High-speed collisions often result in serious injuries and fatalities for vehicle occupants. In Maryland, high-speed crashes on highways and interstates are an unfortunately common occurrence. When a collision occurs at 70 mph or greater, the forces involved are massive and can cause devastating trauma to drivers and passengers. Understanding what happens to the human body in a high G-force impact can illustrate why these crashes so often lead to disability or death.
Physics of High-Speed Crashes
The basic physics involved in high-speed collisions come down to force equals mass times acceleration. At 70 mph, a typical sedan is traveling at over 100 feet per second. When that fast moving car hits another vehicle or stationary object, it comes to an immediate stop. However, the occupants inside continue to move forward at that pre-crash velocity. This results in a rapid deceleration that generates enormous G-forces on the body.
To put this in perspective, fighter pilots routinely experience G-forces of 9-12 Gs in extreme maneuvers. In a head-on crash at 70 mph, the G-force on vehicle occupants can exceed 60 or 70 Gs. The human body is simply not built to withstand these extreme forces.
Common Injuries in High-G Impacts
When the body undergoes rapid deceleration from a high-speed collision, the uncontrolled motion results in violent strikes inside the vehicle. Drivers often suffer facial and head injuries from impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. Passengers may strike the dashboard, seats, or other occupants. These forces can cause various traumatic injuries:
- Fractured facial bones, eye sockets, skull
- Traumatic brain injuries ranging from concussions to severe hemorrhage and swelling
- Spinal injuries like whiplash, herniated discs, and vertebral fractures
- Organ damage from internal bleeding due to torn blood vessels or impact with bones
- Fractured ribs, sternum, hips, arms, and legs from the brute force
In a high-speed side impact crash, occupants on the struck side of the vehicle often sustain life threatening chest and abdominal injuries. Any fractured bones can also result in severe lacerations from shattered glass or metal.
Effects of Rapid Deceleration on the Brain
One of the most devastating effects of high G-force impacts is on the brain. The rapid deceleration causes the brain to violently strike the inside of the skull. This can lead to concussions, bleeding and bruising of the brain, and even shearing or tearing of brain tissue.
Traumatic brain injuries are a leading cause of disability and death from car accidents. Moderate to severe brain trauma often results in:
- Unconsciousness following the crash
- Cognitive problems like confusion, impaired judgement, and memory loss
- Intense headaches, dizziness, and sensory problems
- Weakness or loss of coordination
- Seizures
- Coma and vegetative states
- Death
The violent motion of the brain can also severely damage the brain stem and vital centers that control breathing and heart function. This often leads to death at the scene of high-speed collisions.
Other Life-Threatening Complications
Along with brain injuries, there are other serious traumatic effects that can prove fatal for occupants in a high-speed crash. These include:
- Exsanguination – Severe external or internal bleeding that leads to rapid blood loss. This may be caused by deep lacerations or ruptured organs.
- Spinal cord trauma – Fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae can sever or damage the spinal cord. This can lead to paralysis of the limbs or loss of respiratory function.
- Aortic disruption – The aorta can be torn from the extreme whiplash motion. This causes massive internal bleeding and immediate death.
- Cardiac arrest or arrhythmia – The physical trauma can stop the heart or disrupt its rhythm.
- Sepsis – Bacterial infection of the blood from penetrating wounds, burns, or ruptured intestines.
Due to the severity of injuries, many crash victims die at the scene or during emergency transport. Those who survive have a long road of rehabilitation and disability care ahead.
Preventing High-Speed Collision Injuries
While the laws of physics make high-speed crashes inevitably dangerous, there are ways to reduce risks:
- Obey posted speed limits, especially on highways
- Avoid impairment from alcohol or drugs while driving
- Focus on driving without distractions like phones
- Maintain vehicles with quality tires and brakes
- Utilize safety features like airbags and seatbelts
Slower speeds and alert, focused driving gives drivers more reaction time and ability to avoid collisions. Seatbelts remain the single most effective way to prevent fatalities in a crash. While high-speed collisions in Maryland will continue to occur, drivers can make smart choices to protect themselves and other road users.
The Aftermath and Recovery Process
For those who manage to survive a high-speed collision, the aftermath and recovery process is grueling both physically and emotionally. Injuries often require multiple surgeries and months of inpatient rehabilitation. Even after discharge from the hospital, survivors may require full-time nursing care or live in an assisted facility. Permanent disabilities like paralysis, loss of limbs, or brain damage can completely change their lives.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is also common after high-speed crashes. Survivors may deal with anxiety while driving, vivid flashbacks, nightmares, and uncontrollable fear and panic. These mental health impacts can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.
Financially, the medical bills and ongoing care costs for severe crash injuries can be immense. Even with health insurance, out-of-pocket expenses like housing modifications, special equipment, and home healthcare can be extremely burdensome. Families of those killed or permanently disabled must cope with the loss of income and earning potential as well.
High-speed collisions on Maryland’s roadways extract a tragic toll every year. While continued safety improvements in automotive technology and infrastructure can help reduce risks, following safe driving practices remains the key to avoiding these catastrophic events. With vigilance and focused attention behind the wheel, motorists can protect themselves, passengers, and fellow road users.
If you have been involved in a high-speed collision while riding as a passenger, talk to us about your options. Many victims of crashes like this are left with life-changing injuries, and adequate compensation is needed to restore a reasonable quality of life, as well as cover the cost of ongoing medical care.
We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Maryland, Utah, and Kansas. Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597 to find out how we can help you seek recompense for your pain and suffering.