According to official statistics, in New South Wales alone in 2008, there were 6.5 deaths per 100,000 people. Car accidents resulting in death or serious injury and property damage are very common events. In New South Wales and most states of Australia, there are compulsory third party insurance schemes which mean that it is mandatory for every car that is registered to drive on public roads to have adequate insurance cover in the event that death, injury or property damage is caused to a third party. This regulation protects society from the cost of driving on the road when there is the risk of an accident which is not your fault but could still cause you very serious harm or destroy your vehicle. Because of the system of insurance which is in place in Australia, it is also possible to obtain compensation from drivers of vehicles when they are driving irresponsibly through their insurers, or in some cases against them personally. The major piece of legislation in New South Wales which allows this is the Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 (NSW).
This Act sets out the system of no fault accidents, regulates insurance premiums and policies and makes CTP insurance compulsory for all registered vehicles. It also sets out the law in relation to the injuries which can be claimed in relation to motor vehicle accidents including the requirements for a medical assessment of the injuries when making a claim and the limitations on claims and the award of damages. The act was amended in order to cap the amounts that could be claimed in an attempt to contain insurance costs during the time of the Carr Government in New South Wales. The Act also provides for the establishment of the New South Wales Motor Accident Authority. If you have a question about the operation of motor vehicle accident law and would like to know if you can obtain compensation, we have car accident lawyers available who can answer your questions about these matters. They are available online now and should respond almost instantly to you.
