How Fast Was the Car Going When It Hit My Dog?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around estimating the speed of a car that hit a dog, based on the dog's weight and the distance it was thrown. Participants explore the implications of the incident, including legal considerations and calculations related to the dog's trajectory. The context includes emotional concerns for the dog's well-being and the desire for accountability regarding the driver's speed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster expresses concern for their dog, Zeta, who was hit by a car and seeks help in determining the car's speed.
  • Some participants inquire about the involvement of law enforcement and the legal implications regarding fault in the accident.
  • There are witness accounts suggesting the driver was speeding, but the original poster lacks definitive proof.
  • One participant proposes a calculation estimating the speed of the car based on the dog's weight and the distance it was thrown, suggesting an initial speed of approximately 28.8 mph if launched at a 45-degree angle.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the accuracy of the weight of the car and the calculations involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the emotional impact of the incident and the need for accountability, but there is no consensus on the exact speed of the car or the validity of the calculations presented.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves assumptions about the angle of launch and the weight of the car, which may affect the calculations. There are also unresolved questions regarding legal responsibility and the reliability of witness statements.

DavidBabineau
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Im sorry to ask anyone this,but our dog Zeta was hitbye a car today and she is like our child. The car was a 1999 corvette Z06 and our dog weighed 85lbs. she was thrown in the air and landed 110 feet. I saw the whole thing which was the worst thing i could of ever seen. she has internal bleeding and is at the animal hospital. the speed limit on the road was 25mph. I know the guy was speeding, I just can't prove it.Can anyone help me please?I'm trying to find out how fast was he going?
 
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DavidBabineau said:
Im sorry to ask anyone this,but our dog Zeta was hitbye a car today and she is like our child. The car was a 1999 corvette Z06 and our dog weighed 85lbs. she was thrown in the air and landed 110 feet. I saw the whole thing which was the worst thing i could of ever seen. she has internal bleeding and is at the animal hospital. the speed limit on the road was 25mph. I know the guy was speeding, I just can't prove it.Can anyone help me please?I'm trying to find out how fast was he going?

Welcome to the PF, and sorry to hear about your dog being injured.

Was a police report taken? Have you been contacted by the car owner? In most states that I know of, the dog owner is generally considered at fault when the dog is involved in an accident (sorry). If the driver were driving recklessly, that might change it (I don't know), but the police officer who wrote up the report should be able to give you that basic information.
 
yYes we called the police but he was not very helpful.We did a report and we have witness's saying the young man was driving very fast, but i was wondering if you could figure out how fast he was going bye the weight of the dog and the distance the dog traveled which is 110 ft? the car weigh's aprox 3000 lbs. i could be wrong though?
 
DavidBabineau said:
yYes we called the police but he was not very helpful.We did a report and we have witness's saying the young man was driving very fast, but i was wondering if you could figure out how fast he was going bye the weight of the dog and the distance the dog traveled which is 110 ft? the car weigh's aprox 3000 lbs. i could be wrong though?

With a quick calculation, I get approximately 28.8mph for the initial horizontal speed of the dog if he was launched at a 45 degree angle. I'll re-check my numbers, and post again if I find an error.

Again, I'm sorry for your dog's injuries.
 

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