Are small cars more dangerous?

When you’re considering buying a new car, one thing you may do is look at crash test ratings. You simply want to know how safe your new vehicle is going to be. You can’t always control whether or not you’re in an accident – all it takes is one other driver to make a mistake – so you need to know that you have a vehicle that will keep you safe.

One aspect of this is the size of the car. There are two ways in which small cars may actually be more dangerous than other vehicles, and they are worth considering.

Height and weight differences

First and foremost, the height and weight of two vehicles play a major role when those vehicles are involved in a collision. Energy will transfer from the larger and heavier vehicle into the smaller one. Speed also plays a role here, but it is not as much of a factor if both vehicles are traveling at roughly the same speed. Those in the smaller vehicle are more likely to suffer serious injuries as energy is transferred into their car.

Underride accidents

Some small vehicles could also become trapped or crushed under larger vehicles. This can happen when a convertible is involved in an accident with a semi-truck, for example. Underride accidents often lead to very severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, head injuries, traumatic brain injuries and the like. These accidents are not common, but they’re one of the most dangerous types of crashes that can occur when they do.

Have you been injured in an accident? You deserve financial compensation from the driver who was at fault, so be sure you know about your legal options.