Common Knee Injuries After NYC Car Accidents

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – New York City Car Accident Lawyers

Knee injuries are some of the most disruptive injuries people suffer in New York City car accidents. One moment you are driving along the FDR or stopped in Midtown traffic, and in the next, your knee has slammed into the dashboard, twisted sideways, or been pinned by a crushed console. What starts as “just some swelling” or a sore knee can quickly turn into surgery, months of physical therapy, lost wages, and long-term mobility problems.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our New York City car accident attorneys represent crash victims across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County who suffered knee injuries in motor vehicle collisions. We understand the medicine, New York’s no-fault insurance rules, and the long-term impact a damaged knee can have on your work, your family, and your future.

Knee pain after a car accident in New York City or Long Island?
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or contact us online for a free consultation.
You pay no legal fee unless we are successful.

Why Car Accidents Cause So Many Knee Injuries in NYC

The way people sit in vehicles and the way crashes happen in New York make the knees particularly vulnerable:

• Bent knees aimed at hard surfaces
  Drivers and front-seat passengers sit with their knees bent and pointed toward the dashboard, steering column, glove box, or center console. In front-end and rear-end collisions, these hard surfaces often meet the knees with tremendous force.
• Forward momentum despite seatbelts
  Even with a seat belt on, your upper body is thrown forward before the belt restrains you. Your legs and knees can continue moving toward the dashboard, console, or door.
• Dashboard impact, also called “dashboard knee.”
  A bent knee slamming into the dashboard can drive the shinbone backward and cause classic PCL tears, patella fractures, and tibial plateau fractures.
• Twisting, rotation, and pedal entrapment
  In many New York City T-bone crashes and side impact collisions, or when a foot is trapped under the pedals, the knee can be violently twisted or hyperextended. This is a common cause of ACL, MCL, and meniscus injuries.
• Vehicle crush and intrusion
  In more serious collisions, the front or side of the vehicle can collapse into the footwell, crushing or trapping the knees and lower legs.

Even a so-called “low-speed” crash can create enough force to break bones or tear ligaments inside the knee. Because the knee is a complex, weight-bearing joint, these injuries are rarely minor and often become long-term problems if they are not treated and appropriately documented.

Common Knee Injuries From Car Accidents in New York

A car accident in New York City can injure one structure in the knee or several at the same time. Below are some of the most common crash-related knee injuries our NYC car accident lawyers see.

1. Patella (Kneecap) Fractures and Dislocations

The patella sits at the front of the knee and protects the joint while helping you straighten your leg. It is often injured when your knee hits the dashboard, the steering column, or the seatback.

Types of patella injuries:

• Stable fractures where the bone cracks but stays mostly in place
• Displaced fractures where pieces shift out of alignment and usually require surgery
• Comminuted fractures where the kneecap shatters into several pieces
• Open fractures where the bone pierces the skin are a surgical emergency
• Patella dislocation, where the kneecap is forced out of its standard groove

Common symptoms:

• Sharp front of knee pain
• Swelling, stiffness, and bruising
• Difficulty straightening the leg
• Trouble walking or bearing weight

Treatment and impact:
Treatment may include bracing or casting, limited weight bearing, and physical therapy. More severe or displaced fractures often require surgery with pins, screws, or wires. Recovery can take months, and many people are left with pain when kneeling, squatting, or climbing stairs, which is essential when we calculate the value of your NYC knee injury claim.

2. Ligament Tears – ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL

Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones and stabilize the knee joint. In New York City, car accidents frequently stretch or tear these ligaments.

ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Tear

• Often occurs when the knee twists or hyperextends as the body continues moving forward
• Also common when someone braces hard with one leg on the brake pedal

Symptoms:

• Popping sound or sensation at the time of injury
• Rapid swelling
• Instability, the knee giving out
• Difficulty pivoting or changing direction

Complete ACL tears often require surgical reconstruction and months of rehabilitation; even with good treatment, some people never regain complete stability.

PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament) Tear – “Dashboard Knee”

• Classic dashboard injury
• Occurs when a bent knee slams into the dashboard and drives the shinbone backward

Symptoms:

• Pain behind the knee
• Swelling
• A loose or unstable feeling
• Difficulty walking or going downstairs

Some PCL injuries are treated with bracing and physical therapy, but more serious or combined ligament injuries may require surgery.

MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) Tear

• Stabilizes the inner side of the knee
• Commonly injured when a side impact forces the knee inward or pins the leg against a door

Symptoms:

• Pain and tenderness along the inner knee
• Swelling
• Inward “collapse” sensation

Many MCL sprains heal without surgery, but they still require rest, bracing, and guided rehabilitation. Severe tears or multi-ligament injuries may need surgical repair.

LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament) Tear

• Stabilizes the outer side of the knee
• Injured when a force pushes the knee outward

Symptoms:

• Pain on the outer side of the knee
• Instability
• Difficulty walking on uneven ground

Major ligament tears often keep people out of work for many months and can permanently restrict physically demanding jobs. These long-term effects are a key part of any New York City knee injury settlement.

3. Meniscus Tears and Joint Cartilage Damage

The menisci are C-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as shock absorbers between the thigh bone and shinbone. The knee also has smooth articular cartilage on the articular surfaces of the bones.

How car accidents cause meniscus injuries:

• Sudden twisting when the foot is planted, and the knee is bent
• Compression of the joint as the leg is pinned under the dashboard or console
• Rotation during a T-bone or side impact collision

Symptoms:

• Pain and swelling that may worsen over 24 to 48 hours
• Stiffness
• Clicking, catching, or grinding in the joint
• Locking or a feeling that the knee will not fully straighten
• Sensation that the knee gives way

Treatment and legal significance:

Minor tears may respond to rest, ice, bracing, and physical therapy. Persistent pain or mechanical symptoms often require arthroscopic surgery to repair or trim the torn cartilage. Joint cartilage damage is significant in New York knee injury cases because it dramatically increases the risk of early arthritis and may lead to future injections or knee replacement surgery, which must be accounted for in any settlement or verdict.

4. Tendon Ruptures Around the Knee

Two major tendons help the knee straighten and support the body:

• The quadriceps tendon above the kneecap
• The patellar tendon below the kneecap

A serious car accident can rupture these tendons when:

• The knee is violently flexed or extended
• The kneecap is dislocated and tugs suddenly on the tendon
• The leg is forced to bear an extreme load in an unnatural position

Signs of a tendon rupture:

• Sudden, severe pain
• Immediate swelling and bruising
• Inability to straighten the leg
• Inability to support your weight on the leg

These injuries almost always require surgical repair and long-term rehabilitation. They can significantly affect your ability to walk, work, climb subway stairs, and perform daily activities.

5. Tibial Plateau Fractures and Other Knee-Related Fractures

The tibial plateau is the upper portion of the shinbone that forms the lower half of the knee joint. It can fracture when:

• The force of impact drives the thighbone into the shinbone
• The leg is pinned or crushed in a front-end or side-impact crash

These fractures can:

• Damage cartilage, ligaments, and tendons
• Disrupt the smooth, weight-bearing surface of the joint
• Create a high risk of post-traumatic arthritis

Other fractures include distal femur fractures near the knee and combined injuries where the patella and tibial plateau are both fractured.

Treatment usually involves complex surgery, internal hardware such as plates, screws, or rods, prolonged non-weight bearing, and extensive physical therapy. These are serious injuries with long-term consequences that New York juries and insurance companies need to understand.

6. Sprains, Strains, Contusions, and “Soft Tissue” Knee Injuries

Not every knee injury involves a broken bone or a completely torn ligament. Many New York car accident victims suffer:

• Sprains where ligaments are stretched or partially torn
• Strains where muscles and tendons are injured
• Contusions or bruises from direct impact with the dashboard, console, or door
• Bursitis or tendinitis, where the fluid-filled sacs or tendons around the knee become inflamed

These injuries can still cause substantial pain, stiffness, and functional limits. Insurance companies often dismiss them as “just soft tissue,” but in reality, they can interfere with work, commuting, and basic daily activities for months.

Symptoms You Should Never Ignore After a Car Accident

Adrenaline and shock often hide symptoms at the crash scene. Many people walk away thinking they are fine, only to feel much worse later. After a New York car crash, pay attention to:

• Knee pain, even if mild at first
• Swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint
• Bruising or discoloration
• Popping, ripping, or snapping sensations at the time of injury
• Grinding, clicking, or locking when you move your knee
• Weakness or a feeling that the knee will give out
• Trouble walking, standing, or climbing stairs
• Difficulty fully bending or straightening the leg
• Visible deformity or protruding bone
• Numbness, tingling, or coldness in the lower leg or foot
• Fever, chills, or nausea

If you experience any of these signs, especially increasing pain or difficulty bearing weight, seek medical care right away. Early diagnosis protects your health and strengthens your legal claim by clearly linking your knee injury to the New York car accident.

How Knee Injuries Are Diagnosed

To understand precisely what happened inside your knee, your doctors may use:

• A physical exam to test movement, stability, and tender areas
• X-rays to look for fractures and joint alignment issues
• MRI scans to see ligaments, tendons, menisci, and cartilage
• CT scans for detailed images of complex fractures
• Arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that places a small camera inside the joint
• Bone scans in select cases to detect subtle bone injuries

These diagnostic tests are crucial to effective treatment and provide robust evidence in a New York City personal injury case.

