilizing ligaments tear when the knee twists or hyperextends during impact, often requiring surgical repair and extensive rehabilitation.
  • Meniscus Damage: The shock-absorbing cartilage tears from rotational forces, causing pain, swelling, and potential long-term joint instability.
  • Fractured Kneecap: Direct trauma from dashboard impact can crack or shatter the kneecap, requiring immediate medical intervention and possible surgical reconstruction.
  • Patellar Dislocation: Sudden impact forces the kneecap out of position, damaging surrounding tissues and often leading to chronic instability.
  • Posterior Corner Injuries: Complex injuries involving multiple knee structures, typically requiring specialized orthopedic treatment.
  • Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Early joint degeneration following crash trauma, potentially leading to chronic pain and reduced mobility.

Is It Worth Seeking Compensation for My Knee Pain in an Injury Claim?

Yes – knee injury claims are often worth pursuing because of the costs involved in the recovery. Knee injuries from motor vehicle crashes often require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, rehabilitation and long-term care. This is the kind of extensive recovery that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Without having proper legal representation to protect your interests, the insurance companies are much more likely to do what they can to undervalue your claim.

When we represent you, our experienced Minneapolis injury lawyers can protect your legal rights and financial interests. Throughout the legal process, we guide you on how to document all current and future costs related to your knee injury. This documentation includes invoices for ongoing medical treatments, such as future surgeries or physical therapy you may need. We also consider the loss of income and potential for reduced future earnings.

What Long-Term or Secondary Complications Can Result From Car Crash Knee Injuries?

Knee trauma from motor vehicle crashes often leads to serious long-term complications even after the initial injury has healed. Medical research shows knee injuries frequently develop into chronic conditions requiring ongoing treatment.

Common long-term complications include:

  • Post-traumatic arthritis requiring joint replacement
  • Chronic pain affecting mobility and work capacity
  • Permanent weakness or instability in the knee
  • Secondary injuries from altered gait patterns
  • Depression from chronic pain and limited activity
  • Complex regional pain syndrome
  • Accelerated joint degeneration requiring additional surgeries

These complications factor significantly into injury claims, as they may not become apparent until months or years after the crash. Our attorneys work with medical experts to document potential future complications when calculating compensation.

How Are Knee Injuries Diagnosed After a Minneapolis Car Crash?

A proper diagnosis requires a comprehensive medical evaluation using multiple diagnostic tools and tests. Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical examination, assess mobility and order specific imaging studies to determine the extent of your injuries.

Common diagnostic methods include:

  • Physical examination to evaluate pain, swelling, and stability
  • X-rays to identify fractures and bone damage
  • MRI scans to assess ligament and soft tissue injuries
  • CT scans for complex fracture patterns
  • Stress tests to check ligament integrity

What Advanced Treatments May Benefit Severe Car Crash Knee Injuries?

Severe knee injuries from motor vehicle crashes often require specialized medical interventions beyond standard treatments. Medical advancements provide new options for improved outcomes and faster recovery times. Understanding these treatment possibilities helps injured victims make informed decisions about their medical care.

Common Advanced Treatments

Advanced surgical treatments include arthroscopic repairs for minimal tissue damage, regenerative medicine using platelet-rich plasma therapy, custom 3D-printed knee replacements for severe joint damage, and computer-assisted surgical procedures for enhanced precision and outcomes.

Non-Surgical Advanced Options

Non-surgical advanced treatments focus on rehabilitation through targeted physical therapy with biofeedback technology, high-intensity laser therapy for deep tissue healing, ultrasound-guided injections for precise medication delivery, and advanced bracing systems for optimal joint support and stability.

Emerging Treatments

Emerging medical technologies show promise through stem cell therapy for cartilage regeneration, robotic-assisted surgical procedures, artificial cartilage implants and biological joint reconstruction techniques.

Knee specialists evaluate each case individually to determine the most effective treatment approach based on injury severity and other patient factors, like age or general health.

Suffer a Knee Injury in a Minneapolis Car Crash? Call TSR Injury Law Today

Contact TSR Injury Law today for a free case evaluation. Our highly qualified legal team has recovered millions in compensation for crash victims, including those with knee injuries. There are no upfront costs or fees to pay as we take injury cases on contingency. We only get paid our fees if we win your case.

Let us handle the insurance companies while you focus on your recovery.

TSR Injury Law. Millions Recovered (612) TSR-TIME

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