TriMark Legal Funding is one of America’s longest-standing car crash accident loan companies. Since 2003, we have provided fast, low-interest pre-settlement car accident loans to traffic collision injury victims nationwide.
Car Crash Accident: Was It A Car Accident Or A Crash?
TriMark Legal Funding LLC—Cash For Settlements
Car crash accident. Car accident. Car crash. Traffic collision. Car crashes. Car accidents.
These are six common, everyday, car crash accident-related phrases everyone has heard of and is familiar with, and everyone knows all mean the exact same thing, right?
Or do they?
The Language Of Car Crash And Car Accident Claims
After getting injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you need to be careful what you say, how you say it, and who you say it to.
You also need to be careful who you allow to influence your thinking and, in particular, your memories of exactly how events of the car crash unfolded. Specifically, we’re talking about what other people say happened and who they suggest was, or was not, at fault for causing the car accident. This includes the driver and occupants of the car that crashed into you, their attorney(s), and most especially, their insurance company’s claims adjuster.
In the aftermath of a serious car crash accident, it is normal for people and insurance companies to try and manipulate the perception of blame away from themselves or their insured, and onto you. Therefore, the words you use to articulate the ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘when’, ‘where’, ‘why for’, and ‘how come’ of your car accident or traffic collision matter. A lot.
There are plenty of reasons why, but here are three really good ones:
- First, because words, when used properly, can be incredibly powerful, either for you or against you.
- Second, because many words in modern American English can easily be weaponized against you.
- Third, serious car crash accidents can get insanely expensive. As a result, you can expect insurers to use every tool and dirty trick in their arsenals to minimize their exposure, mitigate their losses, and devalue, delay, or deny the payment of claims for as long as possible.
Why Wait? Get Fast Pre-Settlement Funding Now!
After A Car Crash, Stick To the Facts: Say What You Mean And Mean What You Say
A common practice in the last six or seven decades is that, instead of inventing new words to describe a thing, we take existing words and assign them new, and often contradictory, meanings.
Once done, we use these ‘repurposed words’ in daily conversation, ignoring their original meaning entirely, and never give it a second thought. Aside from perhaps a bit of confusion, using repurposed words in this manner doesn’t generally pose any significant conversational issues. There is one glaring exception, however. You guessed it; car crash accidents.
Car Accidents, Car Crashes, Traffic Collisions, And Repurposed Words
American English is rife with repurposed words. Unfortunately, this creates the potential for enormous problems when they’re used in conjunction with car accidents, traffic collisions, police reports, recorded statements, insurance adjusters, attorneys, and lawsuit settlements.
Hundreds of repurposed words exist. A few of the more common ones include “like”, “bad”, “sick”, “hot”, “crazy”, “insane”, “smoking”, “kill it”, “I’m sorry?”, “I’m sorry, but…”, “excuse me?”, “jacked up”, “my bad”, I’m okay”, “I’m good”, “I’m pretty sure”, “the last time I checked”, and “no problem”.
The Problem With Car Crashes And Repurposed Words
When it comes to car accidents and car accident injuries, insurance companies and their claims adjusters are a financially-motivated group.
As such, whenever they read or listen to your words in the police report, accident report, and your recorded statements and depositions, you can be certain they’re on the lookout for repurposed words they can manipulate. You should also expect them to take your words very literally.
That means you can expect insurance adjustors and attorneys to take your repurposed words out of context and completely disregard the meaning you intended. Then they will try to isolate your words and ‘go by the book’. For most people, ‘the book’ is The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, and here’s an example of how that can be a problem.
Example: Right after losing control from excessive speed, the other driver’s car crashed into you. Car crashes are loud, and right after the accident, your ears were still ringing. While speaking to the responding police officer, within earshot of the other driver and his buddy, you said “I’m sorry, could you repeat the question?” No big deal, right? Wrong!
Your “I’m sorry” goes into the police report, and the other driver’s recorded statement, and his buddy’s recorded statement too. Fast-forward to a courtroom setting, and the insurance attorney paints your “apology” into a remorseful and heartfelt admission of fault heard and documented by three separate, credible witnesses. To dispel any lingering doubt, he uses the overhead projector to show the jury a slide of Merriam-Webster’s definition of “sorry“, which is:
“feeling regret or penitence” that is “used as an apology for a fault or offense”
Insurance companies have used this type of dirty little trick for decades. They train their claims adjusters to be alert for certain types of word usage, repurposed words included. They are also trained to use certain words and phrases frequently themselves, while completely avoiding the use of other words and phrases altogether.
