Motor Vehicle Claims

Being involved in a motor vehicle accident is a traumatic event, especially if you are not at fault. The injuries sustained can have a profound effect on your life – physical, emotional and financial. If you have sustained an injury or lost a family member due to a motor vehicle accident, Queensland Compensation Lawyers can explain your options.

The most important thing to note is that time limits apply, so it is important to contact us as soon as possible after your accident. There is no cost for the initial consultation and we work on a "No Win – No Fee" basis.

It's best not to sign anything from insurance companies or the driver of the other car. We can help you with all the necessary paperwork and take away the worry so that you can focus on your recovery.

The Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994 established a Compulsory Third Party Insurance scheme to protect the rights of injured parties in motor vehicle accidents. It protects a range of different parties including:

• driver of a vehicle hit by another vehicle
• driver of a defective vehicle (single vehicle accident)
• passenger in a single vehicle accident
• accidents that occur off road (i.e. bush/beach) if the vehicle is registered to drive on the road
• pedestrians struck by a vehicle
• passengers on buses
• injuries caused by unidentified vehicles
• bus/truck/motorcycle accidents
• cyclists hit by a car.

After you have an accident you should:

• report the accident to the police (if you didn't do this, we can submit a report)
• lodge the Notice of Accident Claim Form with the Compulsory Third Party insurer of the vehicle at fault, within the strict time limits that apply, and
• include a special medical certificate with your claim, which has been completed by a medical practitioner.

If you don't know the registration number of the vehicle or the vehicle was not identified, you can claim damages against the Nominal Defendant, a government body which acts as the compulsory third party insurer in these cases.

The following damages are generally recoverable in a personal injuries compensation claim:

• pain and suffering
• loss of enjoyment of life
• past and future medical/medication/rehabilitation expenses
• lost and future loss of wages
• cost of carers
• legal costs in some cases
• home modifications necessary due to your injuries.

If a person dies as a result of the accident and has dependants, the dependants can claim for loss of income which they relied on. When there are no dependants, funeral expenses can be claimed.

If your motor vehicle accident occurred on your way to or from work, you are eligible for workers' compensation or statutory benefits while you are recovering.

Contact us as soon as you are able to discuss your motor vehicle accident compensation claim or click here to submit an online enquiry – we will respond within 24 hours. Time limits do apply to compensation claims, seek advice today. There is no cost for the initial consultation and we work on a "No Win – No Fee" basis .