Women More Likely to Be Seriously Injured in Car Accidents

By the time you finish reading this page, a car crash will likely have occurred somewhere in Texas. One report from the Texas Department of Transportation found someone was injured in a car crash every two minutes and seven seconds.

According to a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the victim of that car crash will likely be a woman. The study shows that women are much more likely to suffer a serious injury in a car accident than men are. Keep reading to learn more about the study and what to do if you’ve been involved in an accident.

What the Study Says

The IIHS study found that women in cars are 20-28 percent more likely to die in a car accident than men on a per-crash basis. Researchers also found that on a per-crash basis, women are 37-73 percent more likely than men to sustain a serious injury in an accident.

The biggest reason for this discrepancy in injury rates, researchers say, is the type of cars women tend to drive compared to men. Prior research shows women are more likely than men to drive smaller, lighter cars, which offer less protection in the event of an accident. This is particularly true for side-impact crashes and when the front of a woman’s car collides with the rear of another vehicle.

Researchers were quick to point out that comparing similar crashes involving similarly sized vehicles shows safety improvements in vehicles have generally benefited women and men roughly equally. Safety experts are also under increasing pressure to use newer, better test dummies in crash tests that more accurately reflect how women’s bodies handle accidents to create safer vehicles.

IIHS Vice President of Vehicle Research Statement

Jessica Jermakian, the IIHS’ Vice President of Vehicle Research, supported the study’s findings. She noted that “the difference in the odds of most injuries narrows dramatically” when taking into account the types of cars that many women drive and the nature of the accidents that they do get into.

Jermakian added that additional research could help lead to further safety improvements and fewer serious injuries among women. She notes that “changes like strengthening the occupant compartment and improving seat belts and airbags have helped protect both men and women.” She further stated, “Homing in on the risk disparities that still exist in compatible crashes gives us a great opportunity to make further gains.”

How Michael Gopin Can Help You

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC can help.  We gather evidence to build your case, handle all communications with the insurance company, make sure your paperwork is filed correctly, and aggressively negotiate for maximum compensation.

Attorney Michael Gopin has been practicing law since 1987 and has helped thousands of Texans recover compensation for their injuries. We’re proud to serve our community by offering high-quality legal representation to accident victims. 

Contact an El Paso Car Accident Attorney

Want to know more about our legal services? Get a free initial consultation by calling the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC or visiting our contact page.