If you've recently suffered an injury from car accident, the last thing you want to do is navigate the legal system on your own. That's where a vehicle accident lawyer comes in. A good lawyer can help you make a motor vehicle compensation claim and get the maximum amount of compensation that you deserve. State Law Group is a no win no fee, Sydney and Brisbane based law firm that specialises in compensation law. We're here to help you get the maximum compensation for your pain and suffering.
Which motor vehicle accidents can I claim for?
Motor vehicle accident injury compensation in NSW is available to drivers, passengers, riders and pedestrians involved in the following types of accidents:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Taxis and private hire car accidents
- Bus accidents
- Forklift accidents
Common Injuries with a Motor Vehicle Accident Injury Claim
There are a wide range of injuries that can be sustained in a motor accident. Some of the most common and serious injuries that we see at State Law Group include:
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury that can occur in a motor accident, especially if the collision is rear-ended. The force of the impact causes the head and neck to snap backwards and then forwards suddenly, resulting in strain on the muscles and ligaments. In severe cases, whiplash can also cause damage to the spine or nerves. Symptoms of whiplash can include neck pain, numbness, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. If you have been involved in a car accident and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. A doctor will be able to diagnose whiplash and develop a treatment plan. Whiplash can often be treated with physical therapy, pain medication, and ice. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. If you have suffered from whiplash as a result of a car accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury lawyer can help you to file a claim and receive the compensation you deserve.
Broken bones
Broken bones are some of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. While the severity of the break will vary from case to case, all broken bones involve damage to the bone itself. This can range from a small crack to a complete break in the bone. In some cases, the bone may even puncture the skin. Broken bones can be extremely painful and may require surgery to heal properly. In addition, they can often lead to long-term disability or require extensive rehabilitation. As a result, broken bones can have a significant impact on your ability to work and enjoy your life. If you have suffered a broken bone in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Soft tissue damage
Soft tissue damage includes muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and can be easily damaged by a sudden impact. Symptoms of soft tissue damage include pain, swelling, and bruising. In severe cases, the victim may also experience loss of range of motion or difficulty walking. If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. An experienced doctor will be able to properly diagnose your injuries and provide you with the necessary treatment. If you are pursuing a car accident compensation claim, documentation from a medical professional will be essential in proving the extent of your injuries.
Brain injury
Brain injuries sustained in car accidents can have a profound and lasting impact on the victim's life. In the most severe cases, a brain injury can result in paralysis or coma. Even less severe brain injuries can cause a victim to experience cognitive difficulties, personality changes, and problems with speech and vision. If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. A brain injured in a motor vehicle accident may not be immediately apparent, but prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential for minimising the long-term effects of the injury. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident that was caused by another driver's negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Psychological trauma
Psychological trauma can be a debilitating condition that takes a long time to recover from. The effects of trauma can last for months or even years, and can include depression, anxiety, flashbacks, and difficulty sleeping. If you have been involved in a car accident that was not your fault, you may be able to make a compensation claim for the psychological trauma you have suffered. In order to do this, you will need to provide evidence of the psychological damage you have incurred, such as medical records or statements from witnesses. If you are successful in your claim, you could receive a lump sum payment that will help you to cover the costs of treatment and recovery. Making a psychological trauma compensation claim can be a complex and stressful process, but with the right support, it is possible to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Economic loss of income
You may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover damages for your economic losses. This can include lost wages if you're unable to work, as well as the cost of medical treatment.
What are the common causes of motor vehicle accidents in Australia?
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death and injury in Australia. In fact, one person is killed on our roads every four hours, and more than 200 people are seriously injured. There are many factors that can contribute to a motor vehicle accident, but some of the most common include speeding, drink driving, fatigue, distractions, and poor weather conditions. While we can all do our part to drive safely, it's important to remember that accidents can happen even when we're being careful.
What to do if you're in a motor vehicle accident
Getting into a car accident can be a stressful and traumatic situation. Here's what you should do to ensure you have a strong compensation claim.
- Record all details of the accident. Photograph anything related to your accident. Collect contact details from any witnesses.
- Seek medical attention with your GP doctor as soon as possible to document your injuries.
- Obtain your Police Event Number from the local police station or attending officer.
- Book a consult with us to speak to one of our expert compensation lawyers to see if you're eligible to claim for maximum compensation and see how we can help you.
Do you have to report car accident to police NSW?
