Every day many Australians drive cars and other vehicles using shared roads. Naturally accidents occur that cause harm to vehicles, property and people. It is for this reason that our vehicles and the way we drive are heavily regulated. There are laws that cover driver behaviour such as drink driving laws and speed limits. In addition there are laws that cover what happens when there has been an accident.

Compensation may be payable for vehicle or property damage and injury to a person. In the case of damage to a car or other property the cost to fix the damage is usually payable by the person who caused the accident or their insurer. A statutory authority such as the Transport Accident Commission in Victoria or the Motor Accidents Authority in New South Wales may compensate for injury caused to a person in a traffic accident.

Disputes can occur regarding who is responsible for the compensation or how much compensation is payable. Those disputes may be resolved between parties such as where two insurers come to an agreement regarding the dispute. However if an agreement is not reached a party may wish to commence legal proceedings against the other party in court. Strict time limits apply when suing for compensation. If you wish to take action you should keep these timeframes in mind.

This Legal Guide on Vehicle & Motor Accident Law provides you with information about what to do if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident. Before making important decisions it is advisable to obtain legal advice specific to your situation. LegalEagle’s™ free directory profiles all lawyers in Australia. You can use it to Find a Lawyer near you.

Please select from our Articles, FAQ and Questions & Answers sections all written by experienced lawyers. Our Glossary helps explain the meaning of any words you are unsure about. You can also Ask a Lawyer a question yourself. It is free and anonymous.

Warning: Information provided through LegalEagle™ is for general guidance. It is not legal advice. Laws and procedures referred to may change and differ between states, territories and nationally. There may also be important exceptions or qualifications. Only a lawyer providing formal legal advice can assess your particular circumstances to determine how the law will apply.