unavoidable accident
[/ˌʌnəˈvɔɪdəbəl ˈæksɪdənt/]
noun phrasepl: unavoidable accidents
acidente inevitável
1. An unforeseen event or incident that could not be prevented or avoided despite reasonable precautions; an accident that occurs through circumstances beyond one's control
The collision was ruled an unavoidable accident because the other driver ran a red light without warning.
A colisão foi considerada um acidente inevitável porque o outro motorista passou no sinal vermelho sem aviso.
2. In legal contexts, an accident for which no party can be held liable due to unforeseeability or force majeure
The insurance company paid out the claim, accepting it as an unavoidable accident caused by severe weather.
A companhia de seguros pagou a indenização, aceitando como um acidente inevitável causado pelo mau tempo intenso.
This term is particularly important in Brazilian and American legal systems, especially in insurance disputes and traffic accidents. In Brazil, the concept is recognized in civil law (Código Civil) and is used to determine liability and insurance coverage. In the USA, 'act of God' is the more commonly used legal term. Understanding this distinction is crucial in insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →