Originally Posted by
Steve Hamlin
Especially in an accident. . .
-Caruso
While I agree with your sentiment regarding a rush to judgment, words have meaning. . .and the initial reports in the Albuquerque press termed this an "accident." As noted in the movie Hot Fuzz -- they are collisions until a determination is made.
Why should a comedy movie point out this subtle truth?
In American English, the term "accident" can be used as a synonym for a collision, particularly when involving automobiles.
But even if you want to play semantic games and insist on using the primary meaning of "accident", the usage is accurate unless you believe the collision may have been expected or intentional.