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Safety associated with SUV front passengers seats raises concerns

On Behalf of | Nov 23, 2016 | SUV Accidents

SUV accidents can have a devastating impact on victims and their families. Tests conducted in 2016 revealed that passengers in SUVs may not enjoy the same protections as drivers in the driver-side seat. When replicating small overlap crash safety tests on the passenger side of 7 small-sized SUVs, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated only 2 models as good and one received a rating of poor. The results were better when the driver’s side was tested using the same type of test.

A research engineer at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety noted the passenger side is an area that needs more focus. The research engineer reported there has been more focus by car manufacturers on the safety of the driver’s side because of the nature of previous testing methods. Some vehicles with similar designs on both the driver and passenger sides did not perform the same on each side in safety tests. Improvements to frame and structure by automakers are being encouraged to help prevent deadly crashes.

During 2014, greater than 1,600 front-seat passenger victims were killed in car accidents which is the equivalent of a little over 13 percent of all fatalities for 2014. SUV accidents can cause serious injuries and death to drivers and passengers. Victims and families may be left struggling to meet the demands of medical bills, a reduced ability to work and the emotional trauma that commonly follows a serious accident. As a result, legal resources are available to protect victims and help them recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages.

The aftermath of an SUV accident can take its toll on victims and their families. While they may be left facing continuing challenges and difficulties, the legal process is available to help them as they struggle with the damages they face.

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