Accident Terms and Definitions

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.

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

Negligence
The absence of ordinary care.

Scrapped
Vehicles that have been dismantled and/or crushed and should not return to the road.

Vehicle ID No. (VIN)
This 17 character number is unique to each vehicle. It identifies characteristics of the vehicle, including manufacturer, year, model, body, engine specifications, and serial number.

Producer
A term applied to an agent, solicitor or other person who sells insurance.

Loss Due To Fire Title
The vehicle sustained major damage due to fire. In most states, fire damage titles are issued when the cost of repairing the vehicle for safe operation exceeds its fair market value.

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

Premium
The money paid for an insurance policy based upon the coverage provided.

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