Defining Car Accident, Car Crash, Car Wreck, and Traffic Collision
If you’ve ever spoken with an insurance adjuster on the phone, you might have noticed that they used the words ‘car accident’, ‘vehicle accident’, ‘motor vehicle accident’, ‘traffic accident’, and ‘traffic collision’ a lot when referring to the actions of their insured.
You might have also noticed that they never used the words ‘crash’, ‘crashed’, ‘wreck’, or ‘wrecked’ to describe the actions of their insured. They might use them to describe your actions, but never the actions of their insured. Here’s why:
Car Accidents
Merriam-Webster defines ‘accident‘ as:
“an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance…” or “an unexpected happening causing loss or injury…” while possessing a complete “lack of intention…”
“Unforeseen”. “Unplanned.” “Unexpected.” “Lack of intention.” By definition, the whole concept of fault, blame, and responsibility is nonexistent whenever the word ‘accident’ is used. In other words, using the word ‘accident’ equates to ‘blameless’.
Traffic Collision
Similarly, Merriam-Webster defines ‘collision‘ as:
“to come together with solid or direct impact”
This word simply describes an event wherein two objects come into physical contact with one another. Once again, any hint of fault, blame, or culpability is entirely absent.
On the flip-side of the coin, Merriam-Webster defines ‘crash‘ and ‘wreck,’, respectively, as:
“to break violently and noisily,” to “smash,” “to break or go to pieces with or as if with violence,” or “to fall, land, or hit with destructive force”
“Breaking to pieces.” “The action of wrecking or state of being wrecked.” “A violent and destructive crash.” By definition, fault, blame, and responsibility are present when external factors or forces act on, play a part in, or are wholly responsible for causing something that involves damage and destruction. The effect is the automatic subconscious assignment of fault, blame, or responsibility.
And that, friends, is why insurance adjusters will never use the words ‘crash’ or ‘wreck’ o describe their insured’s actions. They will always try to candy-coat event buy using the words ‘accident’ or ‘collision’ instead. And here’s the kicker. They know if they use them often enough with you, especially right in the beginning before you’ve hired an attorney, it can alter your perception of who was, and was not, at fault in your ‘car accident’.
Polar Opposites
On the flip-side of the coin, Merriam-Webster defines ‘crash‘ and ‘wreck,’, respectively, as:
“to break violently and noisily,” to “smash,” “to break or go to pieces with or as if with violence,” or “to fall, land, or hit with destructive force”
“Breaking to pieces.” “The action of wrecking or state of being wrecked.” “A violent and destructive crash.” By definition, fault, blame, and responsibility are present when external factors or forces act on, play a part in, or are wholly responsible for causing something that involves damage and destruction. The effect is the automatic subconscious assignment of fault, blame, or responsibility.
And that, friends, is why insurance adjusters will never use the words ‘crash’ or ‘wreck’ o describe their insured’s actions. They will always try to candy-coat event buy using the words ‘accident’ or ‘collision’ instead. And here’s the kicker. They know if they use them often enough with you, especially right in the beginning before you’ve hired an attorney, it can alter your perception of who was, and was not, at fault in your ‘car accident’.
Car Accident, Crash, Wreck, or Traffic Collision: Liability
The best advice TriMark Legal Funding can offer people after a car accident is this:
- Say as little as possible, preferably nothing, at the car crash accident scene
It isn’t a social event, so don’t go around trying to chat everyone up. A conversation-free ambulance ride to the hospital to get checked out, even if you don’t have any obvious injuries, makes this very easy to do. - Hire a great car accident attorney without delay
Smart people will pre-research this and have several options stored in their phone, and stored safely at home, just in case. If you don’t have one already and don’t know any attorneys, find one; fast. You can visit SuperLawyers.com to get a referral to a top-rated attorney near you. Great car accident lawyers understand that if you’re attorney-shopping from the hospital, time is of the essence and they should move very quickly. If they don’t, call someone else. “Once hired, with the sole exception of the treating physicians at the hospital, don’t say a word about the accident to anyone without your attorney present. - Remember the idiom “Silence Is Golden“
Don’t say a word, sign anything, make or record any statement, or answer any questions about anything related to car crash unless, and until, your attorney is present. And stay off social media! We’re talking total social media blackout out here. It’s the first place insurance adjusters look. Your followers will be fine not hearing from you until your attorney says it’s okay resume your social media activities.
