After a car accident, many people judge how serious it was based on visible damage or how they feel in the moment. One factor that’s often overlooked, however, is the relative size of the vehicles involved—and it can play a meaningful role in how the body is affected.
How Vehicle Size Changes The Force
When two vehicles collide, energy is transferred between them. From a basic physics standpoint, a larger, heavier vehicle transfers more force into a smaller one. That means someone in a smaller car who is struck by a larger vehicle may experience greater physical stress, even if the accident didn’t seem dramatic at first.
A simple comparison helps make this clearer. Being hit by a vehicle similar in size is very different from being struck by something significantly larger. The greater the difference in size and weight, the more energy the smaller vehicle—and the people inside it—must absorb. This added force can place strain on the spine, muscles, and soft tissues in ways that may not show up immediately.
That said, being in a larger vehicle doesn’t guarantee protection. Speed, direction of impact, and other factors still matter. Even occupants of bigger vehicles can experience injuries, particularly when force is high or movement is sudden. Airbags and seatbelts help, but they can’t prevent every strain or sprain that occurs when the body is jolted.
When A Check-Up Makes Sense
The challenge is that injuries from car accidents don’t always announce themselves right away. Adrenaline can mask discomfort, and symptoms may take days or even weeks to appear. Stiffness, headaches, back pain, jaw tension, shoulder discomfort, or reduced range of motion are sometimes delayed signs that the body absorbed more stress than initially realised.
If you or someone you care about was involved in a collision—especially one involving a significant size difference between vehicles—it’s wise to consider a thorough evaluation. A check-up can help identify areas that are not moving properly and provide documentation of findings, which can be important when dealing with insurance or medical follow-up.
If you’ve been in a car accident and have questions about how it may have affected your body, we’re here to help. Contact Parkview Chiropractic Clinic to book a visit and take the first step toward clarity and healing.