Injured in a motor vehicle accident? Maximise your TAC claim

ACCIDENTS have a way of striking when we least expect them, and as the holiday season brings more cars onto Victoria’s roads, we unfortunately see a rise in serious incidents.

Whether you’re behind the wheel, a passenger, or simply crossing the street, a road accident can leave you facing injuries that interrupt your routines and affect your financial wellbeing.

In the days and weeks that follow, the process can feel overwhelming when it comes to navigating the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and understanding what you’re entitled to.

That’s why it’s so important to know your rights, and what steps to take after a transport accident – it can make all the difference in protecting your health, your independence and your peace of mind.

Understanding TAC and your rights

The TAC is Victoria’s government insurer for road accidents, providing benefits such as medical and rehabilitation costs, disability and household support services, loss of earnings benefits, and lump sum compensation.

It’s unlikely you would automatically receive the maximum benefits and compensation you’re entitled to. To navigate this system effectively and secure fair compensation, professional legal guidance can be invaluable.

Who can make a claim?

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle, tram or train, you may be eligible to lodge a claim for benefits through the TAC.

Eligibility extends to:

Drivers of vehicles

Passengers

Pedestrians

Cyclists

Public transport users

 

Six steps to strengthen your claim

If you follow these six basic steps, you will vastly enhance your opportunity to obtain compensation for any injuries suffered as a result of a transport accident:

Report your accident to the police as soon as can, no matter how minor the injury appears to be at first.

Submit a TAC claim as you can only be provided with no fault support if you file a timely claim form.

Give a concise description of your accident – the same succinct version you gave to the police when you reported the accident is ideal.

Leave open the description of your injuries to allow for consideration as to whether you are likely to develop additional injuries in time.

Accurately detail your full medical history so that it can be clearly seen that your current problem truly does stem from the car accident.

Engage a specialist TAC personal injury lawyer to guide you and protect your rights.

Maximising your compensation Experienced lawyers can employ several strategies to enhance your claim:

Pursuing Common Law damages: If another driver’s negligence contributed to the accident, evidence can support a lump-sum compensation claim.

Leveraging occupational therapist assessments: These professionals assess the impact of your injuries, providing valuable evidence for your claim.

Regular medical documentation: Ongoing consultations with your doctor helps substantiate the extent and progression of your injuries.

Why it matters Proper compensation can be life-changing, covering medical expenses and supporting your independence during recovery. It’s essential to take the right steps after an accident to ensure your claim is managed effectively and you receive the compensation you deserve.

For more, consider downloading Henry Carus + Associates’ free resources available at hcalawyers.com.au/claims-checklist

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