Summer seems like the perfect time for small cars. People break out their convertibles and roadsters. Sports cars that were put away for the winter finally see pavement again. Those with Jeep Wranglers take off the tops and the doors to cruise around in the sun.
But is there a risk to all of this summer fun? Could driving a smaller car mean that you’re more likely to get injured in an accident, compared to driving that SUV or truck that you enjoyed all winter?
Weight and size play a role in safety that never changes
These small vehicles are, in some ways, more dangerous than the bigger ones. The issue is related to the strict physics involved in a car crash. A smaller car, which is also generally lighter, is not going to provide the same level of safety as a heavy, larger vehicle. If you’re in a small car and you get hit by an SUV or a truck, you are more likely to have severe injuries than the person in the bigger vehicle.
Some people argue that, with technological advancements and crash-test ratings, small cars can be just as safe. And they are safer than they used to be. But no amount of technological advancement can change the way energy is transferred between large and small objects during a collision. More energy is always going to be enacted on the smaller object — in this case, the smaller car.
What options do you have after a wreck?
If you do get injured when another negligent driver causes a crash, you need to know what options you have and how to seek proper compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and much more. An attorney can help protect your interests as you make your claim.