The Difference Between A Crash & An Accident

When we talk about problems on the road, people sometimes mix up the words “crash” and “accident.” This mix-up can make things confusing. This confusion isn’t just about using different words.

It affects how we report, understand, and deal with these problems in the law of Western Australia. Knowing the difference between “crash” and “accident.” This helps in dealing with legal and insurance company issues after something goes wrong on the road.

What is a Car Crash?

A car crash, also known as a motor vehicle crash, they are collisions involving one or more vehicles. While many crashes are preventable and often caused by factors like negligence, recklessness, or violating traffic laws, others may be unavoidable due to factors such as mechanical failure of motor vehicles, harsh weather conditions, or unexpected actions of other drivers.

Both “car crash” and “motor vehicle crash” are widely used terms. However, it’s important to understand that terminology alone doesn’t necessarily determine fault or preventability of a motor vehicle accident.

Western Australia Police Force requires reporting for crashes involving injuries, fatalities, or damage exceeding $3,000. If you’re involved in or witness a car crash in WA, consult our comprehensive guide to crash reporting to ensure you meet all legal requirements and when filing a police report.

What is a Car Accident?

“Car accident” and “car crash” are essentially synonymous in the most contexts of road traffic collision, and this distinction is not crucial for legal or insurance purposes. Both terms can refer to traffic collisions involving vehicles, regardless of fault.

While some accidents may be unavoidable incident due to unforeseen circumstances, many involve identified fault based on negligence, recklessness, or violating traffic laws.

In terms of liability determination, both legal and insurance processes consider evidence and investigation to determine fault, not solely the term “accident” vs. “crash.”

Focus on Road Safety

The Western Australian Government provides resources on safe driving and road rules, aiming to minimize the risks of car crashes. By practicing safe driving habits and obeying traffic laws, you significantly contribute to a safer driving environment for yourself and others.

Discover what you need to know about a road accident in WA and how it affects your rights and responsibilities.

Seeking Legal Guidance from Car Accident Lawyers

If you are involved in a car crash, it’s crucial to seek legal advice from a qualified professional. They can help you navigate legal processes, understand your rights and responsibilities, and guide you through the necessary steps based on your specific situation.

Common Causes of Car Accidents and Car Crashes

• Distracted Driving: Activities that divert attention from the road, such as using a mobile phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. Western Australia bans texting or emailing on mobile devices while driving.
• Speeding: Driving over the speed limit or too fast for current conditions reduces the ability to respond to unexpected road hazards.
• Driving Under the Influence: Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs significantly increases the risk of a crash.
• Driver Error: Mistakes like failing to yield the right of way, improper lane changes, or incorrect use of traffic signals.
• Severe Weather Conditions: Sudden and unexpected weather changes, such as storms or flash floods, that drivers could not have anticipated.
• Medical Emergencies: Cases where a sudden medical issue, like a heart attack or seizure, causes a driver to lose control of their vehicle.
• Mechanical Failures: Vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failure or a tyre blowout, occur despite regular maintenance.
• Human Error: Mistakes made by drivers, including distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, and not following traffic laws, which are leading causes of accidents.

Discover what to expect after a car crash for essential insights and guidance.

Types of Accidents and Crashes

Accidents and crashes, especially with motor vehicles, are a major issue in Western Australia. They affect the victims, their families, communities, healthcare, and legal systems.

Understanding accident types aids in identifying causes, prevention, and legal follow-up.

This section covers common accident types, their causes, effects, and the related legal rules in Western Australia.

1. Rear End Collisions

A rear-end collision happens when one vehicle strikes the back of the vehicle ahead of it. Accidents like this can cause whiplash, spinal and traumatic brain injuries, and soft tissue damage. This often happens because of tailgating or abrupt stops.

Western Australia’s Road Safety Commission (RSC WA) suggests safe driving to prevent accidents.

2. Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are very dangerous, often causing serious injuries or deaths. These occur when the front ends of two vehicles hit each other, typically at high speeds.

Causes include wrong-way driving, driver fatigue, and driving under the influence.

3. Side-Impact Crashes

Also known as T-bone collisions, side-impact crashes happen when the front or rear of another vehicle impacts the side of one vehicle. These accidents often happen at intersections. They can lead to serious injuries because cars have less side protection.