Treatment and Recovery After a New York Car Accident Knee Injury

Every knee injury is different, but treatment often includes:

• RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
• Pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs
• Bracing or splinting to stabilize the joint
• Crutches or other mobility aids to limit weight bearing
• Physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and balance
• Injections, including corticosteroids or other therapies in some cases
• Surgery for significant ligament tears, fractures, dislocations, or major cartilage damage

Typical recovery timelines:

• Mild sprains and strains: 4 to 8 weeks
• Moderate ligament or meniscus injuries: several months
• Major fractures and reconstructive surgeries: 6 to 12 months or longer

Some people recover well and return to most activities. Others are left with permanent limitations, chronic pain, or a higher risk of osteoarthritis. Those long-term effects must be considered when valuing any New York City knee injury case.

How Knee Injuries Affect Your Life in New York City

Knee injuries are especially disruptive in New York City, where walking, stairs, and public transportation are part of everyday life.

Common effects include:

• Difficulty commuting on subways, buses, and crowded sidewalks
• Trouble climbing subway stairs, office stairs, or stairs at home
• Inability to stand for long periods at work
• Limitations on lifting, carrying, and caring for children
• Sleep disruption due to pain
• Anxiety, frustration, and depression related to chronic pain and reduced independence
• Significant medical bills, at the same time, income may be reduced

These are real losses, not minor inconveniences. When a negligent driver causes them, New York law allows you to seek compensation.

Your Legal Rights After a New York City Car Accident Knee Injury

New York uses a no-fault insurance system. Your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage should pay for reasonable medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages up to policy limits, regardless of who caused the crash. However:

• PIP does not pay for pain and suffering
• PIP has monetary limits that are often quickly exhausted in severe knee injury cases

If your knee injury meets New York’s legal definition of a serious injury, you can step outside the no-fault system and bring a claim against the at-fault driver. Many knee injuries qualify, especially those involving:

• Fractures
• Significant ligament or meniscus tears
• Surgery
• Long-term limitations of use
• Permanent consequential limitations

In a New York personal injury lawsuit for a car accident knee injury, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Surgery, injections, physical therapy, and possible future knee replacement
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Physical pain and emotional suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life and loss of mobility
• Disability, scarring, or disfigurement
• Out-of-pocket costs, such as transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, and assistive devices

Insurance companies often try to minimize these claims. They may argue that your knee problems are just age-related arthritis, that you waited too long to see a doctor, or that a low-impact New York City crash could not possibly cause serious injury. Our NYC car accident lawyers know how to push back with medical evidence and expert testimony.

Pre-Existing Knee Conditions and NYC Car Accidents

Many New Yorkers already have some knee issues from sports, work, or age. That does not mean you do not have a case.

If a car accident:

• Worsened an existing knee condition, or
• Turned a manageable problem into a serious, disabling one, for which you can seek compensation for that aggravation. Under the “eggshell plaintiff” rule, the negligent driver must take you as they find you, even if you were more vulnerable to injury.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we work with your doctors to compare your pre-accident and post-accident medical records, imaging, and functional abilities. We then show how the New York crash changed your knee and your life.

What To Do After Suffering a Knee Injury in a NYC Car Accident

1. Get medical care right away
   Go to the emergency room, an urgent care center, or your own doctor. Tell them you were in a car accident and specifically mention any knee pain, swelling, stiffness, or instability.
2. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan
   Attend all appointments, follow restrictions, and complete physical therapy. Gaps in treatment or ignoring medical advice can harm both your recovery and your legal claim.
3. Document your injuries and losses
   • Save medical records, bills, and receipts
   • Photograph bruising, swelling, braces, crutches, and scars
   • Track missed work and changes in job duties
   • Keep a daily journal describing pain levels, sleep problems, and limits on daily activities
4. Avoid giving recorded statements or signing documents without advice
   Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. You can consult a New York City car accident lawyer before giving recorded statements or accepting any settlement.
5. Contact a NYC knee injury attorney as soon as possible
   New York law imposes strict deadlines for no-fault applications and lawsuits, and evidence can disappear quickly. Early legal involvement helps protect your rights.

How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Helps New York Knee Injury Victims

When you choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, you get a team that focuses exclusively on personal injury law and understands both the legal and medical sides of knee injury claims.

