Five Vehicles with the Worst Personal Injury Claims

The Highway Loss Data Institute released it’s list of the vehicles with the worst personal injury claims this fall.

The HDLI analyzed personal injury protection claims from 2012-2014 to determine which cars caused the most injury to drivers and passengers. The results from later model cars are good predictors of current models, unless the vehicle has gone through a major redesign. Inclusion on the list doesn’t mean the car is unsafe, but can be a predictor that you are more likely to sustain more serious injuries if you are involved in a crash.

Cars that score the worst are generally smaller cars with low horsepower, due to the fact that most cars are two-car accidents, and if your car is one of the smallest on the road, you’re likely to crash with a car bigger than yours.

1. Mitsubishi Mirage. This micro four-door passenger car scored good in head-on crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, it scored bad in small overlap frontal tests, which simulate off-center impacts, such as when you’re hit while making a left turn. The Mirage had a claim rate 113 percent higher than average.
2. Dodge Avenger. The Avenger was a IIHS Top Safety Pick in 2012 and 2014, as well as a Top Safety Pick+ in 2013, but still had a personal injury claim rate of 84 percent above average.
3. Nissan Versa and the Nissan Versa Note. These small four-doors are the least expensive entry cars on the U.S. market at $11,900. Like the Mirage, they scored “good” in head-on crashes conducted by the IIHS, but “poor” in small frontal overlap tests. Their personal injury claim rate was 78 percent higher than average.
4. Kia Forte. Another low-cost entry car, the Kia Forte also has additional smart safety features like steering wheel controls, Bluetooth and a backup camera. It’s small frontal overlap score has come up to “marginal” over the years, but still scores 76 percent higher than average on injury claims.
5. Mitsubishi Lancer. The Lancer has been scored as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS every year from 2009 to present, but still scores 76 percent higher than average when it comes to injury claims.

At Bouchillon, Crossan & Colburn, L.C., our attorneys have more than 40 years dedicated to giving clients the attention, advice, support and empowerment they need to effectively meet their goals. We are committed to the principle that all persons shall have equal justice under the law. If you or a loved one has been injured and is seeking a qualified personal injury attorney, contact our Huntington, West Virginia office to speak with an attorney about your case, or call 304-521-4636.