The g forces in an Irvine or Orange County car accident contribute to the severity of associated injuries. A person is simply driving, focused on their work or personal issues. Their body including all of its interior bones and organs are literally traveling at the same speed as the car. Suddenly the vehicle comes to a stop or changes direction due to the impact of a car accident. The body of the driver and any passenger continues to move at the same speed until it comes into contact with either the safety restraints, windshield, dashboard, side support or other obstruction inside the car.
Today’s cars and motor vehicles are specifically engineered to absorb as much of the g forces in an Irvine or Orange County car accident as possible. Bumpers and side panels are designed to collapse and bend in order to absorb energy. Steering wheel assemblies collapse and even the engine itself may be designed to drop out of the way, all to absorb or release as much of the G forces associated with the impact as possible to reduce injuries to the vehicle occupants.
A single G is equal to the normal gravitational pull we experience on earth. A recent study at a major University found a “150 pound person who is wearing a seat belt and traveling at only 30 miles per hour experiences nearly 30 times of earth’s gravitational force or 30 g’s in a collision with a stationary object.” This also equates to 2.4 tons of force acting on the body at the moment of impact. The study went on to conclude if the same 150 pound person was not wearing a seat belt at the time of impact their body would be exposed to 150 g’s or 12 tons of force. This will absolutely result in serious injuries including multiple fractures, head trauma and internal injuries if not the wrongful death of a driver or passenger.
These thoughts are quite sobering, but they also remind us of the importance of ensuring every occupant of the vehicle is using their seat belts.
If you believe you have walked away from any accident without injury you should reconsider the above information. Your body experiences incredible g forces in an Irvine or Orange County car accident and this is why it is so important to see your physician for a thorough medical examination within 24 to 48 hours of any motor vehicle accident. We invite you to review the strong recommendations of our clients and the legal industry as well as our successful verdicts and settlements and contact Rivers Morrell or call today to speak with us personally for a free, substantive consultation at (949) 305-1400.
