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How Car Size and Weight Factor Into Car Accidents

Many Kentucky drivers who have been in car accidents may not realize that the size of their vehicle could have been a factor in how serious their injuries were. This is because larger vehicles are able to absorb more of the impact than smaller vehicles.

For example, when frontal collisions occur, the front end of the vehicle is designed to crumple as it absorbs the impact. This slows the vehicle down, reducing the amount of force that gets transferred to the front-seat passengers. Smaller cars have smaller front ends, meaning more of the impact gets transferred to the front-seat occupants. The weight of the vehicle can also have an impact on how severe car accident injuries may be. Larger vehicles are generally heavier. As such, they have a greater momentum and require more energy to slow them down than lighter cars. If a two-vehicle accident occurs, the lighter vehicle will experience more of the force.

While there are many reasons individuals may wish to buy a smaller car, safety is a factor that should be considered. However, some smaller vehicles are becoming heavier, particularly electric cars. People who are in the market for a new car should check out the list of safest vehicles provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Even minor car accidents can result in serious injuries, especially if one of the vehicles involved was a small, lightweight car and the other was a heavier vehicle such as an SUV. Regardless of the size and weight of the vehicles involved, those who suffered injuries in a crash caused by the negligence of another driver may be eligible to seek compensation. A personal injury attorney may help injured victims by working directly with the insurance company to reach an appropriate settlement. This settlement may cover medical expenses and lost income while providing compensation for pain and suffering.