VIC Minor Car Accident When Changing Lanes- Who is at Fault?

[Cherrypip]

Who is at fault under traffic law?

I was in a right hand turning lane, the arrow changed to red so I indicated left, there was plenty of distance between myself and the car in the next lane, but he sped up, and side swiped me. Barely any damage to mine, barely any damage to his but the crooks are saying it's up to $2k.

 

[Doohan]

Who is at fault under traffic law?

I was in a right hand turning lane, the arrow changed to red so I indicated left, there was plenty of distance between myself and the car in the next lane, but he sped up, and side swiped me. Barely any damage to mine, barely any damage to his but the crooks are saying it's up to $2k.

As long as you didn't cross an unbroken white line on the road and it was legal to change lanes and they came from behind you. I'd say they are at fault for not giving away to merging traffic if you were in front of them with your indicator on .

 

[Clancy]

If you could prove the other car sped up with the intent to hit you, then that is a very serious offense on their part. If you cannot prove they did that, and it is just your word against theirs, then you are going to be the one in the wrong for failing to change lanes safely.

The most common thing all motorists encounter frequently are idiots changing lanes carelessly.... it is less common for people to drive around looking for an opportunity to speed up to block someone else, but common enough. But either way, you are the one who wants to change lanes, therefore the bulk of the responsibility to do it safely is on you and not simply assume other cars will take action to avoid you like all these other careless lane changes assume every day they drive on the roads.....

*its called defensive driving, which means not assuming other cars are always going to do the right thing* What that means is when you want to change lanes, or pull out from a give way/stop sign.... for heavens sake ask yourself what will happen if that car is not paying attention to slow down for you?

I can tell you where i do frequently see motorists speed up just to aggravate other drivers..... on country roads at overtaking lanes!!!