Melbourne's crash hotspots and what Victorian drivers need to know if they're injured

In summary

Victoria’s dominance on Australia’s crash hotspot list shows that road accidents are a common reality for Victorian motorists, particularly on busy metropolitan and suburban roads where traffic congestion, driver distraction, and split-second errors can quickly lead to a collision. While many accidents may appear minor at first, they can still result in injuries that affect your health, work, and daily life.

If you've been injured in a road accident, it's important to seek medical attention, understand the support available through the TAC, and get advice about your rights as early as possible.

Having the right information can help you focus on what matters most: your recovery.

Victoria is home to nine of Australia's 10 busiest crash hotspots, according to the latest AAMI Crash Index, with Springvale Road in Glen Waverley now ranking as the nation's most collision-prone road.

While the findings highlight the challenges of driving on some of Melbourne's busiest roads, they also serve as an important reminder that road accidents can happen to anyone.

Many accidents occur during everyday journeys to work, school or home. And even when a collision seems minor, the effects can be significant, particularly if you've been injured.

Most crashes happen in everyday driving situations

The AAMI Crash Index found that common incidents such as rear-end collisions, failure-to-give-way crashes, and collisions with stationary objects continue to account for many road injury insurance claims. Often, these crashes happen during busy commutes or in heavy traffic when drivers are:

following too closely
braking too late
misjudging a turn or gap in traffic
reacting to changing traffic conditions
being distracted

Melbourne's worst crash hotspots

According to the 2026 AAMI Crash Index, Melbourne dominated the national rankings, with nine of the top 10 crash hotspots in Australia located across the city. The most common crash type on most of these roads was nose-to-tail collisions, highlighting the risks associated with heavy traffic, congestion, and stop-start driving.

Springvale Road, Glen Waverley
Worst intersection: Springvale Road & Ferntree Gully Road
Plenty Road, Bundoora
Worst intersection: Plenty Road & Settlement Road
Doncaster Road, Doncaster
Worst intersection: Doncaster Road & Elgar Road
Maroondah Highway, Ringwood
Worst intersection: Maroondah Highway & Dublin Road
Sydney Road, Campbellfield
Worst intersection: Sydney Road & Mahoneys Road
Bell Street, Preston
Worst intersection: Bell Street & Albert Street
Cooper Street, Epping
Worst intersection: Cooper Street & High Street
Nepean Highway, Cheltenham
Worst intersection: Nepean Highway & Bay Road
Stud Road, Rowville
Worst intersection: Stud Road & Wellington Road

The impact of a crash isn't always obvious straight away

Not every road accident involves high speeds or major vehicle damage. But that doesn't mean people walk away unharmed. Even relatively minor collisions can lead to injuries such as:

whiplash
neck and back injuries
shoulder injuries
concussion
psychological injuries, including anxiety and trauma after a crash

It's also common for symptoms to develop hours or even days later.

If you've been involved in a road accident, seeking medical attention is an important first step. Early treatment can support your recovery and also help make sure any injuries are properly documented.

If you've been injured, support may be available

In Victoria, people injured in transport accidents may be entitled to benefits through the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), regardless of who caused the accident. Depending on your circumstances, support may be available for:

medical and rehabilitation expenses
lost income
ongoing care and treatment needs
small lump sum compensation
common law compensation in cases involving serious injury and negligence

Understanding what support is available can feel overwhelming when you're already dealing with the physical and emotional effects of an accident. That's why it's important to get clear information about your options as early as possible.

Steps to take after a road accident

If you've been injured in a road accident, there are practical steps you can take to help protect your health and your rights:

seek medical treatment as soon as possible
if you have been injured, report the accident to police
take photos of the scene and vehicle damage if it's safe to do so
collect witness and driver details
keep records of your medical treatment and expenses
lodge a TAC claim
seek advice if you're unsure about what support may be available

You don't need to make immediate decisions about engaging a lawyer to represent you. However, understanding your rights early on by seeking advice can make things easier if your injuries turn out to be more serious than initially expected.

We're here to help after a road accident

A road accident can turn your life upside down. Between medical appointments, time away from work, and the uncertainty of what's ahead, it's not always easy to know where to turn.

We’ve helped Australians navigate the road injury claims process for decades. We can explain your options, answer your questions, and help you understand whether you may be entitled to compensation.

We offer a free initial consultation, with no obligation to proceed. Need to speak to us sooner? Call us on 1800 111 222.

Frequently asked questions about road accident injuries

Your health should be the priority. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. If it's safe to do so, gather information about the accident, including photos, witness details and details of the other driver. Keeping records of your treatment and expenses can also be helpful. If you have been injured, we also suggest lodging a TAC claim as soon as possible.

Yes. In Victoria, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) can provide benefits to people injured in transport accidents regardless of who was at fault. Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to support for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost income. You may also be entitled to compensation.

Time limits apply to TAC claims, so it's important to act as soon as possible after an accident. In some situations, extensions may be available. Seeking advice early can help you understand the deadlines that apply to your circumstances.

A road accident can cause a wide range of physical and psychological injuries. There is no definitive list of injuries that can be claimed; however, injuries may include whiplash, neck and back injuries, fractures, concussion, chronic pain and psychological injuries such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress.

Yes. It's not uncommon for symptoms to appear hours, days or even weeks after a crash. That's why it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible and continue monitoring your symptoms. A medical record can help establish when your injuries first became apparent.

Property damage insurance does not affect your right to make a TAC claim. However, some exclusions may apply depending on the circumstances of the accident. Legal advice can help you understand your rights and how they apply to your situation.

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