If you have to say anything at the accident scene before your attorney is present, be brief. Short answers are best. Don’t answer more than the exact question being asked. And tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Just be careful how you go about doing that.
In particular, be conscious of the words you use, especially right after the collision, and when speaking with the other party(s), eyewitness(es), police, EMTs, and insurance adjusters. Here’s what we mean:
- To begin a conversation, enter an ongoing one, or interrupt someone to make a point:
Many people habitually say “I’m sorry, but…”. If you do that in a car crash accident, you can be sure it will be recast later as an admission of guilt. - To express disbelief, skepticism, disagreement, or even ask that something be repeated:
People often use the phrase “I’m sorry?” as a question, but it can be taken out of context and used against you later on. (Example: The responding police officer noted in his official report that he witnessed [the plaintiff] apologizing profusely by stating “I’m sorry” a total of 8 times before being transported to the hospital.”
The Perception of Blame For A Car Crash Accident Can Be Manipulated
Words matter. The words you use immediately following a car accident can make or break your case. Things like “I’m sorry, but…”, “It was my fault”, “I didn’t mean to…”, “I don’t need an ambulance”, “I’m not hurt”, “I’m okay”, and “I didn’t see…[you, it, the light change]” are all common examples.
Many of the things you say can be manipulated and used out of context by insurance adjusters as admissions of guilt during the investigation and settlement phases of your car crash accident lawsuit. This is done to to shift blame away from the person who crashed into you and focus it on you.
Also, don’t speculate. When speaking to police or insurance adjusters, it is important that you stick to the facts and not guess, speculate, or offer your opinion. Avoid phrases such as “I think”, “I believe”, “I feel like”, “I’m pretty sure”, or “In my opinion”. It’s okay to say “I don’t know”.
Last thing. Go dark on social media. As in, total media blackout; not one word. Everything you say, even the fact that you’re online when you’re supposed to be seriously injured, can be used against you.
Your words matter on police reports, witness statements, recorded adjuster interviews, accident and incident reports, depositions, ER intake reports, and more.
What you say after a car crash, accident, or traffic collision also matters to your attorney, whom your words will either help or hinder as he works to negotiate your lawsuit settlement. Perhaps most of all, your words matter greatly to the defendant’s insurance adjuster, who will take every opportunity to manipulate and repurpose the things you say and then use them against you.
‘Car Accident’ Absolves Blame; ‘Car Crash’ Assigns It
The words we use to describe a car crash, car accident, car wreck, or traffic collision are what shape our perceptions of what occurred, why it happened, how it could have been avoided, and who or what is to blame for it. Our words can also influence legal outcomes and can have a significant impact on if, how much, and to whom we assign blame.
Is there a difference between ‘car crash accident’, ‘car accident’, ‘car crash’, ‘car wreck’, and ‘traffic collision’? Yes. Will everyone agree? No. Many people would disagree and argue that they are all synonymous and mean the exact same thing. But they would be wrong.
Most people assume words like car crash accident = car accident, car accident = car crash or car wreck, motorcycle accident = motorcycle crash, truck accident = truck crash or truck wreck, train accident = train crash or train wreck, and so forth. So they use them interchangeably.
What most people are oblivious to, however, is that on a subliminal or subconscious level, the human brain interprets and responds to each word differently. They all share subtle differences, but make no mistake, your brain IS making the distinction.
Car Crash, Car Accident, Car Wreck, Traffic Collision Perception Test
Read each statement below and decide which ones automatically assign blame, which ones automatically absolve blame, and which ones automatically remove blame entirely.
- “She was injured in a car accident.”
- “She hit some black ice and got hurt in a traffic collision.”
- “He crashed his car into mine.”
- “He was speeding and wrecked his truck.”
🔹 Accident
‘Accident’ implies unforeseeable and unavoidable, i.e. blameless. ‘Accident’ absolves blame and fault.
🔹 Collision
‘Collision’ implies the instant two or more objects in proximity come into direct physical contact with one another. It only describes a physical event and is entirely devoid of emotion. ‘Collision’ removes blame and fault from the equation entirely.
🔹 Crash
‘Crash’ describes an event that took place due to the action of an external force; in this case, a person. ‘Crash’ unequivocally assigns blame, fault, and responsibility to the action-taker.
