Buying a smaller vehicle is an entirely logical move for most people. Smaller vehicles save money at the pump, because they typically get better gas mileage. Driving and parking in a city as big and populous as Houston is also easier when you have a smaller car rather than a large SUV or truck.
However, when it comes to safety, it turns out that smaller vehicles don’t stack up well against their larger counterparts. According to CNBC, a study from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) found that some of the most dangerous cars for drivers involved in a crash are the smallest cars. The Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio came in at the bottom of the list of safest vehicles studied by the Institute.
Conversely, several larger-model vehicles, like the Jeep Cherokee and Mercedes-Benz M-Class, proved much more effective in protecting passengers. During the period studied, no drivers were killed in these vehicles. So, are injuries more significant when a small car gets into an accident?
Keep reading to find out. If you or a loved one is in a serious car accident, our car accident lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law can help you seek compensation and recover damages. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 to learn how we can assist you.
Why choose our attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law?
At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, our legal team dedicates their time and career to helping accident victims seek justice through financial compensation. In the decades since our founding, we’ve recovered over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts. We understand how accidents impact lives and do all we can to help victims return to their pre-accident state.
We personalize each case and give each client what they need for their claim to succeed.
Our attorneys, headed by former judge Terry Bryant, understand Texas laws and legal systems and use this knowledge and experience to further the cause of our clients. We will fight for you until we secure a favorable outcome. If you want a legal team that doesn’t give up, contact us at (713) 973-8888 for a free case review.
Are small cars safe? Why size is an essential factor
In a safety test conducted by the IIHS, the result showed that some smaller cars are less safe to drive than larger vehicles. For example, in side-impact crashes, some of the cars with the worst test results are the Kia Forte, Subaru Crosstrek, and Subaru Impreza sedan and wagon. However, the study also showed that some small cars, like the Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla sedan, and hatchback, are safer than most.
The danger with small cars lies with physics. According to Chuck Farmer, Vice President of Research at the IIHS. “If you hit something bigger than you, you are more likely to die.” Consider that when an 18-wheeler collides with a smaller passenger car, it is almost always the occupant of the smaller vehicle that gets injured. But the story is different with SUVs.
While SUVs and trucks aren’t as big as tractor-trailers, they’re still big enough to shield occupants from harm when colliding with a smaller vehicle.
Unlike small cars, SUVs have a long front end that is better equipped to absorb the impact of a frontal car accident. An SUV may also keep moving after a crash, making the people inside less susceptible to the accident’s force. But before we all buy larger vehicles to ensure our safety on the road, it’s worth noting that larger vehicles also carry risks.
For example, SUVs, vans, and trucks are more likely to roll over because their center of gravity is much higher than that of a smaller vehicle. But beyond physics, other factors also impact the safety of cars:
Safety features
Vehicle safety has advanced significantly over the past decade. Smaller and larger cars are safer than they used to be, thanks to improved safety features and vehicle design. For example, modern cars have airbags and automatic emergency brakes that help protect the occupants against injuries in accidents.
The car’s age
Older cars are less safe than new ones. If you opt for an older car, check for recalls and perform regular maintenance to ensure the vehicle performs optimally.
The use of seat belts, the speed of the vehicle, and the angle of the cars involved in the accident also affect the safety of the occupants and the severity of the injuries sustained.
Were you involved in a car accident? Contact Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law
If a careless driver has injured you or a loved one, contact the experienced Houston car accident attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law to learn more about your legal options. We have been helping clients in Texas for more than three decades to get compensation for their accident injuries.
We will guide you throughout the claim process and help you make the best decisions. To schedule a free consultation, call (713) 973-8888 today. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to worry about upfront fees.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
