Crumple Zones

Prior to the 1950’s, automobiles were designed in a very rigid manner, allowing for little deformation of the frame upon impact. Accidents during this time appeared less dangerous since the automobile emerged from a wreck more or less intact. In reality, however, since the automobile did not absorb much of the impact force, it was instead transferred to the vehicle’s occupants. This often resulted in very serious accidents with many severe injuries and deaths. The crumple zone, which was developed in 1953, significantly reduces the force, and therefore the severity of the injuries, that passengers suffer in an automobile wreck.

How Crumple Zones Work

Crumple zones serve two main purposes in an automobile. First, they serve to absorb and redistribute the force of impact to other areas of the vehicle. The reduced the force applied on the occupants, which safeguards them from severe whiplash, seat belt, and ejection injuries. Secondly, crumple zones significantly reduce the deceleration speed of the automobile, which increases the time before the automobile comes to a complete stop. This, too, reduces the amount of force felt by the passengers.

A frequent misconception about crumple zones is that they cause more injuries to the passengers because they allow the car to collapse into the vehicle’s occupants. However, this is false. Crumple zones are often located in the front and rear of the automobile, and they only give way a certain amount, so as to avoid crushing the interior passengers.

Contact Us

If you have been injured in an automobile accident because of a failed or poorly designed crumple zone, then you may have the right to claim compensation from the company responsible for delivering you such a dangerous automobile. Contact the Las Vegas personal injury lawyers of William Palmer & Associates, P.C. today at 702-888-2222 to find out more about your legal option in this situation.