Definition of auto accient.?

Question

What is the legal definition of an auto accident?
While trying to pass, my car hydroplaned and i went over to the left shoulder to avoid a collision, two cars were coming twards me. The first car passed with no problem, but the second car went over to the shoulder and almost hit me head on. I swirved back onto the road and she went over into the grass/ditch.
She started her car back up and moved so I got back on the road thankful to avoid the accident. I was later pulled over for improper passing
Her insurance company called me asking for my policy nuber for my insurance so she culd "inform" them, no claims were filed, she just wanted them to know. Her insurance agent even said "there were a few minor scratches and you have to look hard to see them".
I told her that I wouldnt give me policy number because im not charged with the accident. she has no reason to contact them.
Now I must ask, in AR, what is the "legal" definition of an auto accident? Serious answers only please.

Answer 1

generally insurance companies and state laws both define an accident as when someone loses control of their vehicle causing it to operate in any manner in which is not considered normal driving, to which damage was sustained to another vehicle or property

Answer 2

Automobile accident:
Unintentional damaging events involving automobiles. Automobile accidents can damage one or more autos, people, or structures.

You hydroplaned - which means you were traveling too fast for conditions.
You crossed to the opposite shoulder - commendable, in seeking to avoid collision damage but an error. Crossing opposing traffic lanes such that a collision might occur is considered improper passing (if an actual impact had occurred, it would have been reckless driving).
Oncoming Car 2 (the woman) swerved on to the shoulder on her own side ... for what reason? She should have been able to pass, just as oncoming car 1 managed. Besides - you were already on that shoulder!

On the one hand - you had an 'accident'. On the other hand, it wasn't reported (to the authorities by you) ... although it may have been by her. Legally, there's no record of the incident (other than your 'improper passing' charge).

Answer 3

Man, you got lucky. Thank goodness for that. I don't know about AR, but it would seem to me that you could be guilty of leaving the scene without trading information. The fact that there were no serious injuries or damage may be immaterial, your car caused all the commotion. Hydroplaning could be interperated as you were driving too fast for the conditions or that your tires were too worn.

Contact your insurance company and see what they recommend. Remember, they work for you and their first consideration is that you did nothing wrong until proven otherwise.

Answer 4

You caused the situation, it was an accident.