- Report the accident to the police or public transport operator
- Take down the details of the other driver
- Take down details of any witnesses to your accident/injury
- Take photographs of the damage to all vehicles involved in the accident
- If you can, take photos of your location, the resting position of all vehicles involved in the accident and your surrounds
- Seek Medical treatment for any injuries you believe you suffered in the accident
- Contact the TAC to lodge a claim for any injuries you have sustained in the accident
- Make a free appointment with one of our TAC lawyers so you get expert advice on what your entitlements are – obligation free
Car Accident Lawyers
At Gordon Legal, our car accident lawyers in Melbourne and Geelong can help you make your claim successfully.
If you or someone you care about is injured in a road accident, life can be turned upside down. The ability to focus on your recovery can be difficult when you are faced with trauma and financial uncertainty.
We are here to assist you through this challenging time by obtaining compensation from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). The TAC will pay compensation to road users who are injured while travelling in a car, train, tram or bus, or as a cyclist, motorcyclist or a pedestrian. The TAC also pays compensation if someone dies as a result of a road accident.
We know when you’ve been in a car accident (or any road accident) that going through the claims process can seem daunting or overwhelming. We have experienced, friendly professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the TAC’s complexities, and the expertise needed to achieve the compensation you deserve.
No Win No Fee
Our car accident lawyers can help you with your claim for compensation on a No-Win No-Fee basis.
This means that we will meet with you, investigate your case and provide you with advice without any cost or obligation.
It also means that if we offer to act for you, and you take us up on this offer, you will not be responsible for any up-front legal fees until the end of the claim.
Your TAC lawyer will talk you through the No-Win No-Fee costs structure when you meet.
You can be as involved as you want to be – we’ll keep you in the loop when you need to be, and leave the jargon out of your way so you can focus on what matters most to you.
What sort of compensation am I entitled to?
- Medical and related expenses
- Loss of income
- Lump sum impairment
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of wages
- A death or dependency claim.
Some compensation under the TAC scheme can be accessed on a no-fault basis, so it doesn’t matter who caused or contributed to your injury.
Road users have a duty of care to each other. If they are breached, and you have sustained a serious injury, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your pain and suffering, and loss of income.
Medical and related expenses may include things like:
- Medical services
- Hospital services
- Rehabilitation services
- Ambulance services
- Nursing services
- Physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy treatment
- Medication
- Equipment
- Psychological/psychiatric services
- Counselling
- Household/home help services such as cleaning and gardening
- Accommodation support
- Travel expenses and
- Funeral expenses.
How do I lodge my claim?
If you were taken to hospital for an injury following a transport accident, the hospital may have completed and lodged a claim on your behalf. If you signed a claim form then you can expect that your TAC claim has been lodged by the hospital and submitted to the TAC.
If you were not taken to hospital or did not fill out a claim form, you can make your TAC Claim by contacting the TAC directly on 1300 654 329, which incurs local call costs, or on 1800 332 556, which is a toll free number for anyone outside the Melbourne metropolitan area.
Other FAQs
How do I get compensation from a car accident?
- Lodging your claim with the TAC
- If you have suffered an injury or injuries as a result of the accident, you should see your doctor for any possible treatment you require
- Speak to a lawyer
What is the TAC?
The Transport Accident Commission or TAC is the Victorian state government body responsible for managing injury claims made by people who have sustained an injury as a result of a motor vehicle, motorcycle, bus, train, tram or pedestrian accident in Victoria.
Who can make a TAC claim?
If you have sustained an injury due to a car or transport accident, then you may be entitled to receive benefits from the TAC either covering the entirety of your medical expenses or, at least, some of the ongoing support you require to help you recover.
What compensation am I entitled to?
If your claim is accepted, the TAC can provide compensation for your injuries. Compensation may be in the form of reimbursements for reasonable medical expenses, and payments for any time off work you need as a result of your injury. You may also be able to claim a lump sum payment as compensation if you have suffered a permanent injury.
The TAC also pays compensation if someone dies as a result of a road accident.
If you were admitted to hospital as a result of your road accident, or if your accident occurred after 14 February 2018, the TAC will cover your reasonable medical expenses immediately.
How much compensation can I claim after a car accident?
If you have suffered injury as a result of an accident, the TAC can cover a range of entitlements including medical expenses, loss of income (earning payments) and possible lump sum claims, namely impairment benefit and possibly a claim in negligence if the other driver(s) were at fault for the accident
Why should I lodge a TAC claim?
We understand that being involved in a road or transport accident is extremely traumatic. If you have sustained an injury, an accepted TAC claim will mean you are entitled to claim important compensation for your injury.
By lodging a TAC claim, you are starting the process towards receiving important payments that are often vital for getting your life back on track, and getting the crucial treatment you may require.
What happens after I lodge my TAC claim?
You’ll be sent a Claim for Compensation Summary and any relevant forms, such as an Authority to Release Information form by the TAC. You should complete the form and return it as soon as possible to avoid any delays in your claim being accepted.
The TAC will decide to accept, deny or seek further information for your claim within 21 days of receiving it.
How long after a car accident can you claim in Victoria?
You have 12 months from the date of your accident to lodge a claim, but the TAC has the discretion to accept a claim within three years.
What happens in a car accident without insurance?
You are still covered by the TAC if you have suffered an injury as a result of an accident including medical expenses, loss of income and possible lump sum claims.
What happens in a car accident if the car is not registered?
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident in an unregistered motor vehicle at the time of the accident, TAC can still cover you if the vehicle was capable of registration.
What happens if I am involved in a car accident interstate? Am I covered?
If your accident occurred interstate in a Victorian registered vehicle, you are still eligible to lodge a TAC claim.
What to do if this information applies to you
At Gordon Legal, we understand that TAC claims are a personal issue.
For personalised and individual advice, we offer consultations to discuss your matter.
Please call Gordon Legal on (03) 9603 3000 or our Geelong office on 03 5225 1600 to speak with a member of our team.
Given the current environment, we are providing consultations over the phone, Zoom, WebEx or Skype.
If you have any questions relating to a car or road accident and want to speak to one of our TAC lawyers, call us on 1300 58 46 26.
Road accident experts
Jenny Forti
Partner
Jenny is an accredited specialist in personal injury law. She is dedicated to representing injured people in their fight to access compensation.
Jenny is committed to upholding the values of the union movement and applies her legal skills to the wider community through her role as a volunteer lawyer at West Justice.
In December 2018, Jenny was appointed to the Western Health Foundation Board. She is a passionate supporter of the mighty Western Bulldogs.
Anastasia Eleftheriou
Partner
Anastasia is an accredited specialist in personal injury law. She has 10 years’ experience in Workers’ Compensation fighting for the rights of injured workers against large companies and insurers. She has also acted for people injured in motor vehicle accidents as well as in public and private premises.
Anastasia has served as a committee member of the Victorian Branch for the Australian Lawyers Alliance.
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