in a serious car accident

[angliholic]

Ted had a serious car accident.
Ted was in a serious car accident.



Are the above two statements about the same in meaning? Thanks.

[Anglika]

The first implies that he was in some way involved personally in the accident [i.e. he was the driver]; the other merely indicates that he was one of the victims of an accident.

[angliholic]

Thanks, Anglika.
I couldn't sense the difference, though.

[Anglika]

How about looking at it this way:

Ted had = Ted was active in causing the accident
Ted was in = Ted was passive - the accident happened to him.

[angliholic]

Thanks, Anglika.
Now I get it.