A car accident can lead to serious injuries, especially when passengers have their feet on the dashboard. Dashboard injuries, particularly dashboard knee injuries, are common in high-impact collisions and can have long-term consequences if not properly treated. Understanding the risks, symptoms, and available treatments is crucial for a full recovery.
What is a Dashboard Injury?
A dashboard injury occurs when a passenger’s knees, legs, or other body parts forcefully hit the dashboard during a crash. The most common type is a dashboard knee injury, where the knee is driven backward due to impact, causing damage to the patella (kneecap), ligaments, or other structures within the joint.
These injuries often happen in front-seat passengers who do not wear seat belts properly or who brace themselves against the dashboard at the moment of impact. When a vehicle stops suddenly due to a collision, the body continues moving forward with significant force, leading to severe trauma.
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The Dangers of Having Feet on the Dashboard
Riding with your feet on the dashboard significantly increases the risk of severe injuries in an accident. If the airbags deploy while your feet are elevated, the force can cause devastating injuries, including fractures, dislocations, and even spinal trauma. A feet on dashboard airbag injury can lead to long-term mobility issues, making it critical to seek medical care immediately.
When the airbag deploys, it inflates at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. If a passenger’s legs are resting on the dashboard, the explosive force can propel their knees toward their face or twist their lower body into unnatural positions. Common consequences of this type of injury include:
Compound fractures in the femur, tibia, or fibula
Pelvic fractures that may require surgery
Spinal injuries, including herniated discs or nerve damage
Facial fractures caused by the knees being driven into the head
These injuries can lead to extended hospital stays, multiple surgeries, and a lengthy rehabilitation process. It is crucial for passengers to always keep their feet on the floor and wear seat belts correctly to prevent these types of injuries.
Common Dashboard Injuries
Dashboard Knee Injury
Damage to the knee joint, including ligament tears (ACL, PCL), fractures, and dislocations.
Feet on Dashboard Injury
Severe leg, hip, and spine injuries resulting from improper positioning during a crash.
Head and Facial Trauma
If the airbag deploys, it can forcefully propel the knees into the face, causing facial fractures and head trauma.
Hip Dislocations
The impact can push the femur out of its socket, leading to extreme pain and difficulty walking.
Broken Ribs and Chest Trauma
If the force of impact is strong enough, it can cause fractures in the ribs and potential internal injuries.
Symptoms of a Dashboard Injury
Depending on the severity of the injury, symptoms may vary. However, some common signs include:
Swelling and bruising around the knees or legs
Severe pain when moving the affected area
Difficulty bearing weight on the injured leg
Popping or locking sensations in the knee
Numbness or tingling in the lower extremities
Headaches or dizziness due to head trauma
If you experience any of these symptoms after an accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Delaying treatment can lead to complications, prolonged pain, and even permanent disability.
Seeking Treatment for Dashboard Injuries
At Comprehensive Accident and Injury Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating dashboard-related injuries. Our team provides personalized care to ensure proper healing and long-term recovery. Treatments may include:
- Diagnostic Imaging – X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to assess the extent of injury.
- Physical Therapy – Restoring mobility, strength, and function after a knee or leg injury.
- Chiropractic Care – Aligning the spine and joints to promote natural healing.
- Pain Management – Medication, injections, and holistic therapies to relieve discomfort.
- Surgical Intervention – In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair fractures or ligament damage.
Our team will create a personalized treatment plan based on the severity of your injury to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible.
How Comprehensive Accident and Injury Center Can Help
At Comprehensive Accident and Injury Center, we are dedicated to helping victims of car accident injuries get the care they need for a full recovery. Our experienced medical professionals understand the complexities of accident-related injuries and provide comprehensive evaluations to ensure no underlying conditions are missed. We offer a range of treatment options tailored to each patient’s specific needs, from chiropractic care and physical therapy to advanced pain management techniques. Whether you are dealing with a dashboard injury, whiplash, or other musculoskeletal trauma, our goal is to help you regain function and improve your quality of life through expert, compassionate care.
Preventing Dashboard Injuries
While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of sustaining a dashboard injury:
Always wear your seatbelt properly, with the lap belt low on your hips and the shoulder belt across your chest.
Never rest your feet on the dashboard while in a moving vehicle.
Adjust your seat position to ensure there is adequate space between your knees and the dashboard.
Follow speed limits and avoid distracted driving to minimize the chances of a crash.
By practicing safe driving and passenger habits, you can significantly decrease the likelihood of suffering from a serious dashboard injury.
Contact Us for Expert Care
If you or a loved one has suffered a dashboard injury, don’t wait to seek treatment. Comprehensive Accident and Injury Center provides expert care to help you recover and regain mobility. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward healing.
Dr. Jack Norsworthy
Dr. Jack Norsworthy is a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine and Founder of the Comprehensive Accident and Injury Center. He's passionate about providing the highest quality of Chiropractic care in Delaware and surrounding communities. Check back for more updates from Doctor Norsworthy as he shares more information about musculoskeletal injuries, Chiropractic care, and healthy lifestyle habits.
Dr. Jack Norsworthy
Dr. Jack Norsworthy is a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine and Founder of the Comprehensive Accident and Injury Center. He's passionate about providing the highest quality of Chiropractic care in Delaware and surrounding communities. Check back for more updates from Doctor Norsworthy as he shares more information about musculoskeletal injuries, Chiropractic care, and healthy lifestyle habits.
