High-speed car crashes are some of the most violent and dangerous accidents on the road. When a collision occurs at high velocity, the forces involved can have devastating effects on the human body.
Understanding what happens during such a crash can provide insight into the importance of safety features like seat belts, airbags, and crumple zones, as well as the critical role of medical intervention.
The Physics of a High-Speed Crash
In a high-speed car accident, the laws of physics dictate that objects, including the human body, will continue moving at the vehicle’s speed until something forces them to stop. When a car traveling at high speed comes to a sudden stop, the occupants experience rapid deceleration, which exerts tremendous forces on a person’s body.
How much kinetic energy is generated in a crash depends on the weight of the vehicle and the speed it was traveling at the time of impact. Physics tells us that doubling the rate of speed quadruples the force of the impact.
This intense energy transfer is what causes the severe injuries and damages that are often seen in high-speed accidents.
Immediate Effects
The human body is not designed to endure rapid deceleration. When the car stops abruptly, your body continues moving forward at the vehicle’s original speed. If restrained by a seat belt, the body absorbs much of the force through contact with the belt, which can cause bruising or even internal injuries.
If you’re not wearing a seat belt, you could collide with the vehicle’s dashboard, steering wheel, windshield, or other passengers or even be thrown from the car. This can result in broken bones, lacerations, brain injuries, and even death.
Whiplash and Spinal Injuries
The sudden force of a crash often causes the head to snap forward and then backward, leading to whiplash. This rapid motion can strain or tear ligaments and muscles in the neck. In more severe cases, the spine can suffer fractures or herniated discs, potentially causing long-term pain or paralysis.
Airbag Deployment
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that the typical airbag deploys at a speed greater than 1/20th of a second, cushioning the blow and reducing the risk of fatal injuries. While they save lives, airbags can also cause burns, abrasions, or fractures upon impact.
Internal Injuries
High-speed crashes often cause internal injuries that may not be apparent immediately after occurring but can worsen or become life-threatening without fast medical attention.
- Organ Damage: The force of impact can compress internal organs, causing bruising, tearing, or rupture. The liver and spleen are particularly vulnerable, as they’re more easily damaged.
- Internal Bleeding: Blunt force trauma to the abdomen or chest can lead to internal bleeding. This condition may not show external signs right away but can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or severe pain often indicate internal bleeding.
- Rib and Chest Injuries: The chest area absorbs much of the impact in a collision, especially when you’re wearing a seat belt. When ribs are broken, they can easily puncture lungs or other organs, causing further and more serious complications.
Head and Brain Injuries
The brain is particularly susceptible to injury in high-speed crashes due to its delicate nature and lack of structural support within the skull.
- Concussions: A sudden jolt or impact to the head may cause the brain to collide with the interior of the skull, which may lead to a concussion. Symptoms of a concussion can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): More severe impacts can result in traumatic brain injuries, which may cause swelling, bleeding, or permanent damage to the brain. A TBI can have life-long effects on cognitive abilities, memory, emotional health, and motor skills.
The Aftermath
After the crash, the body’s physiological response can add further complications.
These can include:
Shock
Shock occurs when the body’s circulatory system fails to deliver enough blood to the body’s tissues and organs.
This reaction is often caused by extreme loss of blood, physical trauma, or stress, with symptoms including cold skin, rapid heartbeat, and general confusion. Shock requires immediate medical attention.
Inflammatory Response
The body’s natural inflammatory response to injuries can cause swelling and pain. While this response helps with healing, excessive inflammation can lead to complications such as compartment syndrome, where pressure builds up in muscle tissue and cuts off the blood supply.
Long-Term Impacts of High-Speed Crashes
Even victims who survive a high-speed crash often face long-term physical and emotional trauma and medical intervention. Two that are most often experienced include:
Chronic Pain and Disability: Injuries that affect the spine, joints, or organs can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, or permanent disability. Many survivors require ongoing physical therapy or multiple surgeries to recover from these injuries.
Emotional Trauma: The psychological impact of a crash can be profound. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common among crash survivors. Counseling and support groups can help manage these mental health challenges.
Preventative Measures
While no one can predict or prevent every accident, taking precautions can significantly reduce the severity of injuries in high-speed crashes.
- Wear Seat Belts: Properly wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of fatal injuries by up to 60% in an SUV, van, or pickup truck and by 45% in a car.
- Obey Posted Speed Limits: Driving at high speeds dramatically increases the force of impact and subsequent injuries during a crash.
- Don’t Forget Vehicle Maintenance: Make sure that your vehicle’s brakes, tires, and safety systems are all functioning correctly and in good working order.
- Avoid Distractions: Stay focused on the road to react quickly in dangerous situations. The National Highways Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that, at speeds of fifty-five mph, looking away from the road for just 5 seconds (about the average time it takes to read a text) is equal to driving the full length of a football field with your eyes closed.
While our advancements in medical care have greatly improved survival rates in vehicle accidents, a vehicle crash can still mean long-term physical, emotional, and financial suffering. Taking precautions that lessen your risk and staying informed about the common causes of these accidents can help drivers make safer choices on the road.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a high-speed collision due to someone else’s negligence or actions, our experienced car accident lawyers can help.
