Posted on 29 Nov 2023
Know your rights if you’re using public or private transportation services whilst heading out this summer
By Slater and Gordon
Summer is here, and there are plenty of reasons to enjoy a day out.
This time of year is filled with festivals, weddings, and end-of-year work events that you’ll need to travel to. Whether you're driving, using public transport, or private transport to reach your destination, we want you to travel safely.
Transport accidents are a leading cause of hospitalisations and deaths , and tragically in Victoria the road toll is the highest it’s been in 15 years. That’s why it’s important to both exercise extreme caution regardless of whether you’re a passenger or driver and be aware of what to do if you’re injured.
Type of common injuries
We've sadly seen the impact motor vehicle accident injuries can have on someone's life. Injuries can result from dangerous acceleration or deceleration, collisions, faulty facilities, or slipping hazards and range from minor to catastrophic, and can include:
A brain injury
Spinal cord injuries
Fractures
Whiplash
Soft tissue injuries
Nervous shock/psychological injuries
Scarring
What to do if an accident occurs?
If you are injured in a road vehicle accident, seek appropriate medical treatment immediately.
After the accident or at the scene if possible:
- Report the incident to the public transport operator OR private vehicle operator responsible for the service.
- Obtain details of any witnesses.
- Phone the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) on 1300 654 329 (VIC only) within 12 months of your injury to report the accident and lodge a TAC claim.
- Speak to us for expert legal advice on your entitlement to medical expenses, loss of wages and lump sum public transport accident compensation.
Learn more about what to expect.
Learn more about what do if you’ve been injured on public transport.
No Win No Fee* Lawyers
We introduced No Win No Fee to Australia back in 1994, so that more people could afford access to high quality legal services. To put it simply, if we don't win your claim, you won't be charged for our legal fees.
Learn MorePrivate transport for large events
Hiring private transportation can be a cost-effective way to get to your event and reduce the need for multiple drivers, especially where alcohol will be involved. When hiring transportation for large events like weddings, here are some safety measures to consider:
- Verify Driver Credentials: Ensure that the transportation service conducts proper background checks on their drivers. Verify that the drivers have valid licenses, appropriate training, and experience in handling large events.
- Plan for Adequate Capacity: Assess the number of attendees and transportation needs to ensure that the chosen vehicles can accommodate everyone comfortably. Overcrowding can pose safety risks, so it's important to choose vehicles that allow for sufficient space and seating for all passengers.
Learn more if you have been injured whilst traveling to an event or public venue.
If you’ve been injured
Getting injured in a road accident can be life-changing, but you are entitled to support to assist you in your recovery. One of the most important things to do right now is to act quickly. Time limits apply and a claim for compensation must be lodged as soon as possible.
Learn more about how to make a claim .
Get in touch with us as soon as you can, and we can help you with your next steps.
Heading out and unsure what to do when injured?
We’ve created this handy resource for you.
The contents of this blog post are considered accurate as at the date of publication. However the applicable laws may be subject to change, thereby affecting the accuracy of the article. The information contained in this blog post is of a general nature only and is not specific to anyone’s personal circumstances. Please seek legal advice before acting on any of the information contained in this post.
