Accident Terms and Definitions

Soft Tissue Injury
Injuries sustained to the muscle, skin, connective tissue.

Common law
Law which derives its authority solely from usage and customs of immemorial antiquity or from the judgments and decrees of courts. also called "case law."

Failure to yield the right of way
Can be when you proceed forward while disregarding right of way signs or signals for other cars. You may not be the car that is sopossed to go forward.

Brake Build-up (Brake Lag)
Occurs just after the brakes are applied and continues until they lock.

Tripped Rollovers
NHTSA data show that 95% of single-vehicle rollovers are tripped . This happens when a vehicle leaves the roadway and slides sideways, digging its tires into soft soil or striking an object such as a curb or guardrail.

Elderly & Older Drivers
Drivers typically 65 or 70 years old, most states require renewal applicants to appear in person and to pass a vision test.

Actual Cash Value (ACV)
The value of your property, based on the current cost to replace it minus depreciation.

Injury Rights
Regardless of who is at fault for an automobile accident, your insurance company is responsible for paying your initial medical expenses.

Arbitration
the hearing and settlement of a dispute between opposing parties by a third party whose decision the parties have agreed to accept.

Velocity
Speed and direction; used to describe a mode of functioning which is efficient and tightly aligned with conscious intention.