Motor vehicle accidents: texting and driving

03/06/2019

Using a mobile phone while driving is distracting, increasing your chance of being involved in a crash. If you have been in a road accident contact Gordon Legal today. Let our TAC lawyers help you navigate the complexity of a TAC claim.

Are you driving? Put your phone away.

Today, TAC launched a confronting campaign targeting texting motorists. Using a mobile phone while driving is distracting, increasing your chance of being involved in a crash. With Victoria’s road death toll already exceeding that of 2018, TAC’s campaign focuses on a rising contributor to death on the road. Mobile phone use is the new drink driving.

Mobile phones are an integral part of life for most Victorians. So much so that despite it being illegal for drivers to touch a phone while driving, it is clear that many still do. Alarmingly, one-in-three drivers and one-in-two younger drivers admit to using their phones while behind the wheel.

Driving is an inherently dangerous activity with plenty of distractions both inside and outside the vehicle. Using a phone just adds to the risk of road crash. If you glance at your phone for a mere two seconds while driving 50km/hr, you’re driving blind for 30 meters – plenty of time and distance to get into a car accident and cause serious injury to yourself and others on the road.

What happens if I text and drive and get into a road accident?

In Victoria, texting or talking on a mobile phone is illegal. If you text and drive and get into a car accident you may be sued in negligence by those who suffered harm in the crash, or you may face criminal charges by the police.

Can I get compensation if I suffer injury from a road accident?

If you have suffered injury from a car accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. However, if you were the cause of a car accident resulting in injuries and the police have charged you for a criminal offence, then you may not have access to all compensation you would otherwise be entitled to. If you have been in a car accident where someone has been injured, we recommend you seek legal advice about your rights as soon as possible.

Car accidents can have lifelong consequences. Our expert motor vehicle accident lawyers understand the human toll road accidents have, not only on those involved but the ripple effects on their families and the wider community. For us every case is personal and you come first. Contact us today to speak to one of our friendly and experienced lawyers.

Herald Sun story here