Accident Terms and Definitions

Risk assessment
The determination of the probability of failure of a component or system.

Frequent or unsafe lane changes
In driver test books there are laws that state what type of passing may be done acording to the yellow lines paited in the road or highway. There are some laws that regulate the distance that a lane change can be made related to an intersection.

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

Misdemeanor
Criminal offenses less than felonies; generally those punishable by fine or imprisonment of less than 90 days in a local facility.

Tire Problems
Under-inflation, the most frequent cause of tire failure, is considered the main culprit in the recent Firestone tire-failure fatalities. Uneven or worn-out tires are the next most serious problem and can also lead to tire failure.

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

Tort
An injury or wrong committed, with or without force, to the person or property of another, which gives rise to a claim for damages.

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

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."

Using cell phone
Some state have banned types of cell phone use while driving. This can be very dangerous and my be a cause of an accident.