Accrual
The point when a legal claim is considered to arise for timing purposes. The rule can depend on the claim and jurisdiction.
Read the related guide →Plain-language reference
Personal injury legal glossary
Learn the vocabulary used in claims, insurance, court process, and lawyer consultations. Definitions are general orientation—not a substitute for the governing policy, statute, court rule, or legal advice.
Showing 17 of 17 terms
Comparative fault
A system that may reduce damages according to a claimant’s share of responsibility. Thresholds and scope differ by jurisdiction.
Read the related guide →Contingency fee
A fee arrangement that connects a lawyer’s fee to a recovery. Percentages, expenses, and calculation terms should appear in the written agreement.
Read the related guide →Damages
A legal measure of recoverable loss. Categories, proof requirements, and limitations vary by claim and jurisdiction.
Read the related guide →Deposition
Sworn testimony taken outside the courtroom as part of discovery, usually recorded by a court reporter.
Read the related guide →Discovery
The formal exchange and development of information in a lawsuit through documents, questions, testimony, examinations, and other procedures.
Read the related guide →Economic damages
Documented financial losses that may include medical costs, lost income, or property loss, subject to the law and proof.
Read the related guide →Liability
Legal responsibility for a claim. An incident report or insurance decision does not by itself determine liability in court.
Mediation
A structured negotiation assisted by a neutral mediator. The mediator generally does not decide the dispute.
Read the related guide →MedPay
Medical payments coverage that may pay qualifying medical expenses under an auto policy, subject to policy terms and state law.
Read the related guide →Noneconomic damages
Nonfinancial harm such as pain or loss of enjoyment, where recognized. Rules and limitations are jurisdiction-specific.
Read the related guide →PIP
Personal Injury Protection, a first-party auto coverage available or required in certain states for specified losses regardless of fault.
Read the related guide →Statute of limitations
A law setting a period for commencing a legal action. Accrual, tolling, notice rules, claim type, and defendant can affect the calculation.
Read the related guide →Subrogation
A process through which an insurer or benefit plan may seek recovery from another source after paying benefits, subject to governing terms and law.
Read the related guide →Tolling
A rule that pauses or changes the running of a limitations period in specified circumstances. It should never be assumed without legal review.
Read the related guide →UM/UIM
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which may apply when an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient limits, subject to the policy and state law.
Read the related guide →Venue
The proper geographic court location for a dispute within a court system. Venue is distinct from subject-matter and personal jurisdiction.
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