Are Small Cars Unsafe? Omaha Injury Lawyer Investigates
There is a myriad of reasons to purchase a small vehicle: They are easy to park, use less fuel and can minimize your carbon footprint. But are they safe to drive?
It is no secret that large vehicles tend to fare better in accidents. According to Forbes, this is because the size and speed of one vehicle determine the force that acts on occupants of the other vehicle during a crash.
Before you go out and purchase a Hummer, it is important to note that new technologies have made small cars safer than ever. The fatality rate of small-vehicle drivers dropped by nearly half between 2005 and 2011, according to Edmunds.com. Reasons for this include the introduction of new materials and the use of Advanced Compatibility Engineering.
No matter how large your vehicle is, nobody can control the actions of other motorists. If you were injured due to a negligent driver, contact Rensch & Rensch Law.
An injury lawyer in Omaha will evaluate your crash and help you pursue the maximum compensation. If we don’t win, then you will not pay attorneys’ fees. Schedule a consultation today by calling 1-800-471-4100.
Until then, read on to learn more about small vehicle safety:
Small Cars Perform Well on Crash Tests
At first glance, it may seem obvious that an SUV would outperform a small or miniature vehicle in crash tests, but this is not always the case. After side-impact, front-impact and rollover tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some small vehicles received higher safety ratings than large SUVs.
One reason for this is the crumple zone. This is the area of the vehicle that folds or breaks in a collision. A strategically designed crumple zone can minimize force on vehicle occupants, which can prevent injuries or reduce their severity.
Also, small vehicles are less likely to roll over. Due to their low centers of gravity, small vehicles are less likely to roll over than a large SUV.
If You Purchase a Small Vehicle, Buy a New Model
Although the safety of some small vehicles is comparable to SUVs, this does not apply to all makes and models. Before making a purchase, you should look at safety ratings from the NHTSA and Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. Also, try to find a model with the latest safety features such as GPS, a crash avoidance system and a backup camera.
Also, it is important to remember that larger, heavier vehicles are ultimately safer. They reduce the impact of the crash force on vehicle occupants, which means people are less likely to suffer injuries in large SUVs.
If you were injured in a collision that another driver caused, contact an Omaha accident attorney from Rensch & Rensch Law. Our lawyers have litigated more than 100 jury trials, and we will give your case the individual attention that it deserves.
As the innocent victim of a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for time off work, health-care bills and other damages. Schedule a consultation today by calling 1-800-471-4100.
