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Do Women Have a Higher Car Accident Injury Risk?

February 8, 2023
Women Have a Higher Car Accident Injury Risk.

A recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) study revealed that women are more prone to being injured in car accidents than men. It showed that females were two times as likely to experience a traumatic brain injury and three times more likely to end up with a concussion or broken bone in a front-end motor vehicle crash.

In addition to the increased possibility of a traumatic brain injury, concussion, and broken bone, the IIHS study reported that:

  • Women are 37 to 73 percent more likely to experience serious injuries.
  • Women are 20 to 28 percent more likely to lose their lives.
  • Women are 50 percent more likely to experience moderate injuries.
  • Men are involved in more fatal auto accidents than women.

The study also claimed that women are more likely to be hit from the back in rear-end crashes and are more prone to having lower body injuries.

Why Are Women More Likely to Be Injured in Car Accidents?

Vehicle size and weight may contribute to this issue. Men tend to drive heavier vehicles, such as SUVs and pickup trucks. The extra size and weight provide more protection to drivers, but can cause more damage to smaller vehicles and its occupants.

Motor vehicle testing may also contribute to the discrepancy. The average crash test dummy mirrors a 50th-percentile male, which is 5 foot, 9 inches tall and 171 pounds. Since this average is not the same for females, using one crash dummy for both may not provide accurate information or safety.

Since smaller vehicles are at a disadvantage and crash test dummies need some updating, it is best to drive the safest car possible and keep your seat belt on at all times. Stay safe by limiting the distractions inside your car. For safer road trips, plan your routes in advance, and check the weather and traffic reports before leaving.

Comparative Negligence and Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania

If you get in an accident, you usually have to file a claim through your personal injury protection no matter who caused the crash. This may allow you to receive compensation for your medical expenses and other costs. For more serious injuries and in certain cases, you might have the option of making a claim against the at-fault driver.

Pennsylvania follows the legal principle of comparative negligence. This means that each party will be assigned a percentage of fault. If you are partially liable for an accident, you may still be able to collect compensation, but your percentage of fault will be deducted from the total award. However, if you are more than 50 percent liable, you cannot collect anything.

An experienced car accident lawyer can guide you through the steps of gathering evidence. If the claim turns into a legal action, it could end up in court, and you will need a lawyer on your side.

Delaware County Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Represent Clients in Automobile Accident Cases

If you need legal help with a motor vehicle accident claim, look no further. Speak with our Delaware County car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. today. Complete our online form or call us at 610-565-3701 to schedule an initial consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.