Women Have Greater Injury Risks in Car Accidents
Researchers from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently examined whether there was some sort of gender bias in the research into vehicle accidents or whether body type had anything to do with the injuries.
Despite men being involved in more fatal car accidents than women, on a per-crash basis women are more likely than men to be killed and are more likely to be seriously injured. Among the findings were that in front crashes, women were three times as likely to experience a broken bone, concussion or other moderate injury, and twice as likely to suffer a serious one like a collapsed lung or traumatic brain injury.
Because of these injury discrepancies, the study regarding car accidents recommended that car safety researchers start building crash test dummies that account more for the physical differences between women and men to further investigate how to better protect women.
In addition to possible biological factors, the study also noted that the smaller, lighter vehicles that women more often drive, and the types of crashes they get into, may explain the discrepancy. Around 70% of women crashed in cars, compared with about 60% of men while more than 20% of men crashed in pickup trucks, compared with less than 5% of women. Men are also more likely to be driving the striking vehicle in two-vehicle front-to-rear and front-to-side crashes, according to the researchers.
The study underpins the reality that every car accident is unique, and it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney shortly after any accident to review issues of liability, gather evidence and review damages. If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a car accident, please contact us to learn more.
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About the author: Peter J. Gregory is a partner with the firm. He is a trial lawyer with extensive experience resolving disputes in state and federal trial courts. His personal injury practice focusses on advising clients who have been injured or lost loved ones in accidents caused by the carelessness or recklessness of others. Please feel free to contact him directly at pgregory@mccmlaw.com or (585) 512-3506.
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