Although all vehicles manufactured or sold in the United States must meet rigorous federal safety standards, the occupants of some motor vehicle models are reportedly more likely to be injured in a car accident than others. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, some automobiles tend to protect passengers better than others in a crash. The organization recently ranked model year 2009 through 2011 motor vehicles based on the frequency of personal injury insurance claims filed following a collision. Not entirely surprising, the occupants of many small cars allegedly fared the worst when an accident occurred. Despite the Highway Loss Data Institute data, small cars are reportedly selling quickly due at least in part to recent high gasoline prices.
According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, the Toyota Yaris had the highest personal injury claim rate of all vehicles travelling on roads throughout the nation. Other small cars like the Nissan Versa, Chevrolet Aveo, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Suzuki SX4 also allegedly fared poorly for passenger safety. Institute data suggests larger vehicles like full-size pick-up trucks and sport utility vehicles generally have fewer crash-related personal injury claims. The organization’s Senior Vice-President, Kim Hazelbaker, said personal injury claim data tends to illustrate which vehicles are better at protecting passengers from harm. She also stated such claim frequencies tend to demonstrate that smaller vehicles are not as good at protecting automobile occupants as larger vehicles. In addition, high-performance cars also reportedly have a higher than average number of personal injury claims following a wreck. Some believe this is because such vehicles allegedly attract more aggressive drivers.
The Highway Loss Data Institute is an organization that is supported by the insurance industry. It is affiliated with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety which performs annual crash tests on new motor vehicles. The Institute maintains a national database related to personal injury, collision, property damage, and comprehensive insurance claims. The information is then reportedly adjusted to control for the gender and age of a motorist as well as the location of a crash and insurance policy deductibles. According to the organization, insurance claim information is useful to consumers who are shopping for a new vehicle because drivers can take into account both safety and insurance rates prior to making a purchase.
Chicago Metro residents tend to spend a lot of time in their vehicles. Unfortunately, accidents are bound to occur with so many drivers on the road. Automobile collisions may be caused by many factors including motorist inattention, carelessness, or impairment. If you were hurt in a car accident that was caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation for any injuries you incurred as a result of the crash. A committed car accident lawyer can help you file your personal injury claim.
If you were hurt in a car accident that was caused by someone else, call the hardworking attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. today at (312) 475-9596. Our experienced Chicago Metro personal injury lawyers are available seven days per week to answer your questions and help you file your automobile accident or other personal injury case. For a free consultation with a dedicated attorney, please do not hesitate to contact Abels & Annes, P.C. through the law firm’s website.
More Blogs:
DuPage County Man Settles Chicago Construction Accident Case for Record $5.1 Million, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, December 8, 2012
New Technology May Increase Pedestrian and Motorist Safety in Chicago and Nationwide, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, December 6, 2012
Additional Resources:
Damage Control: Which Cars Offer The Least Protection In A Crash, by Jim Gorzelany, Forbes