How Long After a Car Accident Can You Claim in Australia? Your Guide to Time Limits and Next Steps

Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, and understanding your rights to car accident compensation is crucial. This guide explains the time limit for making a car accident claim in Australia, the accident claim process, and what factors can affect your personal injury claim. We’ll also cover how long it takes to resolve a claim, whether you can receive personal injury compensation, and how one of Gordon Legal’s expert road accident lawyers can help on a no win no fee basis.

If you, or someone you know needs legal advice after a car accident, contact us today at (03) 9603 3000.

• When should you get legal advice after a car accident?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. In Australia, there are strict time limits for making a car accident claim, and delaying action could impact your ability to receive car crash compensation.

A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights, navigate the accident claim process, and ensure you meet all legal deadlines. If your injuries prevent you from working, a lawyer for car accidents can also assist with claiming personal injury compensation, including lost wages and medical expenses.

It is important to remember that there is a one-year time limitation from your date of injury, to lodge a TAC claim in Victoria. However, depending on individual circumstances, the TAC may also consider claims made within 3 years of the date of injury. If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to obtain legal advice as soon as possible, particularly when you have received an outcome from your TAC claim. This allows Gordon Legal’s expert road accident lawyers to provide you with the best legal advice, tailored to your situation.

At Gordon Legal, we offer car crash legal help on a no win, no fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about upfront costs. Contact us today on (03) 9603 3000 for expert legal support, and to ensure you don’t miss out on the compensation you deserve.

• What factors affect the timeframe for your car accident claim?

The accident claim process can vary depending on several factors, which may impact how long it takes to resolve your car accident claim. Some claims are settled quickly, while others take longer due to disputes, medical assessments, or delays from the TAC.

The key factors that may impact the timeframe for your car accident claim include:

At Gordon Legal, our no win, no fee lawyers are here to help. Contact us today at (03) 9603 3000 or complete an online submission, to obtain expert legal advice.

• How long does a car accident claim take to process?

While the TAC strives to process claims promptly, the specific circumstances of each case can influence the timeline.

• Initial Decision: The TAC aims to accept or deny a claim, or request further information, within 21 days of receiving it.

• Requests for Additional Information: If the TAC seeks more details from you or another party, they will decide within 14 days of receiving that information. ​

• Client Response Time: You have 28 days to provide any additional information requested by the TAC. Delays in responding can extend the overall processing time. ​

• Complexity and pursuing a lump sum impairment claim: Cases involving severe injuries may require more time due to detailed investigations and assessments.

• Medical Assessments: The need for medical examinations can add time, as the TAC may wait for these results before making a decision. ​

Common Law Claim: a common law claim for a serious injury does not have a concrete processing time frame. Depending on the complexity of circumstances and liability dispute, a common law claim may take anywhere from 12 months to a few years to resolve.

Engaging a personal injury lawyer can help navigate the process efficiently and ensure all necessary information is provided promptly. For expert legal advice, contact Gordon Legal at (03) 9603 3000.

• Can you claim for lost wages after a car accident?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident and can’t work, you may be entitled to loss of earnings benefits through the TAC. These payments help cover lost wages while you recover.

To qualify, you must:

• Have an accepted TAC claim.
• Provide medical evidence confirming your injury prevents you from working, such as a certificate of capacity.
• Submit relevant income details, such as payslips or tax returns.

Payments typically start after five days of lost work and can continue for up to three years. If your injuries cause long-term incapacity, you may be eligible for ongoing personal injury compensation. Seeking car crash legal help early ensures you receive the full entitlements you deserve, as the personal injury compensation claims process, can be quite difficult to navigate on your own.

At Gordon Legal, our no win, no fee lawyers assist with car accident claims to secure the best possible outcome. Out supportive and understanding team are ready, and willing to get you back on track.

Contact us today at (03) 9603 3000 to get started on your claim for lost wages, today.

• Can You Make a Claim for Your Injuries?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to personal injury compensation to help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact on your life. However, navigating the accident claim process can be complex, which is where Gordon Legal can help.

Gordon Legal can assist you in your claim for your injuries, through the following forms of compensation:

• Medical costs – Covers expenses such as hospital treatment, rehabilitation, surgery, physiotherapy, and other necessary healthcare services.

• Lost income – Provides financial support if your injuries prevent you from working, including future earnings if you can’t return to your job.

• Emotional distress – compensation for the emotional impact the accident has had on your life, including compensation for psychological injury.

• Compensation for dependents – If a loved one has passed away in a car accident, their dependents may be eligible for financial support.

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may also be eligible for lump sum compensation, such as:

Impairment benefits – A one-time payment if your injuries result in permanent impairment.

Common law damages – If another party was at fault, you may be able to claim for pain and suffering and loss of earnings.

Whether you’re claiming for ongoing treatment, lost wages, or a more significant personal injury claim, having the right lawyer for car accidents can make all the difference. Contact Gordon Legal today, on (03) 9603 3000 for expert legal advice and support with your car accident claim.