An unforeseen event, occurring without the will or design of the person whose mere act causes it, is known as an accident.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) An accident, in law, is distinguished from negligence by the absence of design or fault — cite this definition to distinguish unavoidable misfortune from actionable carelessness.

Where this applies

• A tree falls on a parked car during a storm — the owner of the tree is not liable because the event was unforeseeable and occurred without any intent or negligence.
• A hunter's stray bullet ricochets off a rock and strikes a hiker a mile away — the injury was an accident because it occurred without the hunter's will or design despite his lawful act of shooting.
• A construction worker drops a tool that bounces unpredictably and damages a passing car — the event qualifies as an accident because the harm was unforeseen and unintended.