What Crash Ratings Really Mean And Why They Matter

By Eugene Bruno on February 26, 2026

When buying a car, most people focus on style, mileage, or price, but crash safety should never be an afterthought. Understanding crash ratings can help you make safer choices and reduce the risk of serious injuries.

The San Diego car accident attorneys at Eugene Bruno & Associates have put together this guide on crash ratings, why they matter, and how to use them when purchasing a car.

What Are Crash Ratings?

Crash ratings are scores given to vehicles based on how well they protect occupants in a crash. Two organizations are the most authoritative sources in the U.S.:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – conducts crash tests and rates cars on a 1 to 5-star scale, including frontal, side, and rollover protection.
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – evaluates vehicles for crashworthiness and crash avoidance, using ratings like “Good,” “Acceptable,” “Marginal,” or “Poor.”

These tests simulate real-world collisions to determine how well a vehicle’s structure, airbags, seat belts, and safety features protect passengers.

Why Crash Ratings Matter

Crash ratings are more than just numbers; they can directly affect your risk of injury or death. Here’s why:

1. Structural Safety: Vehicles with higher crash ratings usually have stronger frames that absorb crash energy, keeping passengers safer.
2. Airbag and Safety System Performance: Ratings reflect how effectively airbags, seat belts, and crumple zones work together.
3. Rollover Risk Awareness: Ratings highlight cars that are more prone to rollovers, which can lead to severe injuries.
4. Injury Reduction: Studies show that occupants in “Good” rated vehicles are significantly less likely to suffer serious injury in a crash.

From a legal perspective, knowing crash ratings can also matter if an injury occurs. A car with poor safety ratings may be scrutinized in cases involving injury severity, liability, or product safety claims.

Common Misconceptions

• “Newer cars are always safer.” Not necessarily. Some models lag in safety features despite being recent.
• “All 5-star cars are equally safe.” Ratings vary by crash type. Frontal, side, and rollover are tested separately. Always check all relevant categories.
• “Crash ratings prevent crashes.” No rating can prevent an accident. They only indicate how well a car protects you if a crash happens.

How to Use Crash Ratings When Buying a Car

1. Check multiple sources: Compare NHTSA and IIHS ratings.
2. Look at the specific crash types: A 5-star frontal rating doesn’t guarantee side-impact safety.
3. Consider safety tech: Features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and blind spot monitoring can complement crashworthiness.
4. Match vehicle to driver/passenger needs: Families, new drivers, or older adults may prioritize vehicles with the best protection.

Crash ratings are more than numbers; they’re a measure of real-world protection. If you or your loved ones spend time on the road, choosing a vehicle with strong crash ratings can save lives and reduce injuries.

As personal injury lawyers in San Diego, we see too often how poor vehicle choices exacerbate injury outcomes. By using crash ratings wisely, you can make informed decisions that protect your family and minimize risk.

Speak With a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer in San Diego

Eugene Bruno has been recognized by Expertise.com as one of the best car accident lawyers in San Diego, and we’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients.

If you have been injured by a careless driver, we can help you seek full compensation.

Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to schedule a free consultation today.