Western Australia’s rules on traffic signals and right-of-way at intersections help prevent accidents.

4. Single-vehicle Accidents

Single-vehicle accidents happen with just one car, often due to losing control, hitting objects, or leaving the road. Driver distraction, bad weather, and poor road conditions are major factors.

Legal results differ by case, covering property damage claims and injury compensation.

5. Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups

Multi-vehicle pile-ups involving several cars are complex to manage medically and legally. These accidents usually happen on highways due to poor visibility, high speeds, and sudden stops.

Multi-vehicle accidents need detailed investigation. Car accident Lawyers use their legal knowledge to determine who is at fault and who is liable.

6. Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents happen when vehicles hit pedestrians, often leading to severe injuries. These accidents are often caused by jaywalking, distracted driving, and not yielding at crosswalks.

Western Australia’s strict laws protect pedestrians, heavily penalising accidents from violations.

7. Bicycle and Motorcycle Accidents

Bikers are especially vulnerable in accidents due to their exposure and lack of protection. Common causes include dooring, side-swiping, and crashes at intersections.

Western Australian law emphasises road sharing and guidelines to protect cyclists and motorcyclists. Here are 5 tips to help to prevent motorcycle accidents.

8. Commercial Vehicle and Truck Accidents

Accidents involving commercial vehicles and trucks can be catastrophic due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Causes involve driver fatigue, overloading or loose cargo, and not following safety rules.

Legally, these accidents may implicate not just the driver but also the employer or vehicle owner for negligence.

9. Animal Collisions

Animal collisions, especially with kangaroos and wildlife in rural Western Australia, are big risks for drivers. These accidents happen mostly at dawn and dusk when animals are most active. [6]

In these cases, liability and compensation depend on signage, fencing, and driver actions.

10. Accidents Caused by Poor Road Conditions

Accidents caused by bad road conditions, like potholes, missing signs, or poor maintenance, can be serious.

Legal issues in these accidents often concern whether local governments or maintenance agencies fail to maintain safe roads. Determining their responsibility is key.

11. Public Transportation Accidents

Accidents with public transport like buses and trains can impact many people and have special legal aspects. These include government rules and public liability. These cases may involve complex litigation due to the multiple parties involved and the public nature of the services.

12. Accidents Involving Emergency Vehicles

A motor vehicle collision with emergency vehicles during response has unique challenges. These incidents question balancing emergency response with public safety. Legal protections and exemptions exist for emergency responders under specific conditions.

Uncertain what to do after an accident? Discover basic steps on what to do after a car accident in Perth.

Personal Injury Claims in Western Australia

Personal injury claims offers a legal avenue for people to seek compensate for injuries, losses, and damages sustained due to the incident. While the goal of a personal injury claim is to prevent victims from financial strain after road incidents, but the legal process is complex. Seeking the legal assistance from a good car accident lawyer is highly recommend.

Here are some ways a lawyer can assist you:

• Determining fault: A lawyer can help assess the circumstances and determine if there’s a strong case for claiming damages.
• Understanding your rights & options: They can explain the legal process, your rights as a claimant, and explore potential options for claiming compensation.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Lawyers can help negotiate fair settlements with insurance companies on your behalf.
• Representing you in court: If a fair settlement is not reached, they can represent your case in court.

Making a Car Accident Claim in Western Australia

To initiate a personal injury claim due to a car accident, the affected individual must first report the incident to the police. This is important if the incident involves serious injuries or property damage requiring police notification.

Afterwards, getting medical help and documenting all injuries is crucial, as medical records will be key evidence for your claim. The claimant must notify their insurance provider.

While engaging a car accident lawyer to assist with the claim process is highly recommended, it is not mandatory to file a motor vehicle accident claim.

Cost Effective Personal Injury Lawyer

Good personal injury lawyers are important for effectively navigating the complexities of a car accident claim, engaging a no-win, no-fee assistance from a law firm can be a cost-effective way to manage a personal injury claim. Foyle Legal is a no win no fee personal injury law firm. If you are injured in Western Australia, we are adept at guiding individuals who seek compensation.