Auto Accident Lawyer - Are Smaller Car More Likely to Cause Injuries?

The benefits of using smaller cars are wide-ranging. They are easy to maneuver, comfortable to drive, eco-friendly, and cost effective. However, some experts believe that small cars may not as safe as larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs. If a large car collides with a small car, the driver of the large car may suffer only some minor injuries, while the driver of the small car is likely to suffer more serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, fractures, spinal cord injuries, and brain injuries.

Responding to the widespread concerns regarding safety issues in a small car, manufacturers of small cars have taken some steps to improve the safety features of smaller vehicles. It is also important to note that even large vehicles are not enitrely safe. In fact, rollover accidents are more common among large vehicles like SUVs.

Safety issues in small cars have continued to remain a cause for concern. A new test called small overlap frontal crash test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) sparked a new debate about whether small cars are safe enough. According to the result of the test, 10 mini cars were categorized as "poor" or "marginal" while one mini car managed to receive the rating of an "acceptable" car.

The test required each participating car to hit a fixed object with its front corner while travelling at a speed of 40 miles per hour. The only small car that cleared the test was The Chevrolet Spark. Of the other small cars that took the test, 10 out of 17 received the ranking of "good" or "acceptable".

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) concluded that cars that did not perform well in the small overlap frontal crash test are likely to cause the passengers to suffer leg injuries or foot injuries from a car crash. The IIHS also claimed that the small overlap frontal crash test is more likely to deliver reliable results because this test, unlike several other tests in the similar category, is more detail oriented. According to the IIHS test, mini cars received poor or marginal ranking in terms of structural integrity, which defines how the components of the car can withstand a forceful outside attack at the time of the accident. This means that a car with poor structural integrity will collapse more quickly during an accident. In other words, the lower the structural integrity of a car, the less safe it is for the passenger. If the structure of the car collapses, it can dislocate the airbags and seats inside the car.

It would be wise for owners to check the IIHS ratings of their mini car in order to find out how safe the vehicle is for the driver and passengers. However, safety also depends on how well you can drive the car. Careful and responsible driving will surely help to lower accident risks to a large extent.

If you get injured because someone else was driving carelessly, you can make a claim for compensation. A St. Louis car crash lawyer can help you make a claim or present your case in the court to make sure you win maximum compensation for your injuries. Call (314) 361-4242 for a free consultation.