Truck, Auto Accident Lawyers Midlothian VA - Burnett & Williams - Car, Motorcycle, and Truck Accident Specialists

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Wrongful Death

Under Virginia law, whenever a person dies because of the wrongful act of another, a claim or lawsuit may be brought to recover damages for the benefit of the deceased person's beneficiaries (usually a surviving spouse or children). Lawsuits of this type are referred to as “wrongful death actions” and they arise from many different causes, including auto accidents, medical malpractice, and the use of dangerous products. We have years of experience working on these difficult and important cases. While legal action is not something a grieving family member thinks about in the aftermath of a death, in most cases it is important that an attorney be consulted as soon as possible to avoid compromising the estate’s claim. Many of our clients report a sense of relief in having an attorney handle the legal matters for the family.

Tractor Trailer Accidents Near Midlothian Va

Although we ask the same three questions to victims of tractor trailer accidents as we do to those involved in automobile accidents, the extensive regulation of truckers by the state and federal departments of transportation add a significant layer of complexity to the proper presentation of a tractor trailer claim. Given the size and weight of most tractor trailers, the resultant injuries are frequently much more severe and the issues are often much more technical. We often consult with experienced tractor trailer drivers and accident reconstructionists to assist us in the evaluation and presentation of technically complex evidence. Have you been involved in a accident on the Richmond Beltway (I-295 and VA-288)? Serious injuries can occur that may not be immediately apparent in an auto or truck accident. If you have beeen involved in an accident on the Richmond Beltway (I-295 and VA-288) call us for a free consultation regarding a possible claim. I-95 and 195 pass directly through the Richmond area and have seen many serious accidents over the years. Tractor trailer accidents are common since I-95 is a heavily trafficed north south route. Many accidents also occur on Richmond Avenue.

Jim Williams joined Burnett & Williams in 2006 and operates out of Midlothian and Hopewell, Virginia. Jim has extensive legal experience, both as a plaintiff and defense attorney. His experience as a trial attorney with a large insurance company gives him tremendous expertise in the complexities of Virginia insurance law, which is perhaps the most difficult area of law encountered by personal injury lawyers. Jim began his legal career with a prestigious assignment as a law clerk to a federal trial judge in Roanoke,Virginia. Since then he has had many notable victories, including the leading Virginia Supreme Court decision concerning the admissibility of scientific evidence and a notable decision concerning the law of negligence per se.

Jim is a licensed pilot and lives with his five children in Midlothian, Virginia.

Were you involved in an accident or crash in the Richmond VA 23219 Area? Burnett & Williams can help. Our experienced staff can assist you in understanding your rights. Accidents on I-95 and other Richmond Highways can have tragic consequences. Contact us today. We can help you with insurance claims and representation.

An Effective – but Controversial – Deterrent

Many of us are familiar with the most common speed deterrents, such as a
strategically placed police officer with a radar gun. The problem with this approach is that
it is fairly random, and only a small percentage of speeders are ticketed.
Technology called photo radar had been used with considerable success for more
than 20 years in several countries, including Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Greece,
Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, and Taiwan. With this
technology, cameras placed in undisclosed locations take photos of speeding vehicles as they
pass by. Law enforcement is then provided with photographs along with dates, times,
places, and vehicle speeds.
Despite these impressive statistics, photo radar has not yet caught on in America.
There’s stiff resistance because many Americans believe the cameras represent an invasion
of privacy. In Virginia, however, where photo radar is employed, more than 50 percent of
motorists support the technology, and 54 percent of all motorists surveyed in a 2004 IIHS
report favored this approach to curbing speeding.
It’s Up to You and Me
Whether the deterrent to speeding is hitech photo radar or simply a police car
hiding in the bushes, the best measure is selfimposed: choosing to drive responsibly. Don’t
get caught up in the “everyone else is doing it” mentality. We have a duty to ourselves, our
family, our friends, and to society to drive within the limits of the law. So the next time a
glance at your speedometer startles you, ease off the gas. This nugget of common sense
will make you even safer and smarter.

