To have or to be involved in an accident (commonly used for being in a traffic accident or similar mishap).
昨夜、友達が駅前で交通事故にあったと聞いた。
I heard that a friend was in a traffic accident in front of the station last night.
運転中は集中して、事故にあわないように気をつけてください。
Please stay focused while driving and be careful not to get into an accident.
小さなミスが原因で大きな事故にあうこともある。
A small mistake can sometimes lead to a serious accident.