An Informative Guide to Car Accidents in Brisbane

Brisbane is a huge city that is home to the most people in Queensland, and with such a dense population, a higher number of car accidents are inevitable, unfortunately. If you have been involved in an accident here in Brisbane, you may be entitled to compensation to help you with the costs associated with your recovery. Here is what you should know:

What Protection Do Brisbane Drivers Have?

Here in Queensland, drivers must pay for compulsory third party (CTP) insurance when renewing their vehicle registration. It is included in the total cost, and it protects drivers if they are injured in a car accident that was someone else’s fault. CTP covers expenses such as medical bills, loss of income and ongoing treatments.

Some Road Incidents that CTP Covers:

• All drivers involved in an accident that was not their fault.
• Road users that have been injured by a driver including pedestrians and cyclists.
• Passengers involved in accidents.
• Motorcyclists.

The Most Common Cause of motor Vehicle Accidents in Brisbane

While you can do everything right in the book when it comes to driving, you can’t control what other drivers are doing. Here are the most common causes of accidents here in Brisbane:

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car crashes here in the Sunshine State. Mobile phone use makes up a large number of these incidents, however, many things can cause a driver to become distracted, including seeing something when they are driving by, eating, or a car full of people and noise.

Speed is another leading cause of car accidents. It can prevent a driver from reacting in time to stop a collision from occurring. Speeding is not only defined as driving faster than the speed limit, but it can also be failing to drive to the conditions. For example, if it is raining heavily and you are unable to see the road in front of you properly you should slow down rather than continue to travel at the usual speed as it is unsafe given the current conditions.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs continues to be a main cause of accidents. It impairs a drivers ability to react on time, it can affect vision, judgement, reflexes and so much more. Those who drive while under the influence are more inclined to partake in risky behaviour and fall asleep behind the wheel.

Most Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents

The range of injuries a victim can sustain from a car accident is vast, here are some of the most common ones:

• Whiplash
• Back and spinal injuries
• Fractures
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Lacerations
• Brain injuries
• Head and neck injuries

Most Common Types of Car Accidents

These are the most common types of car accidents in Brisbane:

• Multi-vehicle accidents
• Rear-end collisions
• Intersection crashes

Do you Need to Notify the Police if you have Been Involved in a Car Accident?

Yes, if vehicles have been damaged, property, someone has been injured or dies, you need to notify the police, although if you are seriously injured, you may not be able to, and the other driver or passers-by will need to. Police will come to the scene and gather information from the crash site, witnesses and the other driver. It’s a criminal offence to withhold or give false or misleading information to the police about a traffic accident.

Claiming Against the Other Driver for Damages to Your Vehicle

If the accident was caused solely or even partially by the other driver, you can make a claim against them for expenses relating to the damage. If your vehicle is repairable, you’ll need to get a quote in writing from a trade professional. It should include the costs required for both labour and parts. Having a few quotes can help to verify that the monetary amount you are claiming is fair. If your car is beyond repair or the repairs will cost more than the car itself, you will need to obtain two professional valuations.

When to Speak to A Personal Injury Lawyer

People that are injured in a car accident through no fault of their own are entitled to claim compensation for damages. It is best to speak to a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can after the accident, as strict time limits apply. Here are some things you may be able to claim for:

• Loss of income and the ongoing impacts it will place on your income.
• Damages for pain and suffering.
• Medical costs.
• Rehabilitation now and ongoing.
• Travel to and from medical appointments.
• Carer needed either paid or volunteer to help with your recovery.
• Medical equipment and supplies.

If you were working at the time of the incident, you may be able to make a claim through Workcover. Your lawyer can explain how much you can expect to be compensated given the extent of your injuries and the impacts it has placed on your life.

Here at South East Injury Lawyers, we help victims of car accidents every day get the compensation they deserve to recover and get back to some sense of normal post-injury. We work on a “no win, no fee” basis so, if we don’t win, you don’t pay! With our obligation-free 30-minute consultation we can help you ascertain whether you have a good case for compensation or not. Contact us today to get started.