The word "accident" means something that happens without any forethought or planning, a totally random, and often negative, occurrence. If an accident is truly the end result of our world's randomness and unpredictability, should we all stop saying "car accident" and start saying something else? After all, no car accident is caused just by chance alone; there is always someone who can be held liable for their negligence or mistakes.
In a recent article published by The Huffington Post and written by Ms. Varagur, which you can view in full here if you'd like, this flaw in our language is pointed out pretty clearly. Thinking that a traffic collision is just an accident subconsciously perpetuates this idea that it could not have been prevented, and that our actions behind the wheel are not the source of injuries and mayhem. Of course, we all know the opposite is true.
Hoping that awareness of responsibility and cause-and-effect could put an end to crashes, a nonprofit group out of New York City known as Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets are pushing for us all to rethink how we define a collision. The group is adamant about the media's role in spreading the falsity that car accidents "just happen" and are not the result of someone's poor choices. Rather than reporting on "car accidents", they would like all media outlets to just say car "crash" or "collision." To understand the tenacity behind the group's message, you only need to review the top three causes of car crashes in the country: distracted driving, speeding, and intoxication. What of those three is not caused by a conscious decision to be reckless?
If you still doubt the importance of the words we use, consider this: the first director of the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) would exact a small fine from employees that said "accident" at all. If someone at the top of the NHTSA is saying the same message, we should all probably take a moment to listen.
If you have been hurt in a crash that you know was not just an accident but instead a collision caused by another negligent driver, you may be able to secure ample compensation for your recovery through a lawsuit. Contact the Law Office of Adam Sorrells and discuss your legal options with our Chico personal injury attorney today.