By: Platte River April 26, 2021

What Is the Difference in Meaning Between a Crash and an Accident?

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If you have sustained injuries in a car collision that was caused by someone else’s actions or neglect, you may be wondering what you can do.

Depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding your case, you may have a legal claim for relief.

As you begin the legal process of recovery, you may come across the question, What is the difference in meaning between a crash and an accident?

While these terms might seem interchangeable, each word has a distinct meaning when it comes to your legal claim. Thus, it is important to understand precisely what each term means in the context of a claim for recovery.

Want to know more about the legal difference between “crash” and “accident” and how using one over the other might impact your right to recovery? If so, Platte River Injury Law is here to help. Give us a call to discuss your case and see how our team can help you.

Car Crash vs. Car Accident: What’s the Difference?

People frequently use the terms car crash and car accident interchangeably. Of course, this may not present a problem in everyday conversation. However, it may be best to avoid doing so in the context of your legal claim for recovery. Here’s why.

“Crash” Defined

Merriam-Webster defines a crash as “a breaking to pieces by or as if by collision,” or “an instance of crashing.” Car crashes occur each and every day nationwide for a variety of different reasons:

Failure to follow traffic signals,
Texting and driving,
DUI,
Speeding, and
Distracted driving.

However, not all crashes will be considered “accidents” under the law.

“Accident” Defined

Rather, an “accident” implies that no one person was necessarily at fault.

Merriam-Webster defines an accident as an “unexpected happening causing loss or injury which is not due to any fault or misconduct on the part of the person injured but for which legal relief may be sought.”

Thus, in a true accident, there is no fault or misconduct that resulted in the collision.

Crash vs. Accident

So, what exactly is the difference in meaning between a car crash vs. a car accident?

While both a crash and accident may result in severe damages, the key difference between the two terms is the existence of fault. Sometimes, car collisions arise due to circumstances outside anyone’s control.

More often than not, however, someone is at fault. And if this is the case, you should not classify the crash as an accident.

Need Legal Assistance with Your Car Crash Case?

Being involved in a car crash can be traumatizing and stressful. Fortunately, there are legal remedies that you can pursue to recover in the aftermath.

At Platte River Injury Law, we handle these types of personal injury cases regularly. So don’t waste any more time wondering.

What is the difference in meaning between a crash and an accident? Let our team take the reins on navigating your case so that you can focus on what matters most—your recovery.