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Who is eligible to make a car accident claim?

If you’ve been injured on the road, you could be entitled to car accident compensation. You may be eligible to make a claim if: 

  • you were injured while on the road, whether you are a driver, passenger, or pedestrian.
  • someone you were dependent on is fatally injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle.

If you're unsure whether you may be eligible to make a car accident claim for compensation, use our free claim check tool to find out. 

What's involved in making a car accident claim?

The process for making a car accident claim will depend on the state or territory in which the car accident occurred, as they all have different laws and road accident schemes.

A car accident lawyer will be able to help you understand which compensation schemes apply and can help you with your car accident insurance claim. Generally speaking, you'll need to:

  • Report the car accident to the police. We can help you do this if you haven't already.
  • Get a medical certificate to support your claim, preferably from your own doctor. 

Our car accident lawyers will then fill out and submit a claim form with the relevant insurer - this will vary depending on what state you're in. Get in touch to speak with a car accident lawyer and get your compensation claim started. 

What types of car accident compensation claims can I make?

Depending on where the accident happened and how severe your car accident injuries are, there are different options available to claim compensation, including:

Learn more about superannuation insurance claims.

How can Maurice Blackburn help me with a car accident claim?

A car accident lawyer can help you understand your options. We'll make the process of making a claim for compensation as easy as possible for you.

We will proactively work to get your rehabilitation costs covered as soon as possible, working closely with your healthcare providers. Our first priority is seeking funding for your treatment so you are not out of pocket and can access the rehab you need for recovery.

We have exceptional expertise in car accident claims with a strong history of successful cases. Your expert car accident lawyer will be by your side to help you receive the best possible outcome.

More frequently asked questions about car accident compensation

The car accident compensation and benefits you may receive will vary depending on the state or territory in which your car accident occurred.

In some states you may have common law rights to sue the person who caused your car accident injuries. Common law claims usually involve money being claimed for:

  • pain and suffering
  • past and future medical expenses
  • past loss of earnings
  • future loss of earnings or loss of earning capacity
  • past and future loss of superannuation contributions
  • expenses arising from a death including funeral costs.

Apart from medical, hospital, and rehabilitation costs, you may be eligible to receive compensation for the following as part of your car accident claim:

  • nursing and disability services
  • care services provided in kind by family and friends
  • post-acute support services
  • loss of amenity
  • loss of wages and superannuation
  • travel to and from medical appointments
  • home and vehicle modifications
  • costs associated with retraining for your job
  • attendant care services, including attendant care while travelling overseas
  • legal costs associated with your claim.

If you have any additional car insurance, you might also be covered for any damages to your or someone else's car. Learn more about car insurance claims.

The compensation and benefits you may receive will depend on your car accident injuries, when and where the car accident happened, and the road accident law you’re covered by. 

How much you may receive will depend on the circumstances of your car accident. You may receive payments that are equal to a percentage of your weekly earnings and for all reasonable medical and associated expenses. You may also be able to claim a lump sum if the injury has caused permanent impairment.

A car accident lawyer will be able to advise you on what benefits you may be entitled to. It's best to speak with a car accident lawyer and ensure you get the compensation you're entitled to. 

Time limits vary depending on the state your car accident claim is in, whether the person injured is an adult or a child, and who is at fault for the accident.

In some cases you may have as little as 28 days from the date of the car accident to lodge your initial claim, while in other states you may have up to a year with a possible extension of up to three years.

Missing a cut-off date can mean you're unable to make a claim, so it's important you talk to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident so we can look into all the options available to you.

This will depend on the nature of the claim and seriousness of your car accident injuries, but most car accident claims take around 1-3 years to complete. We know you want to resolve the matter quickly, and our car accident compensation lawyers will be able to give you a good indication of how long the claim may take.

Our car accident lawyers are experienced in winning fair compensation for our clients on a ‘no win, no fee’* basis.

Your first consultation is obligation-free, so speak with an expert car accident lawyer about your car accident claim to find out where you stand.

Process for making a claim

Our specialist car accident injury lawyers will assist you with your claim and make sure you know about your options.

We'll keep you informed throughout the whole process and provide you with legal advice that is easy to understand.


01

Find out if you have a claim 

If you've been in an accident, use our free claim check tool and find out in minutes if you have a claim. Our experienced road injury lawyers can advise you about your potential entitlements.

02

We’ll manage your claim.

We take care of the legal process on your behalf. Depending on the state you're in, this can vary depending on the insurance scheme. As a national firm, we have specialist car accident injury lawyers in each state, ready to help you. 

03

Receive payment.

If your car accident claim for compensation is successful, we'll process your payment as soon as we receive it.


We're here to help when you need us most.

Call us on 1800 991 692, or leave us a message below to request a call back and one of our team will be in touch as soon as we can. 

Office locations

We’re here to help. Get in touch with your local office.

Select your state below

We have lawyers who specialise in a range of legal claims who travel to Australian Capital Territory. If you need a lawyer in Canberra or elsewhere in Australian Capital Territory, please call us on 1800 675 346.

We have lawyers who specialise in a range of legal claims who travel to Tasmania. If you need a lawyer in Hobart, Launceston or elsewhere in Tasmania, please call us on 1800 675 346.