1. In law and philosophy, the direct or proximate cause that directly produces the result or injury; the 'but-for' cause without which the harm would not have occurred
The actual cause of the accident was the driver's failure to brake, without which the collision would not have happened.
A causa efetiva do acidente foi a falha do motorista em frear, sem a qual a colisão não teria ocorrido.
2. In tort law, the factual cause that must be established before considering proximate cause; the cause-in-fact
The plaintiff had to prove the actual cause of his injury before the court would consider damages.
O autor teve que provar a causa efetiva de seu dano antes que o tribunal considerasse as indenizações.