Plain-English definitions

Car Accident Glossary

Clear definitions of the terms accident victims see in insurance claims, medical records, and legal conversations.

Comparative Negligence

Comparative negligence is a fault rule that can reduce compensation by the percentage of fault assigned to an injured person.

Contributory negligence is a stricter fault rule where being even slightly at fault may prevent recovery in some states.

Uninsured motorist coverage is insurance on your own policy that may help when the at-fault driver has no insurance.

A medical release is a document that gives an insurer or other party permission to request medical records.

Pain and suffering refers to physical pain, emotional distress, sleep disruption, inconvenience, and quality-of-life impact caused by injuries.

A statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit after an injury or loss.

A recorded statement is an audio-recorded account given to an insurance adjuster about the crash, injuries, or claim.

A demand letter is a written settlement request that explains fault, injuries, damages, and the amount requested.

A settlement release is a document that usually ends some or all claims in exchange for payment.

A liability dispute happens when people or insurers disagree about who caused a crash.

A property damage claim seeks payment for vehicle repairs, total loss value, towing, storage, rental, and other crash-related property costs.

A treatment gap is a period of time when an injured person does not receive medical care or follow-up treatment.