Fatal Accident Rate the Highest with Sports Cars, Subcompacts

Residents of New Jersey may be hurt in an accident to a greater or lesser degree depending on the type of vehicle they were driving. Some models provide more protection than others, and according to a study from iSeeCars.com, sports cars and subcompacts are among the worst when it comes to safety.

The automotive research firm analyzed the fatal crash rate of vehicles from the model years of 2013-2017 using data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System. It found that while the overall rate was 2.6 cars per billion vehicle miles, for sports cars and subcompacts, it was 4.6 and 4.5, respectively. It then compiled a list of 14 vehicles made in that period with a fatal crash rate twice that of the overall rate.

At the top was the Mitsubishi Mirage, a subcompact (10.2 cars per billion vehicle miles), followed by the Chevrolet Corvette (9.8) and Honda Fit (7.7). The list ends with the Hyundai Veloster Turbo and Nissan Versa Note, both having a fatal accident rate of 5.2. Sports cars and subcompacts held six entries each.

A lack of safety features may be behind the high rate for both sports cars and subcompacts. iSeeCars.com noted a discrepancy with several of the vehicles — namely, that they tended to have high safety ratings from NHTSA. Some were IIHS Top Safety Picks.

Those who survive an auto accident but are left with serious injuries may be able to file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company. Though New Jersey is a no-fault state, many victims cannot get all their losses covered by personal injury protection. To see what their options may be, victims may have a lawyer assess their case. An attorney may negotiate on victims’ behalf for a settlement covering all monetary and nonmonetary losses.