Crumple Zones: Why Car Damage in an Accident Can Actually Keep You Safer
When people see car accident photos, they tend to base their judgment of it on how badly the cars are damaged. However, once you understand how crumple zones work, you will see how a badly damaged car can actually be a good thing for the people inside of it. A well-designed car will protect you in a crash—even at the expense of its own infrastructure.
If you have been in a car crash caused by another person’s negligence, find out now if you are entitled to compensation now. At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we can help you fight for the compensation you are owed. Call us to set up a consultation now.
Crumple zones and why car damage is not always a bad thing
To the average person, a smashed-up vehicle is a sign of major impact and likely severe injury. But that is not the case with modern vehicles. Car accidents generate an enormous amount of force, and that force has to go somewhere. When people talk about old vehicles being built “like tanks,” they are referring to vehicles typically built without (or with less efficient) crumple zones. Crumple zones take more of the force of a crash, ensuring that occupants are not stuck taking the full force themselves. A vehicle with rigid construction may suffer minimal damage, but that often means that the vehicle’s occupants absorbed the collision’s force. On the flip side, a vehicle with a crumpled bumper and hood may have taken on the damage itself, saving occupants from significant injuries.
What are crumple zones?
Crumple zones are parts of your vehicle designed specifically to absorb and redistribute the force generated in a crash. They essentially serve as buffers—the force of the crash is dampened by the crumple zones before any remaining force passes to the passengers. They act much like shock absorbers, slowing down the force of a collision to lead to less severe injuries for passengers. Crumple zones are typically found on the front and back areas of vehicles.
Why are crumple zones important?
Think about the laws of physics. An object that is in motion stays in motion until other forces act on it. The amount of energy in a car crash is far more than the human body was ever meant to bear. When the car stops due to impact, the crumple zones collapse in a way that allows the vehicle to stop more slowly, protecting victims from injuries like whiplash and traumatic brain injuries.
It is important to note that crumple zones are just part of a suite of safety features meant to protect passengers and drivers. They are not infallible, and even when they work exactly as intended, vehicle occupants can still sustain severe cases of whiplash, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries. Crumple zones work in conjunction with air bags, seat belts, and other safety features to maximize occupant safety.
The role of crumple zones in your personal injury claim
The state of your vehicle after a collision can be an important piece of evidence, but it is important to make sure that the other party’s insurance company does not try to use it against you. Whether your car is in good shape or bad shape, the insurance company will still look for ways to claim that your vehicle is proof the accident was not that bad. If your vehicle is in good shape, they might indicate that you could not possibly be injured (and definitely not enough for compensation) if your car was barely damaged. But if your crash was significant and your car did not crumple, that may mean that the force went to you instead—and that is much worse than a totaled vehicle.
On the flip side, if your car did crumple, do not be surprised if an insurance adjuster tries other approaches to limit your injury payout, like shifting blame to you for the accident.
This highlights the need for immediate legal representation after a car accident. Insurance companies will exploit whichever angle they can to make their client’s case stronger, and that comes at the expense of your claim. When you work with a car accident attorney, they handle all communication with the other party’s insurance adjuster for you. You do not have the chance to say anything that could weaken your claim, which means the adjuster cannot talk you down to a lowball settlement.
Your next steps after an accident
What you do immediately after a car accident is incredibly important. Even if you are shocked by the state of your car and struggling to stay calm, taking a few minutes to think about your next steps can save both your health and your personal injury claim.
First, make sure you and your passengers are safe. Take note of any visible injuries so you can report them to emergency services. Call 911 or the non-emergency line, depending on the severity of the accident.
When the police arrive, take a few minutes to talk to them about the accident and tell them what you experienced. Both parties get a chance to give their side, and you want to make sure that yours is included.
This is your only chance to take photos and video footage of the car accident scene, so take advantage of it. Take photos from a variety of angles and distances. Ensure that signs and other identifying features can be seen, as this proves where the accident occurred.
Before leaving the scene of the accident, get the other party’s insurance and contact information. If there were any witnesses, get their contact information to give to your attorney.
Injured in a crash? Call Rocky McElhaney Law Firm now
If you are looking for an attorney who is ready to fight for you, Rocky McElhaney Law Firm is your next call. Set up a consultation by calling us or contacting us online.