Not all vehicles are created equal when it comes to crash risk. Some vehicle models are statistically more prone to being involved in accidents due to a combination of design features, driver demographics and performance capabilities.
Vehicle size and weight play a significant role in crash statistics. Smaller cars tend to offer less protection in collisions — especially those involving larger vehicles like trucks or SUVs. Lightweight vehicles may be more agile, but they often absorb more damage during a crash and transmit greater force to occupants. By contrast, larger vehicles may perform better in crash tests but can pose greater risks to others on the road, especially in pedestrian or side-impact accidents.
Nature vs…nurture?
Certain vehicle models also tend to attract specific types of drivers, which can influence crash rates. For example, high-performance sports cars and certain compact sedans may appeal more to younger drivers, which is a group statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. Insurance industry data has shown that vehicles such as muscle cars and subcompacts often have higher claim rates — not necessarily due to design flaws but because of how and by whom they are driven.
Another factor is safety technology. Newer vehicles equipped with lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring, generally perform better in crash prevention. However, not all models offer these features as standard, and older versions of even the same model may lack modern safety improvements. Vehicles without these technologies may be at greater risk, especially in high-traffic or high-speed situations.
For individuals injured in a crash, the type of vehicles involved can be relevant in determining liability and damages. A skilled legal team can investigate whether vehicle choice, maintenance issues or known safety concerns contributed to the collision, which can potentially strengthen a case for compensation.
