Texans still love pickup trucks, and that passion is especially strong in places like Brownsville and across the Lone Star State, where Texas-edition special models remain popular. Even in 2026, industry estimates continue to show that Texans buy a significant share of all pickup trucks sold nationwide. Pickups are practical for ranch work, construction, and everyday hauling, and many drivers believe their size automatically makes them safer than passenger cars—but modern safety data continues to challenge that assumption. Research and crash testing from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) consistently show that size alone does not guarantee protection. In ongoing evaluations building on its landmark passenger-side small overlap tests, the IIHS has found that many pickups still struggle with structural integrity on the passenger side, increasing the risk of serious injury. As USA Today reported when these issues first gained attention, IIHS researchers emphasized that, as a class, pickup trucks have lagged behind cars and some SUVs in providing state-of-the-art occupant protection in certain crash scenarios. While newer models have made improvements since those early tests, variation between brands and trims remains significant in 2026.
Safety Ratings of Pickup Trucks (What Still Matters in 2026)
A small overlap crash—when only the front corner of a vehicle strikes another vehicle or a fixed object like a tree or utility pole—continues to be one of the most dangerous real-world crash types. IIHS testing over the past several years shows that some pickups perform well, while others earn only marginal or poor ratings due to intrusion into the passenger compartment and higher injury measures for lower extremities and hips. These findings reinforce an important takeaway for today’s buyers: not all pickups offer the same level of protection, even within the same size class.
Beyond IIHS testing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continues to publish its 5-Star Safety Ratings, which remain a valuable tool in 2026 for comparing frontal, side, and rollover crash performance by make, model, and year. The Consumer Reports also aggregates IIHS and NHTSA data and adds its own evaluations for reliability, owner satisfaction, braking, handling, fuel economy, and overall road-test performance—factors that matter just as much as raw crash scores.
Are Trucks Really Safer Than Cars and SUVs?
Decades of research still support the conclusion that vehicle design and safety engineering matter more than sheer weight. Studies from institutions such as the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the University of Michigan have shown that pickups generally pose a higher risk to their own occupants than many cars and SUVs when crash risk is considered overall. Advances in airbags, crumple zones, crash-avoidance technology, and stability control mean that the old belief that “bigger is always better” no longer holds true. In fact, modern SUVs—combining car-like handling with added mass—often show lower overall occupant fatality rates than pickups, a trend that continues to be reflected in recent safety analyses.
What Texas Drivers Should Know Before Buying
In 2026, the advice remains simple but critical: research before you buy. Safety performance can vary widely by model year, body style, and optional equipment. Checking IIHS, NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and similar sources can help Texas drivers make informed decisions rather than relying on assumptions about size and toughness.
How Our Brownsville Pickup Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
Vehicle safety is only one part of the picture. Most pickup truck accidents in Brownsville and throughout Texas are still caused by driver error. If you were injured in a pickup truck crash caused by another driver—even if you were riding in the truck—you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. The Brownsville pickup truck accident attorneys at Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. can review your case and explain your options during a free, no-obligation consultation. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
