Women who are involved in front-end car accidents are 73 percent more likely to sustain serious injuries than men, even when wearing seat belts, a study recently published in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention reports.
Specifically, women are more susceptible to lower body injuries in the legs, spine, and abdomen. The data also shows that female drivers and front-seat passengers are 17 percent more likely to lose their lives in a collision than their male counterparts.
The findings from the University of Virginia Center for Applied Biomechanics are an important addition to the research on how an individual’s sex may impact the risk of injury in car accidents. Current data has not sufficiently explored why women are more at-risk of injury in front-end crashes than men, according to the study’s lead author.
In addition, there has been a historical lack of data on how females fare in vehicles manufactured with new safety features. For example, crash test dummies are designed using a male model. Female models are simply smaller versions of the male models, which do not account for anatomical differences in muscle strength, pelvic shape, and fat distribution.
Both Sexes Safer in Newer-Model Cars
The study also revealed that the overall risk for injury in car accidents is lower for those who were riding in cars that had been manufactured in the past decade. In fact, there were 55 percent fewer injuries in newer-model vehicles. This reduction in risk applied to a wide range of injuries, including:
- Trauma to the skull and neck
- Internal damage and abdominal injuries
- Injuries to the lower extremities, such as the hips, knees, thighs, and ankles
The risk of injury to the hands and arms remained the same regardless of vehicle type and where the motorist was sitting at the time of the crash. Overall, injuries to the breastbone and ribs remain the most common injuries sustained by female motorists, even for those driving in newer model vehicles.
Warnett Hallen Will Demand Full and Fair Compensation for You
People who have been injured in car accidents in British Columbia can seek compensation for their injuries and other losses through the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). This money can help with medical expenses, lost income, and other damages that victims suffer in crashes caused by negligent parties.
Although an attorney is not required to represent you in an ICBC claim, it’s highly recommended to consult one before accepting a settlement. The insurance company will want to settle quickly, which sounds good — except that they will try to get you to settle for less than what you deserve.
At Warnett Hallen LLP, our motto is “settle for more.” Our experienced Vancouver ICBC lawyers can investigate your car accident case, help prepare a strong claim for maximum compensation, and negotiate with ICBC on your behalf. Although we strive for a settlement first, our Vancouver car accident attorneys will not hesitate to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to obtain a full and fair award for you.
There’s no risk to learn how we can help. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
