If you were injured in a car accident, you might assume that the crash itself was the only cause. However, many injuries result from how the vehicle responds during and after the impact. When a car lacks proper safety features or fails to hold up under crash conditions, this can lead to injuries that could have been reduced or avoided altogether.
Vehicles are expected to offer a reasonable level of protection in the event of a collision. When they do not, their crashworthiness comes into question. In these situations, it is possible to look beyond the crash and examine whether the vehicle’s design played a role in the injuries you sustained.
What is a crashworthy vehicle?
Crashworthiness refers to how well a vehicle protects its occupants when a crash happens. It focuses on the design and internal features intended to limit injury, particularly during the secondary impact when the body hits the inside of the car. A crashworthy vehicle does not prevent accidents but helps reduce the harm caused by them.
Key elements of crashworthiness include:
- Crumple zones: These areas are designed to absorb energy and reduce the force transferred to passengers during a crash
- Seat belts and restraint systems: Properly functioning restraints help keep occupants securely positioned and reduce the risk of ejection or internal impact
- Airbags: Airbags protect the head, chest and limbs by providing cushioning during rapid deceleration
- Reinforced vehicle structure: The cabin should remain intact in serious collisions to protect occupants from collapsing parts
- Side impact protection: Features like side curtain airbags and door reinforcements can help in collisions from the side
- Secure seat backs and door latches: These features help keep passengers in place and prevent doors from opening unintentionally
If these features are missing, poorly installed or fail during a crash, the vehicle may be considered uncrashworthy. That failure can contribute to the severity of the injuries.
Pursuing compensation in crashworthiness cases often involves examining how the vehicle’s performance affected your injuries. Obtaining legal guidance can be helpful if you believe a defect in your car’s safety design made your injuries worse.