Accident Terms and Definitions

Pedestrian Manifestations
Those items of evidence deposited at the collision scene by the pedestrian during or following impact.

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

Disregarding traffic controls
Can be going through a red light or stopping at a green light, diregarding special signals in traffic.

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

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.

Breakover Angle
when a vehicle crests a hill, it's the angle at which the front tires still remain on the ground as the rear wheels continue to climb (see High Centered)

Accident
What auto insurance is designed to cover. Accidents may be considered either at fault or not at fault. If you have at fault accidents on your driving record, your rates will be higher.

Momentum
The mass of an object multiplied by its velocity. It is a vectored quantity with both magnitude and direction.

Cause of action
A legal claim. Certificate under penalty of perjury - A written statement, certified by the maker as being under penalty of perjury.

Reaction Time
The motorist who is not alert cannot cope with a sudden emergency as quickly as is necessary. An overly relaxed driver requires more time to react to an emergency than does an alert one.