We will:

• Investigate the crash thoroughly
• Obtain police reports, photos, video, and witness statements
• Work closely with your treating physicians and, when needed, orthopedic and vocational experts
• Collect and organize medical records, imaging, and treatment plans
• Calculate all your damages, including future care, lost income, and loss of earning capacity
• Handle all communication and negotiation with insurance companies
• Prepare your case as if it will go to trial, and file suit if needed to pursue full compensation

Our goal is simple. We want to maximize your financial recovery so you can focus on healing rather than fighting with insurers.

You don’t need to worry about navigating this alone.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or contact us online for a free, no obligation case evaluation.
We only get paid if we recover money for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Knee Injuries From Car Accidents in New York City

1. My knee only feels a little sore after the accident. Do I really need to see a doctor?

Yes. Many serious injuries, including fractures, ligament tears, and meniscus damage, can begin as mild soreness and get worse over time. Delaying care can make your recovery longer and more difficult, and gives the insurance company an excuse to say you were not really hurt or that something else caused your symptoms.

2. My knee did not hurt at the scene, but it hurts now. Is it still related to the crash?

Very likely. It is common for swelling, stiffness, and pain to appear hours or days after a collision. The fact that your symptoms were delayed does not mean they are unrelated to the accident. Please see a doctor as soon as possible, explain when and how the crash happened, and follow all recommendations.

3. What is “dashboard knee”?

“Dashboard knee” is a common term for a PCL injury that occurs when a bent knee hits the dashboard in a front-end or rear-end collision. The shinbone is driven backward, which can tear the PCL and sometimes injure other knee structures. People often experience pain behind the knee, swelling, and instability.

4. Can a meniscus tear heal without surgery?

Some small tears in the outer part of the meniscus can respond to rest, bracing, and physical therapy. However, many meniscus tears, particularly those that cause locking, catching, or persistent pain, require arthroscopic surgery. An orthopedic specialist can review your MRI and help determine the best treatment.

5. Do I need a lawyer for a knee injury case in New York City?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but it is usually a mistake to handle a significant knee injury case alone. Insurance companies often undervalue ligament, tendon, and cartilage injuries because they are not always visible on X-rays and may not show up immediately after the crash. A New York City car accident lawyer can gather medical evidence, document your long-term risks, and negotiate for a settlement that reflects the real impact on your life.

6. What if I had knee problems before the accident?

You can still recover compensation if the crash aggravated your pre-existing condition. The law allows you to claim damages for the worsening of an existing injury. We will work with your doctors to show how your symptoms, function, and treatment changed after the collision, and we will hold the at-fault driver responsible for that additional harm.

7. How much is my knee injury case worth in New York City?

There is no set amount. The value depends on many factors, including:

• The type and severity of your injury
• Whether you need surgery or multiple surgeries
• How long are you out of work
• Whether you can return to your prior job
• The impact on your daily life, mobility, and hobbies
• The likelihood of arthritis or future procedures

Our NYC personal injury attorneys will carefully evaluate these factors, consult with your doctors if needed, and guide a fair settlement range.

8. What if I were partly at fault for the car accident?

In many New York cases, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your percentage of fault may reduce your compensation, but you are not automatically barred from recovery. You should speak with a New York City car accident lawyer before assuming you have no case.

9. How long do I have to bring a knee injury claim in New York?

New York has strict statutes of limitations, which are legal deadlines for filing a lawsuit. There are also shorter deadlines if a municipal or public entity vehicle, such as an MTA bus or city truck, was involved, and prompt deadlines for no-fault applications. If you miss these deadlines, you may lose your right to compensation. To protect your claim, you can contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the crash.

10. Will I have to go to court?

Many knee injury cases settle out of court when we present strong medical evidence and a clear picture of how the injury affects your life. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and proceed to trial. We will explain your options, keep you informed, and help you make the decisions that are best for you and your family.

Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP for Your NYC Knee Injury Case?

• Local Harlem office for convenience and trust
• Seven convenient locations throughout New York: Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
• No fee unless we win your case with our Fee Guarantee
• Bilingual services available
• Hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials
• Top-rated, award-winning lawyers, including recognition in Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers
• We deal directly with the insurance companies so you can focus on your medical treatment and recovery

At Greenstein & Pittari, we focus exclusively on personal injury law, including New York City car accident knee injuries. Our motto is “Don’t Be a Victim Twice.”

If you were hurt in a crash, including one involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, we are ready to help.

Talk to a New York City Knee Injury Lawyer Today

If a car accident in New York City or on Long Island left you with a knee injury, you do not have to face the medical, financial, and legal challenges alone.

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP stands between you and the insurance companies, fights for your rights, and pursues the full compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)
Feel free to contact us online today to schedule your free, confidential consultation.

You focus on healing.
We will handle the rest.