The Transport Accident Commission (TAC)
Every registered vehicle in Australia has third party insurance included in their registration to ensure compensation is available in the unfortunate event of an accident occurring. In Victoria, this is done through the TAC.
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The TAC may not automatically pay your full benefits or compensation. If you want to make sure your interests are truly protected, you should seek independent legal advice.
That's why we recommend you call us soon after your accident and why we offer an obligation free initial appointment.
At Slater and Gordon, we have over 80 years' experience in fighting, and winning, cases like yours. We’ll ensure your best interests are put first. We can assist with upfront costs by offering a No Win – No Fee payment arrangement* - so you don’t have to worry about paying our legal fees unless we win your case.
It's our belief that Australians deserve access to expert legal advice and we are committed to finding financial solutions for our clients so justice can be achieved.
How we can help you with you TAC claim
- Our TAC Lawyers specialised experts can work with you to evaluate your needs and entitlements. You’ll know if your case has been correctly assessed by the TAC.
- We can help you maximise your TAC claim in a timely and efficient manner, by advising and assisting you with the process from start to end.
- We can ensure that documents are lodged on time and with accuracy, while providing thorough updates at every stage of your TAC claim process.
- We will advise you of the strict time limits that apply to seeking TAC compensation.
- We will be able to dispute any unreasonable TAC decision.
What to do immediately following your accident
If anyone is injured at the scene of your accident, call the police and/or ambulance.
Swap personal details with the other parties including name, address, telephone number, driver's licence number, registration number and insurance details.
Record the circumstances including location, date and time, and take photographs if possible.
Ask witnesses for contact details including name, address and telephone number.
If you were injured on a train, bus or tram you should report the accident to the train, bus or tram company.
- Provide your doctor with details about how you were injured.
- Ensure that you report all injuries, no matter how minor they may seem.
- Ask your doctor to complete a TAC medical certificate detailing all of your injuries, any incapacity you have for work and any treatment or services you may require as a result of your injuries.
The TAC will ask you for details regarding the accident and will then send a claim form to you.
Caution: If you do not lodge your completed TAC claim form with the TAC within 12 months of the accident, your TAC claim may be rejected.
Find out what to do if your TAC payments have been stopped or claim rejected
Find out if you have a claim. It only takes 3 minutes.
Find out where you stand with an obligation free initial appointment with one of our lawyers. Answer a few simple questions today, and book your appointment now.
After your claim
'No fault' benefits
Once your claim is accepted you may be entitled to a range of “No fault” benefits. These are available no matter who was at fault and can include: medical and rehabilitation expenses, income payment and a lump sum impairment benefit for permanent injuries. These benefits may be payable in addition to other entitlements available.
Further compensation entitlements
If the accident was not your fault and you have suffered a permanent injury you may also be entitled to further compensation from the TAC for pain and suffering and loss of income. You maybe lodge a common law claim to seek additional compensation if another party’s negligence caused the accident.
What you may be entitled to
Medical and other expenses
The TAC can pay for the reasonable cost of medical and other expenses you require as a result of the transport accident. These expenses can include:
Doctor, specialist, allied health providers such as physiotherapists, pharmaceutical expenses prescribed by your doctor
Hospital bills
Ambulance bills
Reasonable travel expenses to / from medical appointments
Home help, domestic assistance and gardening services
Child care
Rehabilitation services
Help returning to work or re-training
Home and vehicle modifications
Disability services
Attendant care
Family counselling
Travelling and accommodation expenses for a spouse / dependent children in certain circumstances
Income Payment
If you are unable to work due to injuries from the accident, you may be able to claim income benefits from the TAC after the first five days you are off work. You can also make a claim if, as a result of your injuries, you can only work part-time or reduced hours.
These benefits are payable for up to three years after the accident unless your impairment reaches a 50% threshold. In this case, TAC benefits may be payable until retirement age.