What is the "first impact" during a car wreck?

The "first impact" during a car wreck refers specifically to the moment the vehicle makes contact with another object, whether that's another car, a stationary object like a tree or guardrail, or even an obstacle on the road. This initial impact is crucial for understanding the dynamics of the collision, as it sets off a chain reaction of events, including the potential for secondary impacts and the subject's responses.

In contrast, the other scenarios—such as a car hitting a person, stalling, or hitting an animal—occur as a result of the car's action but are not the primary event that defines the wreck itself. A car hitting a person or an animal typically takes place after the first impact has already occurred, while stalling does not involve an impact at all and refers instead to mechanical failure. The concept of the first impact is fundamental in accident analysis because it influences the severity of injuries and damage sustained during a collision.