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Do crash test ratings actually help identify which vehicles are safer?

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Car companies often use their crash test ratings as a selling point. If the vehicle is rated very highly, manufacturers and dealers try to promote it on the basis that it will help keep you safe when someone else hits you. You can’t always prevent an accident, but you can be safer.

But do these ratings actually mean anything? If you got into an accident in the highest-rated vehicle, would you be safer than in the lowest-rated vehicle?

Not all stars are the same, and most vehicles rate highly

It’s not that they don’t matter, but they can be deceptive. For instance, did you know that the number of stars a vehicle gets is only relevant for that type of vehicle, not for all of them? For instance, a sedan and an SUV could both get five stars. That doesn’t mean they offer you the same level of safety, as they’re in different weight classes. Heavier, taller vehicles tend to be safer.

Another potential complication is that all vehicles tend to rate well. Some reports claim that 96% of all vehicles from the last decade have been given one of the top two ratings. So, while you are technically deciding between vehicles with five different rating options, you really don’t have as many choices as you think. Is the “safest” car actually that much better than your other option if there are only two levels that you’re choosing between?

You can get injured in any vehicle

Finally, no matter what rating your vehicle gets, you can get injured in an accident that another driver causes. If you do, be sure you know how to seek compensation for your medical bills and other costs. Learning more about your legal options is always to your advantage.

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Schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer from Phillips, Hayden & Labbee, LLP. The sooner you get us involved, the more we can do to help you.

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When I first called their office I was able to speak to a paralegal and an attorney right away. They answered all of my questions. Throughout the process of my case the attorneys were in constant contact with me. I knew every step of the process. The staff and attorneys were very easy to talk to. I was extremely pleased with the outcome. My medical bills were high. They managed to get my doctors to write off a lot of the bills which saved me money. PHL is a great law firm. I highly recommend them to anyone. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

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Amber Joye Rosen, Au.D.

I called numerous attorneys, Michael Labbee was not only the only attorney to call me back at all but called me the same day during his personal time. In the consult, he confirmed my rights as a party to this contract, went over all the ramifications the seller would incur by breaking our contract, and went over cost of litigation if that’s the route I needed to take. I felt more empowered at my options. He was not only knowledgeable and to the point, but kind (yet clearly willing to go to bat to people in their place for my rights!).

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Outstanding attorneys. Extremely knowledgeable of the law. They don’t back down from a challenge!

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Cal Webster

We hired Michael Labbee to build several contracts for our business. Michael and his team are very knowledgable and professional about multi aspects of what we need help on.

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Joey Gill

After my accident I contacted Tyler Hayden to get his advice on legal help and he said don’t worry, we can take care of this and that’s exactly what that firm did. From day one I felt comfortable talking to the lawyers and knew they had my best interest. I would 100% recommend Phillips, Hayden, & Labbee to handle your personal injury case. I’m glad I did.