oakland car accident safety | Northern California Personal Injury Blog

Small Cars Can Offer Safety, But Pick Sedans Over Hatchbacks

By Kelly Balamuth on February 20, 2012

Compact and sub-compact cars are gaining popularity as gas prices climb and parking spaces shrink all over California and the rest of the U.S. Now, many small cars offer safety protection in crashes that rivals larger, heavier vehicles, according to a recent report from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).

The IIHS report ranks vehicle crash safety based on how well the cars perform when hit from the front, sides, and rear, as well as in rollover crashes. Vehicles that get a top score of “good” in all four categories receive the IIHS “top safety pick” designation. In 2012, that category includes several small cars, including models from domestic manufacturers like Chevrolet and Ford and overseas manufacturers like Honda, Toyota, Subaru, and Hyundai.

Many of the cars on the IIHS’s top safety pick list come in both two-door hatchback and four-door sedan models. In most cases, the IIHS recommended the sedans over the hatchbacks for superior crash protection, although the gap in actual performance is small. Four-door sedans can also be helpful for families, especially those who need to get children in and out of car seats in the back.

At Balamuth Harrington, our experienced Oakland car accident attorneys have the legal resources, courtroom experience, and personal dedication to fight on behalf of those injured in car accidents due to someone else’s negligence. If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, please give us a call today to discuss your legal rights and options. Our toll-free number is (888) 254-1234, and your initial telephone consultation is free and confidential.