For more tips Car Crash Facts from http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov

More than 6.1 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 2005. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (39,189) resulting in a death. [Crashes : 2005]
Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 2005, with 1,320 and 1,275 fatal crashes, respectively. [Crashes : 2005]
Fifty-eight percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 31 percent of injury crashes and 31 percent of property-damage-only crashes. [Crashes : 2005]
More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 23 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads. [Crashes : 2005]
Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 19 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 44 percent of fatal crashes. [Crashes : 2005]
Thirty-nine percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 75 percent involved alcohol. [Crashes : 2005]
Nearly 6.2 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 2004. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (38,253) resulting in a death. [Crashes : 2004]
Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 2004, with 1,174 and 1,277 fatal crashes, respectively. [Crashes : 2004]
Fifty-seven percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 30 percent of injury crashes and 30 percent of property-damage-only crashes. [Crashes : 2004]
More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 24 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads. [Crashes : 2004]
Thirty-nine percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 76 percent involved alcohol. [Crashes : 2004]

Personal Injury Lawyers - Specialists in Auto & Truck Accident Cases 6 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219

More than 6.3 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 2003. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (38,252) resulting in a death. [Crashes : 2003]
Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 2003, with 1,228 and 1,208 fatal crashes, respectively. [Crashes : 2003]
Fifty-seven percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 30 percent of injury crashes and 31 percent of property-damage-only crashes. [Crashes : 2003]
More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 25 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads. [Crashes : 2003]
Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 19 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 44 percent of fatal crashes.
Forty percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 77 percent involved alcohol. [Crashes : 2003]
Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 2000, with 1,271 and 1,218 fatal crashes, respectively.
Fifty-six percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 30 percent of both injury crashes and property-damage-only crashes.
* More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 22 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads.
Forty percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 77 percent involved alcohol.
Nearly 6.3 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 1999. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (37,043) resulting in a death. [Crashes : 1999]
Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 1999, with 1,215 and 1,182 fatal crashes, respectively. [Crashes : 1999]
Fifty-six percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 28 percent of both injury crashes and property-damage-only crashes.
More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 22 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads.
Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 17 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 41 percent of fatal crashes.
1999 Motor Vehicle Crash Data from FARS and GES Thirty-eight percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 75 percent involved alcohol.
More than 6.3 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 1998. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (37,081) resulting in a death.
Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 1998, with 1,218 and 1,208 fatal crashes, respectively.

Personal Injury Lawyers - Specialists in Auto & Truck Accident Cases 6 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219

Fifty-six percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 28 percent of both injury crashes and property-damage-only crashes.
More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 23 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads.
Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 17 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 40 percent of fatal crashes.
Thirty-nine percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 76 percent involved alcohol.

Were you involved in an accident or crash in the Richmond Virginia Area? Burnett & Williams can help. Our experienced staff can assist you in understanding your rights. Accidents on I-81 can have tragic consequences. Contact us today.

* More than 94 percent of the 11 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in 2005 were passenger cars or light trucks. [Vehicles : 2005]

* Large trucks accounted for 8 percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes, but only 3 percent of the vehicles involved in injury crashes and 5 percent of the vehicles involved in property-damage-only crashes. Of the 4,932 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, 74 percent were combination trucks. [Vehicles : 2005]

* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (21.1 percent) was 4 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (5.3 percent) and 16 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.3 percent). [Vehicles : 2005]

* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates in fatal crashes (35.4 percent) and in property-damage-only crashes (2.6 percent). Large trucks experienced the highest rollover rate in injury crashes (9.9 percent). [Vehicles : 2005]

* Fires occurred in 0.1 percent of the vehicles involved in all traffic crashes in 2005. For fatal crashes, however, fires occurred in 3 percent of the vehicles involved. [Vehicles : 2005]

* Regardless of crash severity, the majority of vehicles in single- and two-vehicle crashes were going straight prior to the crash. The next most common vehicle maneuver differed by crash severity: negotiating a curve for fatal crashes, turning left for injury crashes, and stopped in traffic lane for property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 2005]

* Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (26.0 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (2.2 percent). [Vehicles : 2005]

* Nearly 95 percent of the 11 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in 2004 were passenger cars or light trucks. [Vehicles : 2004]

* Large trucks accounted for 8 percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes, but only 3 percent of the vehicles involved in injury and 4 percent of the vehicles involved in property-damage-only crashes. Of the 4,862 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, 74 percent were combination trucks. [Vehicles : 2004]

* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (20.5 percent) was 4 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (5.0 percent) and 16 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.3 percent). [Vehicles : 2004]

* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates: 36.2 percent in fatal crashes, 9.6 percent in injury crashes, and 2.4 percent in property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 2004]

