Crash vs Accident: The Difference Matters!

In everyday conversation, the terms “crash” and “accident” are often used interchangeably, especially when talking about incidents involving vehicles. However, understanding why the difference matters can be beneficial for your case. Let’s break down the differences and explore the contexts in which each term is most appropriately used.

What is an Accident?

The term “accident” broadly refers to any unforeseen event that results in damage or harm, suggesting that the event was unintentional and unexpected. Accidents can occur in various contexts, such as: 

• Home Accidents: A person accidentally cuts themselves while cooking.
• Workplace Accidents: An employee trips over an exposed cable and is injured.
• Traffic Accidents: A driver is taking every precaution, but loses control on a patch of black ice and drives off the road. 

While any incident that results in injury or damage to property is an event you want to avoid, many people categorize all such incidents as “accidents.” However, to us and the clients we represent, understanding the distinction between “accidents” and “crashes” is crucial.

The term “accident” shifts blame away from a person by attributing it to external factors, such as the weather. This use of “accident” can make it easier for insurance companies to deny claims and for juries to avoid assigning responsibility to negligent parties.

What is a Crash?

 While there is no legal distinction between the terms “crash” and “accident,” they convey different things. A crash is a wreck or collision that is the fault of one or more parties. When you’re in a car, truck, motorcycle, or bicycle crash, the party who caused the crash will be responsible for the damages they cause. 

The Subtle Differences:

• Responsibility: A “crash” implies that someone is at fault, whereas an “accident” suggests the event happened without fault.
• Liability: Crashes may involve determining liability for damages, while accidents may not clearly assign responsibility.
• Intentionality: The term “crash” indicates an event caused by a choice someone makes. For example, a person chooses to run a red light, or chooses to turn right on red without first looking for people entering a crosswalk from their right. An “accident” implies a lack of intent. 

Reach out to a car crash attorney from Johnson & Groninger PLLC

Recovering compensation for your car, truck, motorcycle, or bike crash can be a complex process. It may require drafting, submitting, and negotiating your claim with the insurance company and their attorneys. Partnering with your own attorney ensures that your interests are protected and enhances your chances of securing the highest possible settlement.

An experienced Charlotte car accident lawyer from our firm is available to advocate for your best interests in your car crash or accident. Call our Charlotte office at (704) 200-2009 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.