Unfortunately, it is very likely to experience a car accident and even worse, due to the accident, you might suffer economic loss and physical and/or psychological injury. Regardless of whether you were the passenger, the cyclist, the biker or the driver that suffered injuries due to the accident, you are entitled to claim compensation. You can lodge a claim either by yourself or with the help of a car accident compensation lawyer.
What Can I Claim?
Regardless of who was at fault, one can benefit from income support payments and medical treatment expenses. The income support payments will be a percentage of your pre-accident income. By the State Insurance Regulatory Authority’s (SIRA) numbers:
- Maximum of 95% of your pre-accident income can be benefitted for the first 13 weeks
- After 14 weeks, the maximum will be 85% depending on your earning capacity
Depending on whether or not you were not wholly at fault and if your injuries were not minor, you can also claim compensation for:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Past and future loss of income
- Loss of superannuation entitlements
- Compensation for non-economic loss such as pain and suffering, loss of amenities of life, loss of expectation of life and disfigurement
- Benefit payments for domestic and personal care (help around the house)
- Lump sum payment if your injuries are assessed as permanent impairment and determined as being 10% or greater
What to Do After a Car Accident?
1. Obtain the details of the other vehicle involved in the accident and report it to the police as soon as possible. After you report the accident to the police, call your insurer and notify them about the accident. Once you notify the relevant insurer, they can approve a GP visit and 2 treatment sessions without needing to obtain any documents.
2. Request a ‘certificate of capacity’ from your doctor. This paperwork is critical to have if you will be off work due to the accident.
3. Gather all the relevant documents that you think will speed up the process as well as your certificate of capacity and a copy of your recent payslip and submit a claim. You can submit your claim online or with a lawyer to get help with maximising your compensation.
4. If you and the insurer fail to reach to an agreement, you can request assistance from an experienced car accident lawyer.
What Does CTP Mean?
CTP means Compulsory Third-Party insurance, also known as Green Slip Insurance. Every driver is obliged to have CTP insurance to be able to register a vehicle. CTP will cover you, your passengers and anyone else in the vehicle or anyone injured by your vehicle.
Should I Hire a Lawyer?
Although you don’t have to hire a lawyer there are definitely more advantages than disadvantageous. They have experience, knowledge and the ability to claim the maximum compensation you are entitled too. They also know the time limits, doctors and what types of evidence is required to best prove and support your claim for compensation. Most lawyers also work on a no win no fee basis which means you will not pay for legal costs but rather they will be deducted from the compensation you receive from the insurer.
