The heavily-weighted cars of the 1960’s might just be a pleasant reminder when you spot one on the roads every so often, but research shows that heavier vehicles could be more dangerous from a traffic perspective.

Studies show that if you’re driving a new car, the chances of being severely injured are about 40% less than someone in an older vehicle. But with more new cars on the market focusing on bigger sizes, what does that mean for your accident and injury risk?

Heavier cars are becoming more popular with consumers, leading manufacturers are looking to meet that demand with cars that are bigger and weigh more. That comes at a price, however, at least according to one recent study.

The chances of serious injuries in a car accident is much higher with heavier cars, especially if the victim in the accident is a child, a pedestrian, or an elderly person.

Bigger and heavier cars are actually safer for the passengers inside, but that adage does not hold true for those outside the car. Only internal passengers and the driver reap the rewards of better safety.

The most dangerous cars are heavy ones that are also older. SUVs, for example, that are older are a serious rollover risk. They also involve a lot of force when they strike someone else, like a pedestrian.

Doing your own research might help you determine whether or not a heavy car is in your best interests. Anyone who has been critically hurt in an accident will naturally be curious about their rights and how to proceed to minimize the potential impact of injuries.

Recovering compensation after an accident with a heavy car is vital for anyone with a catastrophic injury like a TBI or spinal cord paralysis. The average family, even with health insurance, is not equipped to absorb the shock of a hit with a heavier car.