Calculate approximate speed of a collision?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on estimating the speed of a collision involving two vehicles, each weighing approximately 1,800 kilos, where one vehicle is motionless and the other strikes it from behind. The collision resulted in the first vehicle being pushed 30 meters without any evidence of braking. Participants concluded that precise calculations are not feasible with the limited information provided, emphasizing the complexity of traffic accident physics and the reliance on insurance companies for resolution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles related to collisions
  • Familiarity with vehicle dynamics and weight considerations
  • Knowledge of traffic accident investigation protocols
  • Awareness of legal implications in traffic accidents
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Newton's laws of motion as they apply to vehicle collisions
  • Explore the principles of momentum and energy transfer in accidents
  • Study the role of insurance companies in traffic accident claims
  • Learn about forensic accident reconstruction techniques
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for traffic accident investigators, insurance adjusters, legal professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the physics of vehicle collisions.

Spideriffic
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi - I know that the information that I can provide here is too limited for a totally accurate answer, but is it possible to come up with a reasonable estimate? One vehicle, snow tires, on dry pavement, 6 degrees celsius, is motionless. Second vehicle strikes first in the rear. No evidence of any braking. First vehicle is pushed 30 meters. Weight of both vehicles and cargo is approximately 1,800 kilos each. Thank you for any replies.
car accident 1.jpg
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi and welcome.
PF gets regular posts concerning traffic accidents. Unfortunately there is no way to work out problems like you have presented, using just Physics. Apart from saying that there must have been more than just a 'nudge' involved in this collision, neither I nor any of PF can commit to a more detailed comment. Depending on your circumstances, you might get some satisfaction in a court case if you have a good lawyer but, unless it is a criminal case. It just has to be down to the Insurance Company, I'm afraid. Sorry.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Speed vehicle travelling on impact
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Can anyone estimate the speed of a vehicle in a car accident without skid marks?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad How To Calculate Speed at moment of Impact
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
84K
Undergrad Speed Determination in Vehicle Accidents: Utilizing Recording Speedometers
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Speed of each vehicle after the collision?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad What was the estimated speed of a vehicle that struck me?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Car Accident: Need Assistance Please
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Car Crash Analysis: Analyzing Friction & Speed
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
Modeling vehicle lift in uphill front end collision
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Undergrad Is the damage from a collision affected by the speed of the vehicles involved?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K