The unfortunate reality is, vehicle accidents are a common occurrence here in Australia, and they can happen to anyone and at any time whether it’s from the driver’s wrong-doing or someone else’s negligence. Here are the most common causes of vehicle accidents here in Queensland.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is the number one cause of motor vehicle accidents, not only here in Queensland but across the globe. It’s a prevalent issue that takes hundreds of lives every year. Distraction can come in many forms, such as eating and driving, looking at something as you pass by it, or noisy kids in the background, however, the most common cause of distracted driving is mobile phone use, it can be using it for directions, texting, calling, or checking social media, all it takes is a lapse in concentration only momentarily, and an accident can happen. To drive safely, the driver needs to be alert and aware of their surroundings, being distracted compromises the mind’s ability to do this effectively. While you may not be distracted, that doesn’t mean that other drivers aren’t and unfortunately many become victims of other people’s poor judgement.
Speeding
Speeding accounts for a high number of road accidents, with nearly 50 people losing their lives to this last year in Queensland. Some don’t even realise they are speeding, whereas others do it intentionally, either way, it can inhibit the driver’s response time and driving performance. Speeding isn’t always driving over the legal speed limit, it can also be when a driver isn’t driving to the conditions, for example, heavy rain that makes it unsafe to drive at the normal speed. Speeding can affect a drivers vision as they cannot see potential danger as quickly, the faster the driver is going, the harder they are going to crash.
Nose To Tail Collisions
Nose to tail accidents occur daily here in Queensland, and they are one of the most common causes of car crashes. Rushing and tailgating the driver in front is the main reason this happens. The driver behind is typically too close to the one in front, and if the driver in front has to slow down quickly, the driver behind doesn’t have a chance to stop in time and will usually crash into the back of the car in front. When this happens on a motorway, it will often have a domino effect and become a multi-vehicle accident. This can result in multiple casualties, and at highway speeds, the outcome is much poorer than if the incident occurred at a lower speed. Drivers should always maintain a 3-second gap between themselves and the car ahead to minimise the chances of being involved in a nose to tail collision.
Driving Under The Influence
Despite the Queensland Government amping up drink and drug driving campaigns over recent years, it hasn’t been enough to deter some drivers from taking the gamble and getting behind the wheel when they’re under the influence. 1 in 5 drivers in the sunshine state tested positive for having a relevant drug in their system or driving whilst over the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limit. Those driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol are at higher risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident and are more likely to injury other motorists and pedestrians. Being under the influence impairs a drivers judgement, vision, concentration, and reflexes. While tougher penalties continue to be enforced, people are still risking their lives and others by driving when they are under the influence.
Failing To Give Way
As a driver, we all must give way when necessary, however, some drivers fail to do this, whether it’s from impatience or simply not knowing who has the right of way. It happens all too often, cars get damaged, and people can get seriously injured from this type of accident. If a driver fails to give way to a pedestrian, this can cause catastrophic injuries. This commonly happens when the driver is looking around and doesn’t see the pedestrian, once they realise there is someone there, it is too late, and they’ve already hit them.
What Happens When You Are Injured In An Accident That Was Not Your Fault?
If you have been involved in a car accident and it was due to another driver’s negligence, you can claim compensation through the drivers compulsory third party insurer (CTP insurance) to cover costs associated with your recovery, such as medical bills and loss of income, both present and into the future. All registered vehicles in Queensland have mandatory CTP included in the price of their registration, so if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation, the driver’s CTP will cover expenses related to your injury.
When To Seek Legal Advice
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident that wasn’t your fault or only partially your fault, get in touch with our senior injury lawyers here at SouthEast Injury Lawyers to discuss your options. Our expert team specialise in this area of the law and have helped hundreds of Queensland locals get on the road to recovery after a motor vehicle accident without having to worry about the financial burdens that come with it. We offer obligation-free consultations and can advise you of your rights and whether you have a good case for compensation or not. Get in contact today!
