Vehicle: Force - Velocity Question

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on estimating the speed of a 2000 Ford Taurus involved in an accident with a 2004 Ford Explorer. The Explorer, weighing 5,880 lbs, was nearly at a standstill at 5 mph when it was struck by the Taurus, which is believed to have exceeded 45 mph based on the resulting force and spin of the Explorer. The absence of skid marks suggests the Taurus did not attempt to brake, reinforcing the assumption of excessive speed. The inquiry seeks formulas or methodologies to calculate the Taurus's speed based on the weight and impact dynamics involved.

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  • Understanding of basic physics principles, particularly Newton's laws of motion.
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This discussion is beneficial for accident reconstruction specialists, legal professionals involved in traffic accident cases, and individuals seeking to understand the physics of vehicle collisions.

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I understand that these forums probably get flooded with people trying to beat pending cases against them, and I was hoping that I could use some of your brains to help solve a question that has been bothering me. I've never actually taken physics, so any help I could get in this area, could greatly help my family.

Is there a way to determine a vehicle's speed based upon other vehicle's spin and weight factors?

I was in a 2004 Ford Explorer (Gross weight: 5,880lbs. Curb weight: 4,463lbs.) waiting to turn LEFT onto a street with a 35-45mph roadway. When I negotiated the turn and felt I had enough time to clear traffic and begin traveling on that road, I was quickly slammed by a 2000 Ford Taurus (Curb weight: 1,522lbs.).

My Ford Explorer was at a near dead stop; maybe 5mph at the beginning of the turn.

My vehicle was slammed in the front right corner and spun OVER 360 degrees (counter clockwise) The impact damage into my vehicle was over one foot deep [though probably irrelevant].

Myself and others have collective reason to believe that the TAURUS (car A) was traveling at a speed that exceeded 45mph in order to spin such a heavy vehicle a full 360 degrees.

Is there a way to figure out an estimated speed for the Taurus based upon the fact that his speed was all that matters?

Is it possible for a vehicle weighing nearly a third of the other vehicle's weight to thrust the latter object into a full spin at only 35-45mph?

I've been in a few accidents, (thus far, none have been my fault) and never have I felt such an incredible amount of force at such a 'low' speed.

If any other information is needed in helping solve this mystery, please do not hesitate to contact me.

One of you could greatly help the outcome of this court-case.

Please advise.

Thank you in advance.
 
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Also note, there were no skid marks at the scene of the accident.
The police stated that no 'recreation of accident' could be assessed without skid marks.
This also leads me to believe that he was traveling at a speed well beyond the legal limit as no reaction was made on his part.
 
Bump.

Any formulas or information at all would be greatly appreciated.
 

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