Accident Terms and Definitions

Negligence
The absence of ordinary care.

Subpoena
Document issued by the authority of the court to compel a witness to appear and give testimony or produce documentary evidence in a proceeding. Failure to appear or produce is punishable by contempt of court.

Comprehensive Coverage
Pays for damage to your car caused by reason other than collision, such as fire, theft, windstorm, flood, etc.

Broker
A person who for payment of a fee procures insurance on your behalf.

Accident
A collision involving an automobile and anything that causes damage to the automobile, including other automobiles, telephone poles, buildings, and trees.

Full Tort
With this selection you retain unrestricted rights to bring suit against the negligent party.

Subrogation
The process in which an insurance company, after paying a loss to its insured, recovers the amount of the loss for damages (plus the insured's deductible) from the legally liable party.

Hearsay
Evidence based on what the witness has heard someone else say, rather than what the witness has personally experienced or observed.

Venue
The specific county, city or geographical area in which a court has jurisdiction

Replacement Cost
Replacement cost is the cost of replacing lost or damaged property with new property of like kind and quality, at current market prices.