The invention relates to a device for a motor vehicle that affords occupant protection during the impact of energy that is directed laterally against a motor vehicle door (6) as a result of a crash. Said device comprises a connection structure (7) consisting of at least two sections, a first and a second section, the first section (T1) being connected in a fixed manner to the motor vehicle door (6) and the second section (T2) to an energy-absorbing region of the motor vehicle bodywork (5) that is located in the vehicle interior (1). Both sections can made to interact via at least one common joining region (F), in order to divert at least part of the energy impact that is exerted laterally on the motor vehicle door (6) into the region of the motor vehicle bodywork (5) in a targeted manner. The invention is characterised in that the first and/or second section (T1, T2) is subjected to a mechanical condition modification, in particular a shape modification by means of the energy being supplied to a conversion material, said modification enabling both sections to come into contact with one another and to interlock.