Motor vehicle accidents are an unfortunate part of driving on NSW and Queensland’s busy roads. Often, they cannot be avoided as there are many negligent drivers who do not pay full attention to traffic conditions. Some of the most common causes of a motor vehicle accident are being hit by a driver:
- under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- who is distracted by an electronic device like a phone, or when eating or drinking;
- who is fatigued.
Any driver who does not pay full attention to driving may cause a serious accident leading to severe, life changing injuries to victims as well as expensive damage to the motor vehicle/s. If you have been the unfortunate victim of a car accident you may have the right to claim personal injury compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurer. The claim is filed against the compulsory 3rd party (CTP) insurer of the owner of the vehicle who caused the accident. If the claim is successful the compensation should cover the following:
- lost wages since the accident happened and future lost wages as well until you are able to return to work;
- medical treatment, including rehabilitation costs, such as physiotherapy to help restore your health;
- damages calculated for the unexpected pain and suffering endured due to the accident;
- the cost of repairs to the damaged vehicle.
At Main Lawyers we ensure you get the full value of your personal injury claim including the repair or replacement of your vehicle. This helps to make sure you do not suffer financially as a result of an accident that was not your fault.
Time limits for making a claim
Even if you are seriously injured and you are unable to pursue a personal injury claim until you have recovered sufficiently, you are still subject to the deadlines imposed for serving a claim. Legislation in most states, including Queensland and New South Wales, requires that you lodge a Notice of Accident Claim Form (or equivalent) with the at-fault driver’s insurer within 6 months (in NSW) and 9 months (in QLD) of the accident date or within one month of consulting a personal injury lawyer in QLD about filing a claim, whichever is the earlier date. There are also requirements to report any injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident to the Police within 28 days. If you fail to lodge a notification or claim within these time frames, you will have to provide an acceptable explanation which could result in your claim being rejected because you have failed to comply with the deadline.
Hiring a Brisbane lawyer for a personal injury claim
for both your injury, the loss of any personal effects in the accident as well as damage to your vehicle. We ensure that we negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurer to get the most compensation possible so you don’t suffer financial hardship in a motor vehicle accident that was not your fault. We ensure your claim is filed before the deadline so that you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us for your free initial consultation.
