Side impacts carry a high risk to drivers and their passengers. This type of collision is responsible for 21 percent of fatal automobile accidents and a quarter of all non-fatal accidents. As a result, side-impact crash-test ratings play an important role for consumers choosing a safe vehicle.
The injuries from this type of collision can be quite extensive, especially if the car is hit directly from the side. In older vehicles that may not have airbags, the occupants can take most of the impact, with their heads and necks suffering the most. Though many people associate whiplash with rear-end accidents, it is also common in side-impact crashes as well. Injuries to the chest, arms and legs frequently occur as well.
In fact, in some instances, side impact crashes can be even more difficult on the body and cause injuries that are more serious. By their design, many cars are built to better absorb impacts from the front or rear of the vehicle. Accidents that happen from the side, however, cause injuries because there is less space to reduce the energy involved in the accident.
Both the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) test vehicles for side impact, but they conduct their tests differently. For this reason, you should look at both ratings to get an overall view of how safe a car that you are considering purchasing is for this type of crash.
If you are in a car accident, even one that you think is minor, it is important that you seek medical attention. Often, accident victims have injuries that do not cause immediate symptoms, and failure to seek medical attention can cause these to get worse. It can also make it hard to get proper compensation for your injuries if the accident was not your fault. For those who have been involved in an auto accident, it is important to work with an experienced attorney.
