What is the definition of unintentional torts in relation to negligence?

Unintentional torts primarily refer to actions that result in harm due to negligence, where the individual did not intend to cause injury. The key aspect of unintentional torts is that they arise from careless acts that breach a duty of care owed to another person, leading to damages or injury. In a negligence scenario, an individual fails to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would under similar circumstances, resulting in unintended harm.

For example, if a driver fails to stop at a red light and causes an accident, they are engaging in an unintentional tort because their actions were not meant to cause harm, but their carelessness led to injuries or property damage. This concept highlights the significance of breach of duty in the framework of tort law, distinguishing it from intentional torts, where the intent to cause harm is present.

Understanding unintentional torts is crucial in the context of insurance, as it confines liability to situations where negligent actions occur without malicious intent, significantly influencing coverage and claims related to personal injury and property damage.