Australian drivers are legally required to have Compulsory Third Party Insurance, a type of insurance that provides monetary relief for anyone injured in a road traffic accident. 

This insurance provides compensation for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or cyclists involved in a motor vehicle accident. It allows injured parties to claim against the liable party’s insurance provider. 

No two claims are the same, but some hard and fast rules dictate the process, which will help you understand how best to proceed if you’ve been injured in an accident. While the claims process isn’t complicated, there is a lot to understand about making a successful claim.

Motor Vehicle Compensation

    Motor Vehicle Compensation provides cover for medical expenses and loss of wages. If there are severe injuries, compensation may cover the loss of future income and pain and suffering.

    You can file a CTP Insurance claim for MVC against the relevant insurer, whether you were at fault or not.

    Your responsibility is to provide relevant information about the injuries you sustained in the accident and any evidence that supports your compensation claim, including medical and ambulance reports. 

    Road traffic or motor vehicle accidents don’t only impact the drivers or passengers in the vehicle. These accidents often impact cyclists and pedestrians as well. If there’s an accident involving a moving vehicle, someone has CTP Insurance.

    The Claims Process 

      The length of the motor vehicle compensation claims process varies from claim to claim.

      Ultimately, it depends on the complexity of the claim, but most are resolved within 2 years. 

      Your motor vehicle compensation lawyer will work to achieve the best outcome possible, and as quickly as possible. Ultimately, the claim will be processed more quickly if you have provided a wealth of evidence they can’t argue with. 

      Another factor for claims is long-term health. If there are serious injuries, legal teams want to ensure they are stable before proceeding with a claim. It’s important to understand the long-term scope of injuries and assess the risk for complications that may add weight to your claim and ensure a larger compensation payment. 

      The claims process won’t begin until you consult a legal expert. While you can technically claim compensation without a lawyer, it’s wise to wait until you’ve spoken to a professional who can lead you through the process. 

      If your accident requires a medical stay, you may be assigned a patient liaison officer. They will process the insurance paperwork and make the insurer and authorities aware that the accident took place. In these cases, a medical professional may advise you to speak with a lawyer about pursuing compensation. The sooner you contact a lawyer for advice, the better. Waiting too long can make getting records difficult, and your memory of the incident will deteriorate. 

      Your lawyer will want to know as many details of the accident as possible, including the how, what, when, and where. They will ask about the events leading up to the accident and whether any of the involved parties was under the influence. They will also ask about your injury status, whether you have returned to work, and anything else deemed relevant. The lawyer will also want to gather reports from the police and ambulance crew and any witness statements. 

      From there, a lawyer can offer concrete advice on what steps should be taken next. If there are questions about liability, an expert report may be required to bolster your case. 

      Additionally, the lawyer should be able to provide you with a rough estimate of what your claim may be worth. 

      How AJB Stevens Can Help 

        You have 28 days from the date of the accident to file a claim and three months for the final lodgment. That’s why it’s wise to reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible. The quicker you start the process, the easier it will be to navigate. 

        CTP claims are generally settled without the need for court. A skilled lawyer will do everything to avoid that stressful outcome. If your claim is refused, a lawyer can advise you whether your case is strong enough to stand up in court. 

        If you have recently been injured in a motor vehicle accident, the AJB Stevens team can help you navigate the claims process. We are happy to listen to your case and determine where you stand. Get in touch to schedule a consultation to discuss your case and your options.