* Fires occurred in 0.1 percent of the vehicles involved in all traffic crashes in 2004. For fatal crashes, however, fires occurred in nearly 3 percent of the vehicles involved. [Vehicles : 2004]

Personal Injury Lawyers - Specialists in Auto & Truck Accident Cases 6 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219

* Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (26.4 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (2.2 percent). [Vehicles : 2004]

* Nearly 95 percent of the 11 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in 2003 were passenger cars or light trucks. [Vehicles : 2003]

* Large trucks accounted for 8 percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes, but only 3 percent of the vehicles involved in injury and 5 percent of the vehicles involved in property-damageonly crashes. Of the 4,669 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, 75 percent were combination trucks. [Vehicles : 2003]

* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (20.0 percent) was 4 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (4.9 percent) and 15 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.3 percent). [Vehicles : 2003]

* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates: 35.7 percent in fatal crashes, 10.3 percent in injury crashes, and 2.8 percent in property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 2003]

* Fires occurred in 0.1 percent of the vehicles involved in all traffic crashes in 2003. For fatal crashes, however, fires occurred in nearly 3 percent of the vehicles involved. [Vehicles : 2003]

* Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (24.6 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (2.1 percent). [Vehicles : 2003]

* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (19.1 percent) was nearly 4 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (4.9 percent) and nearly 14 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.4 percent). [Vehicles : 2000]

* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates: 36.3 percent in fatal crashes, 12.1 percent in injury crashes, and 2.9 percent in property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 2000]

* Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (27.3 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (2.9 percent). [Vehicles : 2000]

* Ninety-four percent of the 11 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in 1999 were passenger cars or light trucks. [Vehicles : 1999]

* Large trucks accounted for 9 percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes, but only 4 percent of the vehicles involved in injury and property-damage-only crashes. Of the 4,898 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, 76 percent were combination trucks. [Vehicles : 1999]

* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (19.7 percent) was more than 4 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (4.7 percent) and more than 16 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.2 percent). [Vehicles : 1999]

* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates: 37.8 percent in fatal crashes, 10.0 percent in injury crashes, and 2.5 percent in property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1999]

* Fires occurred in 0.1 percent of the vehicles involved in all traffic crashes in 1999. For fatal crashes, however, fires occurred in nearly 3 percent of the vehicles involved. [Vehicles : 1999]

* Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (26.7 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (2.8 percent). [Vehicles : 1999]

* Ninety-five percent of the 11 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in 1998 were passenger cars or light trucks. [Vehicles : 1998]

* Large trucks accounted for 9 percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes, but only 4 percent of the vehicles involved in injury and property-damage-only crashes. Of the 4,935 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, 76 percent were combination trucks. [Vehicles : 1998]

* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (18.8 percent) was almost 5 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (4.1 percent) and nearly 16 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.2 percent). [Vehicles : 1998]

* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates: 36.0 percent in fatal crashes, 10.5 percent in injury crashes, and 2.5 percent in property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1998]

* Fires occurred in 0.1 percent of the vehicles involved in all traffic crashes in 1998. For fatal crashes, however, fires occurred in nearly 3 percent of the vehicles involved. [Vehicles : 1998]

* Regardless of crash severity, the majority of vehicles in single- and two-vehicle crashes were going straight prior to the crash. [Vehicles : 1998]

* Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (30.1 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (0.4 percent). [Vehicles : 1998]

* Ninety-five percent of the 12 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in 1997 were passenger cars or light trucks. [Vehicles : 1997]

* Large trucks accounted for 9 percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes, but only 4 percent of the vehicles involved in injury and property-damage-only crashes. Of the 4,871 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, 76 percent were combination trucks. [Vehicles : 1997]

* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (18.3 percent) was almost 5 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (3.9 percent) and 14 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.3 percent). [Vehicles : 1997]

* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates: 36 percent in fatal crashes, 9 percent in injury crashes, and 3 percent in property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1997]

* Fires occurred in 0.1 percent of the vehicles involved in all traffic crashes in 1997. For fatal crashes, however, fires occurred in nearly 3 percent of the vehicles involved. [Vehicles : 1997]

* Regardless of crash severity, the majority of vehicles in single- and two-vehicle crashes were going straight prior to the crash. The next most common vehicle maneuver differed by crash severity: negotiating a curve for fatal crashes and turning left for injury and property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1997]

* Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (27.5 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (1.4 percent). [Vehicles : 1997]

* Ninety-six percent of the 12 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in 1996 were passenger cars or light trucks. [Vehicles : 1996]

