An accident is an unexpected, sudden event. Accidents don’t necessarily have to be a bad thing, but the word does imply that a particular circumstance was unplanned and unfortunate. For some time, a movement to replace the phrase “car accident” with “car crash” has been gaining traction. The idea is to change the perception that a collision occurred due to circumstances beyond the control of those involved. Advocates hope to curb the 50-year high (and increasing) rate of car wrecks by increasing the awareness that most crashes are preventable.
Small change, big difference
Transportation Alternatives is a non-profit corporation that continuously works to promote traffic awareness and safety. The group actively engages in social media conversations about #CrashNotAccident and hosts the site crashnotaccident.com, where anyone can pledge to stop calling crashes “accidents” and to educate others about why “crash” is a better word:
“Planes don’t have accidents. They crash. Cranes don’t have accidents. They collapse. And as a society, we expect answers and solutions. Traffic crashes are fixable problems, caused by dangerous streets and unsafe drivers. They are not accidents. Let’s stop using the word ‘accident’ today.”
The effort to promote the change got a boost from the Associated Press this year. The New York Times reported, “In April, The A.P. announced a new policy. When negligence is claimed or proven in a crash, the new entry reads, reporters should ‘avoid accident, which can be read by some as a term exonerating the person responsible.’” States and cities are moving the policy forward by changing their internal language.
The truth is, whether we call it an “auto accident” or a “car crash” might depend on what makes our clients comfortable. We’re never going to argue over semantics (the study of the meanings of words) with our clients, so we may use any and all of the phrases in a conversation. What is important is that injury victims know that we are on their side no matter what language we use.
At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we fight for victims’ rights every day. If your loved one was injured or killed because of negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Our compassionate and experienced Nashville crash, wreck and/or auto accident attorneys can evaluate your case and help get you the compensation you deserve. Call 615.246.5549, visit our offices in Nashville, Gallatin, or Knoxville, or contact us today for a free consultation.
