Various factors, such as speed at the time of impact, contribute to the odds of severe injuries in a car accident. Two of the most important factors are the weight and height of the vehicles involved.
Specifically, severe injuries are more likely when there is a significant difference in the height and weight between each car, truck or SUV. Someone in a smaller vehicle is more likely to suffer these serious injuries.
Transferring energy
One reason for this difference is that a larger vehicle carries more potential energy. In a crash, this energy is transferred to the smaller vehicle. That doesn’t mean that the person in the larger vehicle can’t be injured, but just that it is less likely than it is for the person in the smaller vehicle, which absorbs more energy.
Impact points
Another key area to consider is the point of impact itself. If one person is in a small convertible and the other person is in a pickup truck, for instance, the energy-absorbing structures just do not line up. The smaller car takes the impact on top of the hood or on the windshield, while the larger vehicle takes the impact on the bumper and the engine compartment.
It is worth noting that modern vehicles have been designed with lower frames, bumpers, crumple zones and other energy-absorbing structures, helping them to line up with smaller cars. While this is good, it does not completely eliminate the problem – and there is always the chance of being struck by an older vehicle with an outdated design.
Either way, serious injuries can still happen. Those who have been hurt in an accident caused by another negligent driver need to know how they can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other costs.
