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 accident and file a police report. Filing a police report is a vital part of your claim after a motor vehicle accident. By making a police report, you are protecting your legal rights and entitlements.
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 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.
You'll need to make a claim with the regulatory body or Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurer in your state.
Caution: Strict time limits usually apply.
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 for permanent injuries. These benefits may be payable in addition to other entitlements available.
Learn more about no fault and at fault compensation schemes.
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 state insurance body for pain and suffering and loss of income. You should seek legal advice to maximise your entitlements. If you do not fully recover from your injuries despite having treatment, it is important to seek legal advice.
Entitlements
Medical and other expenses
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
Domestic care and cleaning services through a commercial cleaner
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. You may also be able to make a claim if, as a result of your injuries, you can only work part-time or reduced hours.
We are the original No Win, No Fee* Motor vehicle accident lawyers
This means that if you don’t win, you don’t pay the fees for the work we do on your case.
Get in touch with us today
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, including assisting with the management of upfront costs. 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 affordable expert legal advice and we are committed to finding financial solutions for our clients so justice can be achieved.
How we can help
- Our specialised experts can work with you to evaluate your needs and entitlements. You’ll know if your case has been correctly assessed.
- We can help you maximise your 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 claims process.
- We will advise you of the strict time limits that apply to seeking compensation.
- We will be able to dispute any unreasonable decision.
