To discuss the applicability and dynamic response of HJC model used in the numerical analysis of vehicle-pier collision in LS -DYNA software, the values of key parameters in the HJC model were determined based on the model theory, and a numerical model of drop-hammer impact test was established and validated. On the basis, a vehicle-pier impact analysis model was established, the energy conversion of the system during the collision was verified, and the effects of vehicle speed, vehicle weight and impact position on the impact force and displacement of the pier’s top were discussed. The results show that the HJC model can be used to better simulate the dynamic response of the impact test when the appropriate parameters are selected. The peak values of impact force and the displacement at the pier’s top increase with the increase of impact velocity and impact mass, but gradually weaken with the increase of impact eccentric distance. The increase of impact velocity accelerates the occurrence of peak response, while the increase of impact mass delays the occurrence of peak response. When the speed exceeds 100km/h, two peaks in the time-history curves of impact force and displacement at the pier’s top occur, and the secondary impact response of the carriage should be considered.