A recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found a startling difference between the protection provided by cars with a “good” side-impact crash rating and cars with a “poor” crash rating. A car’s side-impact rating may mean the difference between life and death for passengers if their car is hit on the side.
Of course, one would expect a difference between quality ratings, otherwise they would be fairly meaningless. The problem is the severity of the injuries sustained in a side-impact crash in a car with a poor rating, versus the relative safety a car with a good rating provides. In fact, someone in a car with a poor side-impact crash rating is three times more likely to die as a result of a side-impact crash than someone in a vehicle with a good rating.
The IIHS test focused on the effectiveness of a vehicle’s structure in the event of a side-impact crash-not the side airbags, which are still optional safety measures. The IIHS installed side airbags in all cars to isolate the effectiveness of a car’s structure. Although side airbags are important measures for protection and help absorb the initial impact of a motor vehicle accident, the structural integrity of a vehicle ultimately determines the severity of the damage done to the car and its passengers.
Between 2000 and 2001, 51 percent of all traffic fatalities occurred in side-impact crashes, up 30 percent since the 1980s. This disturbing statistic reveals the importance of considering crash ratings when purchasing a new vehicle. Many dealerships use front and rear crash ratings as selling points, but since side-impact crashes account for the majority of fatalities, asking about side ratings for vehicles is also important when hunting for a new car.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a side-impact accident consult with a knowledgeable motor vehicle accident attorney who can provide information about your rights and options.
The legal team at Dempsey Kingsland Osteen works to ensure that the injured are fully compensated for their lasting injuries from medical malpractice or other negligence. We push for comprehensive damages that anticipate the long-term needs of our clients, rather than taking a quick settlement out of convenience.
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