Have you ever noticed that people seem to like buying oversized vehicles? Many of the new vehicles on the road are seven-passenger SUVs or massive pickup trucks. You do still see sports cars, sedans and convertibles, but they are not the norm. Even many SUVs are considered “small” by consumers.
Part of the reason for this trend is that people feel safer in larger vehicles. Do the statistics back that up? Does the size of your vehicle change your odds of being injured in a crash?
Larger cars tend to be safer
As a general rule, a large vehicle is safer for the person inside of it – and simultaneously more dangerous for everyone else. The reason for this is that a car accident involves the transfer of energy between vehicles. If one vehicle is significantly heavier and taller than another, it is going to absorb far less of the energy during the crash. This means that those in the smaller vehicle may have to deal with more severe ramifications.
This becomes most clear when looking at semi-truck accidents. An 80,000-pound semi-truck could crush a passenger car and injure everyone inside, while the driver of the semi may not suffer any injuries at all.
Underride accidents
Speaking of semi-truck accidents, one of the hazards they create is that they can cause underride accidents. The smaller car can get wedged underneath the truck’s trailer, and people in the passenger vehicle can get trapped or pinned. Underride accidents are also more likely to cause spinal cord injuries, chest injuries, head injuries and brain injuries.
After such a serious crash, you may find yourself facing extensive medical bills. Be sure you know what legal options you have.