🔹 Wreck
‘Wreck’ describes the carnage that was left after the action of an external force; in this case, a person. When a person ‘wrecks’ something, blame, fault, and responsibility points directly to that person.
Four different words, seemingly interchangeable, that convey four powerful, but completely different, subliminal meanings.
Cases Eligible For Car Crash Accident Settlement Loans
Auto Accident Settlement
A civil rights lawsuit seeks justice for violations of fundamental freedoms like police brutality, prison staff misconduct, clergy sexual abuse, wrongful arrest, sexual misconduct, and wrongful imprisonment.
Car Accident Injury
Employment litigation addresses workplace injustices like sexual misconduct, discrimination, quid pro quo, retaliation, hostile work environment, wage and labor disputes, and wrongful termination.
An auto accident lawsuit helps victims seek compensation for injuries and damages whether they were involved in a rear end collision, T bone accident, head-on collision, or other motor vehicle accidents.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
A pedestrian hit by a car lawsuit seeks compensation for injuries and losses suffered by a pedestrian or bicyclist in a car accident. Legal funding can help cover bills and expenses during settlement negotiations.
A motorcycle crash lawsuit seeks compensation for injuries and damages sustained in a motorcycle accident. It often requires legal funding to cover expenses during the litigation process.
A tractor-trailer crash lawsuit seeks compensation for injuries and damages from large truck accidents. Lawsuit funding can help plaintiffs manage bills and expenses until a settlement has been finalized.
You can see more comprehensive lists of motor vehicle accidents, injury settlements, and other case types at cases we fund.
What Are Pre-Settlement Loans on Auto Accidents?
Pre-settlement funding, sometimes called pre-settlement loans or lawsuit cash advances, offers a lifeline to plaintiffs awaiting their car accident settlements. It provides immediate cash based on the expected settlement amount and allows you to cover immediate expenses without waiting for your case to conclude.
Why Use Car Crash Accident Pre-Settlement Loans?
- No Credit Check: Unlike traditional bank loans, pre-settlement funding doesn’t rely on your credit score. Instead, approval is based on the strength and merits of your case, not your credit history.
- Risk-Free: You only repay the advance if you win your case. If you don’t win, you keep the money we advanced and owe nothing.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have financial support during the legal process reduces stress and allows you to focus on recovery.
Benefits of Car Accident Pre-Settlement Funding
- Immediate Financial Relief
Pre-settlement funding provides you with quick access to cash, helping you cover living expenses, medical bills, and other urgent costs while your case is pending. - No Repayment if You Lose
If your case is not resolved successfully, you are not required to repay the advance, offering you peace of mind and financial security. - Leveling the Playing Field
With pre-settlement funding, you can afford to wait for a fair settlement rather than accepting a low offer due to financial pressure. - Focused Legal Strategy
Financial stability allows you and your attorney to focus on building a strong case without the distraction of immediate financial concerns. - Covering Various Expenses
Use the funds to pay for medical treatments, rent, utilities, and other essential expenses. - Maintaining Quality of Life
Ensure that your quality of life is not compromised while you await the resolution of your case.
Pre-settlement funding can provide vital support for car accident victims during their legal battles. Whether you’re dealing with a rear-end collision or a complex multi-vehicle crash, understanding your options can make a significant difference.
Consider pre-settlement funding to bridge the financial gap while your attorney secures the compensation you deserve.
If you received injuries from a car accident, are behind on bills, and need cash now to hold you over until your lawsuit settlement is finalized, TriMark Legal Funding can help!
Why Choose TriMark Legal Funding?
- Experience and Expertise
With 22 years of experience in the industry, TriMark Legal Funding understands the unique challenges faced by plaintiffs in car crash accident cases. - Fast and Easy Process
Our application process is straightforward, and we strive to provide funding quickly, often within 24-48 hours. - No Hidden Fees
We offer clear contracts, transparent terms, and no hidden fees, ensuring you know exactly what to expect. - Client-Centric Approach
We prioritize your needs and work closely with you and your attorney to provide the best possible support. - Non-Recourse Funding
Our funding is non-recourse, meaning you only repay if you win your case. - Nationwide Service
TriMark Legal Funding offers pre-settlement funding in most states throughout the United States, making it accessible no matter where you are located.
Explore our resources for more detailed information on specific types of car accidents and how TriMark Legal Funding can assist you in your time of need.