Car Accident Glossary for Public Members and First Responders

Here’s a list Car Accident Glossary that should serve both audiences:

1. Collision:

   1. An incident where a vehicle strikes another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, road debris, or stationary object.
2. Rear-End Accident: Occurs when a vehicle crashes into the vehicle in front of it. Common causes include tailgating and sudden braking.
3. Head-On Collision: A type of crash where the fronts of two vehicles hit each other while moving in opposite directions. Often results from wrong-way driving or losing control of the vehicle.
4. Side-Impact Collision (T-Bone Accident): This happens when the side of one or more vehicles is impacted. Common at intersections and can be very dangerous due to less protection on the sides of vehicles.
5. Rollover: A severe type of crash where a vehicle flips over onto its side or roof. Often caused by sharp turns at high speeds or collisions with objects like curbs or other vehicles.
6. Hit and Run: An accident where the driver responsible for the collision leaves the scene without providing contact information or aiding the injured.
7. Fender Bender: A minor crash involving the fender or bumper of the car, often resulting in minimal damage. Usually occurs in parking lots or during slow-moving traffic.

8. Multi-Vehicle Pile-Up:

   1. Involves multiple vehicles and typically occurs on highways. It is often a chain reaction from an initial collision.
9. Single-Vehicle Accident: An accident involving only one vehicle. Can include hitting a tree, pole, or building, or veering off the road.
10. Property Damage Accident: A crash resulting in damage to anything other than the vehicles involved, like buildings, fences, or utility poles.
11. Injury Accident: Any car accident that results in injuries to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or cyclists.
12. Fatal Accident: A crash resulting in one or more deaths.
13. Distracted Driving Accident: Accidents caused by drivers not paying full attention to the road, often due to using mobile phones, eating, or other distractions.
14. Drunk Driving Accident: A collision involving at least one driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
15. Weather-Related Accident: Crashes that occur due to weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, fog, or dust storms.
16. Chain Reaction Accident: A series of collisions caused by a primary incident, typically in heavy traffic.

17. Vehicle Malfunction Accident:

    1. Accidents caused by a failure or malfunction within a vehicle, such as brake failure or tire blowouts.
18. Emergency Vehicle Accident: Involves an emergency vehicle like an ambulance, fire truck, or police car, often while responding to an emergency.
19. Pedestrian Accident: Involves a vehicle striking a person walking, jogging, or sitting near the road.

Understanding these terms can help both the general public and first responders better comprehend the nature of car accidents and the appropriate responses required.