Many different terms are commonly used to describe vehicle collisions. The World Health Organization use the term road traffic injury, while the U.S. Census Bureau uses the term motor vehicle accidents and Transport Canada uses the term “motor vehicle traffic collision”. Other terms that are commonly used include auto accident, car accident, car crash, car smash, car wreck, motor vehicle collision (MVC), personal injury collision (PIC), road accident, road traffic accident (RTA), road traffic collision (RTC), road traffic incident (RTI), road traffic accident and later road traffic collision, as well as more unofficial terms including smash-up and fender bender.

Some organizations have begun to avoid the term “accident”. Although auto collisions are rare in terms of the number of vehicles on the road and the distance they travel, addressing the contributing factors can reduce their likelihood. For example, proper signage can decrease driver error and thereby reduce crash frequency by a third or more. That is why these organizations prefer the term “collision” rather than “accident”.

However, treating collisions as anything other than “accidents” has been criticized for holding back safety improvements, because a culture of blame may discourage the involved parties from fully disclosing the facts, and thus frustrate attempts to address the real root causes.

Nothing here infers legal advice or representation. In addition, law can be complicated and have very strict guidelines that must be followed or you can place yourself at risk. This is why it is my opinion if you are considering hiring an attorney contact an attorney who specializes in your legal case and seek answers that are specific to you and your circumstances. If you are in Florida and would like to speak with me, Gaila Anderson regarding your civil or criminal case, personal injury suit, employment law, real estate transaction, family law, divorce or dissolution of marriage, child custody, bankruptcy or other legal case, call Anderson Law Group toll free (866) 244-9754 or (954) 485-1800; Email: [email protected] (Se Habla Espanol).