Helping You Claim Compensation After a Car or Road Accident
Who This Information Is For
If you’ve been injured in a car/road accident anywhere in Queensland including Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns. This guide explains how to claim compensation, what your rights are, and how our experienced car accident lawyers can help you — even if you don’t know who caused the accident.
Who Can Claim Compensation After a Car/Road Accident?
You may be entitled to compensation if:
- You were not 100% at fault (that is the other driver is 100% at fault or you and the other driver were both at fault). (We recommend you seek legal advice immediately to ascertain which vehicle, or vehicles may have been at fault).
- You were a driver, passenger, pedestrian, motorcyclist, or cyclist injured in a crash.
- Most vehicles are registered, so it is important to obtain number plate details of all vehicles involved. Car/Road accidents that involve unregistered vehicles or unidentified vehicles (e.g. they leave the scene of an accident or they have no insurance) may still give rise to a claim but you MUST act immediately and we strongly recommend you seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer. This is because even shorter time limits apply in these types of claims and immediate action is required.
What Is CTP Insurance?
CTP (sometimes called Green Slip insurance) is included in vehicle registration fees in Queensland. It covers injuries caused to other people by drivers of registered vehicles. This insurance covers injury to people and does not cover damage to property, like vehicles.
The Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) manages the overall CTP claims scheme in Queensland. Several insurance companies manage the claims for personal injury that are made ‘against number plate’ of the at-fault vehicle, even if only partially at-fault. In this way, the person that caused the accident and caused your injuries does not pay your claim personally – an insurance company does. Where an at fault driver (rarely) has no insurance, a special body called the ‘Nominal Defendant’ pays. Remember, Nominal Defendant claims have shorter time limits to claim than other types of injury claim.
Who Is Covered by CTP Insurance?
If another driver causes an accident, their CTP insurance can cover injuries to:
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Motorcyclists and pillion passengers
- Vehicle passengers
- Other vehicle drivers
Remember, even if both drivers share some responsibility for causing a car/road accident, each person may still make a claim in proportion to the other’s fault.
Example:
If you were 25% at fault and the other driver 75% at fault, you could still receive 75% of your full compensation entitlement.
Single-Vehicle Accidents and Family Claims
If you’re a passenger injured in a single-car or single-motorbike accident, you can claim against the driver’s insurance. This includes accidents involving family or friends — your claim is against the insurer, not your loved one.
Work-Related or Other Situations
At Work or Travelling for Work: You may also be covered by workers’ compensation when a car/road accident occurs.
What If You Can’t Identify the At-Fault Driver?
As stated above, if the at-fault vehicle left the scene or was unregistered, you can still claim compensation through the Nominal Defendant, a special government fund for these situations. However, strict time limits apply, so contact a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your rights. It is essential that you act immediately.
What Car/Road Accident Lawyers Do?
A car/road accident lawyer helps you:
- Determine eligibility to claim compensation.
- Collect evidence (police reports, medical records, witness statements).
- Negotiate with insurers for fair compensation.
- Handle all paperwork and legal time limits.
- Represent you on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless you win.
Typical compensation may cover:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages for past and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Home and care assistance
Where We Help Clients
If you’re unsure whether you can claim, it’s worth getting advice early — strict time limits apply.
Our team offers free initial consultations and No Win No Fee representation.
You may contact our experienced car accident lawyers today for personalised advice – phone us direct on 1300 529 946 or use the form below.