What Makes a Vehicle More Crash-Prone?
According to the latest data from Kelley Blue Book, the most commonly sold and rented vehicle in Arizona is the Ford F150. While many credit the truck's size and affordability as primary reasons for the popularity, the safety ratings are also a huge draw. However, drivers appear to be largely unaware that pickup trucks come with a fatal crash risk 2.5 times higher than other vehicles.
While this risk has decreased over the last 20 years, it does beg the question of why some vehicles are inherently more crash-prone than others. Here are a few things to consider:
The Design
Pickup trucks are designed to sit higher up off the ground, tend to be taller, and have an uneven weight distribution compared to most other vehicles on the road. Because of this, they have a higher center of gravity, which makes the possibility of a rollover crash three times more likely.
However, rollovers aren’t the only safety concern. As pickup trucks continue to get bigger (or drivers add more lift to their older models), blind spots continue to increase in the immediate front and back of these vehicles. This can make it more challenging to see pedestrians or smaller cars and lead to catastrophic events.
Use
Many people opt to buy a pickup truck because of its multi-purpose use, from hauling and towing to off-roading. Although these uses don't automatically make a vehicle more crash-prone, they provide significant wear and tear that may increase the likelihood of maintenance issues while driving.
Since pickup trucks remain a popular option among drivers of any age, motorists must understand the potential risks that can come with these vehicles and know their options if a crash occurs.
How Our Phoenix Attorneys Can Help
Our Kamper & Estrada, PLLC attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience advocating for victims’ rights after motor vehicle collisions. By taking a compassionate approach to each case, we aim to make each client feel like our only client and commit to getting the outcome you deserve.
If you or a loved one has sustained an injury in a car accident and are seeking representation, call (602) 230-1234 or fill out this short form to speak with a member of our team.
