Accident Terms and Definitions

Airbag Deployment
Occurs when the driver, passenger or side airbag has been used or deployed during a crash or other incident.

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

Policy
Written contract of insurance.

Witness
Person who testifies under oath before a court, regarding what he/she has seen, heard or otherwise observed.

Surcharge
An extra charge applied to the premium by the insurer, usually for at fault accidents or moving violations.

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.

Misdemeanor
Criminal offenses less than felonies; generally those punishable by fine or imprisonment of less than 90 days in a local facility. A gross misdemeanor is a criminal offense for which an adult could be sent to jail for up to one year, pay a fine up to $5,000 or both.

Summons
Document or writ directing the sheriff or other officer to notify a person that an action has been commenced against him in court and that he is required to appear, on a certain day, and answer the complaint in such action.

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

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