What does "second contact" mean in a collision context?

In the context of a collision, "second contact" specifically refers to the scenario when a vehicle rotates or makes a subsequent impact after the initial collision. This can occur in various ways, such as when a car is struck and subsequently spins into another object or vehicle. Understanding this term is crucial in accident reconstruction and investigations, as it can provide insights into the dynamics of the crash and the forces involved.

The initial impact, while significant, constitutes the first contact and does not include any subsequent movements or impacts that may occur as a result of the collision. The final resting position of the vehicles indicates where they came to a halt but does not reflect the dynamics occurring during the collision itself. Similarly, assessing damages pertains to the evaluation of the impact but does not capture the sequence of events during the collision, particularly the moments leading up to and including any secondary impacts. Therefore, the definition of "second contact" is specifically tied to the idea of a vehicle undergoing additional motion leading to another impact following the first collision.