* Large trucks accounted for 8 percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes, but only 3 percent of the vehicles involved in injury and property-damage-only crashes. Of the 4,740 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, 75 percent were combination trucks. [Vehicles : 1996]

* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (18.3 percent) was almost 5 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (4.0 percent) and 15 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.2 percent). [Vehicles : 1996]

* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates: 37.0 percent in fatal crashes, 8.7 percent in injury crashes, and 3.0 percent in property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1996]

* Fires occurred in less than 1 percent of the vehicles involved in all traffic crashes in 1996. For fatal crashes, however, fires occurred in nearly 3 percent of the vehicles involved. [Vehicles : 1996]

* Regardless of crash severity, the majority of vehicles in single- and two-vehicle crashes were going straight prior to the crash. The next most common vehicle maneuver differed by crash severity: negotiating a curve for fatal crashes and turning left for injury and property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1996]

* Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (26.8 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (1.6 percent). [Vehicles : 1996]

* Ninety-six percent of the 12 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in 1995 were passenger cars or light trucks. [Vehicles : 1995]

* Large trucks accounted for 8 percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes, but only 3 percent of the vehicles involved in injury and property-damage-only crashes. Of the 4.453 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, 74 percent were combination trucks. [Vehicles : 1995]

* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (18.2 percent) was almost 5 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (3.8 percent) and almost 17 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.1 percent). [Vehicles : 1995]

* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates: 36.3 percent in fatal crashes, 9.5 percent in injury crashes, and 2.4 percent in property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1995]

* Fires occurred in less than 1 percent of the vehicles involved in all traffic crashes in 1995. For fatal crashes, however, fires occurred in 3 percent of the vehicles involved. [Vehicles : 1995]

* Regardless of crash severity, the majority of vehicles in single- and two-vehicle crashes were going straight prior to the crash. The next most common vehicle maneuver differed by crash severity: negotiating a curve for fatal crashes, turning left for injury crashes, and stopped in traffic for property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1995]

* Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (27 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (2 percent). [Vehicles : 1995]

* Ninety-five percent of the 11 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in 1994 were passenger cars or light trucks. [Vehicles : 1994]

Personal Injury Lawyers - Specialists in Auto & Truck Accident Cases 6 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219

* Large trucks accounted for 8 percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes, but only 4 percent of the vehicles involved in injury and property-damage-only crashes. Of the 4.615 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, 70 percent were truck tractors. [Vehicles : 1994]

* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (18.0 percent) was almost 5 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (3.7 percent) and 15 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.2 percent). [Vehicles : 1994]

* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates: 36.9 percent in fatal crashes, 8.3 percent in injury crashes, and 2.6 percent in property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1994]

* Fires occurred in less than 1 percent of the vehicles involved in all traffic crashes in 1994. For fatal crashes, however, fires occurred in 3 percent of the vehicles involved. [Vehicles : 1994]

* Regardless of crash severity, the majority of vehicles in single- and two-vehicle crashes were going straight prior to the crash. The next most common vehicle maneuver differed by crash severity: negotiating a curve for fatal crashes, turning left for injury crashes, and stopped in traffic for property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1994]

* Motorcyles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (27 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (2 percent). [Vehicles : 1994]

Do laboratory frontal crash test programs predict driver fatality risk? Evidence from within vehicle line variation in test ratings.
Harless DW, Hoffer GE.

Department of Economics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 844000, Richmond, VA 23284, USA. dwharles@vcu.edu

A number of studies have examined whether the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) frontal crash test results reliably indicate the risk of fatality or injury in serious crashes. The conclusions of these studies are mixed. Generally, studies that examine crashes in the circumstances as close as possible to those of the laboratory test find that crash test results do predict real-world risk, but studies of crashes outside those specific circumstances find either no support for the predictive validity of crash test results or limited support with important inconsistencies. We provide a new test of the predictive validity of the crash test results using information from multiple crash tests within vehicle lines, thus controlling for systematic differences in driver behavior across vehicle lines. Among drivers of passenger cars, we find large, statistically significant differences in fatality risk for vehicles with one- to four-star NHTSA ratings versus a five-star rating. We also examine the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal offset crash test, though our sample of vehicle lines tested twice or more is considerably smaller than for NHTSA ratings. Our results also support the predictive validity of the frontal offset crash test results for passenger cars, but not for trucks.

PMID: 17270135 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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