In the state of New South Wales, Australia, you are not required by law to report a car accident to police, unless the accident resulted in injury or death. However, there are a few reasons why you might want to consider filing a report anyway. First, a police report can be helpful in filing an insurance claim. And second, if there are any witnesses to the accident, they may need to give a statement to police. So while you're not legally obligated to contact the police after a car accident, it's still worth considering whether or not it's in your best interests to do so.
What to do if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured
If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident with another driver who is either uninsured or underinsured, there are a few things you can do. First, if possible, try to get the other driver's contact information and insurance information. This will be helpful later on if you need to file a claim. If the other driver is unwilling to provide this information, you can always call the police. They will likely take down the driver's information and may even issue a citation.
In addition, it is always a good idea to take pictures of the damage to both vehicles. This will serve as evidence if you need to file a claim with your own insurer. Finally, be sure to get medical attention if you are injured in the accident. Even if your injuries appear to be minor, it is always better to err on the side of caution and get checked out by a doctor. By taking these steps, you can help protect yourself in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
How to make a claim for compensation
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The process of making a claim can vary depending on the state in which the accident occurred.
In New South Wales, for example, you must first lodge a personal injury claim with the insurer of the at-fault driver. If your claim is accepted, the insurer will then pay for your medical and rehabilitation expenses. If your claim is rejected, you may be able to take your case to the Motor Accidents Dispute Resolution Service.
In Queensland, you must lodge a Compulsory Third Party claim with the insurer of the at-fault driver within nine months of the accident. If your claim is accepted, the insurer will pay for your medical and rehabilitation expenses as well as any income lost as a result of the accident. If your claim is rejected, you may be able to take your case to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
No matter what state you are in, it is advantageous to seek legal advice before making a claim. Our team of expert lawyers can help to maximise your chances of success.
What can I claim?
The NSW government has a hybrid scheme which means that some benefits are paid immediately and on an ongoing basis, while damages will usually come in one large sum.
- Medical and treatment expenses – You can claim medical and treatment expenses from the insurer immediately and in the future.
- Income payments – You can claim weekly payments of economic loss if you're off work or suffering a loss of income.
- Care and domestic assistance – If the accident has left you unable to take care of yourself or others, you may be entitled to claim for these past and future losses.
- Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life – The pain and suffering you have endured because of your permanent injury should be compensated with damages.
- Catastrophic injuries – special compensation laws apply to people who suffer very serious injuries under the Lifetime Care and Support Scheme, irrespective of who was at fault in the accident.
How long does the claim process take?
After you've filed a personal injury claim, you're likely wondering how long it will take to receive your settlement. The answer depends on many factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the amount of damages you're claiming, and whether the insurer is contesting your claim. In general, most claims take anywhere from several months to a couple of years to resolve.
However, if your case is particularly complex or contentious, it could take longer. The important thing to remember is that you have a right to seek compensation for your injuries, and you shouldn't give up just because the process takes a while. With patience and perseverance, you will ultimately receive the settlement you deserve.
What are the deadlines for making a motor vehicle compensation claim?
There are different deadlines for filing a motor vehicle accident compensation claim in NSW and QLD. In NSW, you have 3 years from the date of the accident to lodge a claim. However, if you lodge a claim after this date, the court may still hear your case if it is considered to be fair and just to do so. In QLD, the deadline is 2 years from the date of the accident. If you lodge a claim outside of this time frame, your case is likely to be dismissed by the court. These deadlines are in place to ensure that claims are dealt with in a timely manner. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected.
How much should I expect from my compensation payout?
No two compensation payouts are the same, and the amount you receive will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of lost wages, and any pain and suffering you may have experienced. That being said, there are some general guidelines that can help you estimate how much you should expect from your payout. For example, if you have suffered minor injuries and have only missed a few days of work, your payout is likely to be on the lower end of the spectrum. However, if you have experienced major injuries that have resulted in a significant loss of income, your payout is likely to be much larger. Ultimately, the amount you receive will be based on the specific details of your case, so it's important to consult with a personal injury lawyer to get a better idea of what to expect.
In additional to lump sum payments, you may be entitled to claim for weekly payments for ongoing care and support. A successful compensation payout helps victims injured in an accident rediscover their enjoyment of life.
How often does a car accident claim go to court?
In Australia, the vast majority of car accident claims are settled out of court. This is typically done through negotiations between the parties involved, or with the help of a mediator. However, there are a number of circumstances in which a car accident claim may end up in court. For example, if the parties are unable to reach a settlement, or if one party denies responsibility for the accident, then the case may need to be decided by a judge or jury. In addition, some states have laws that require certain types of claims to be heard in court. As a result, it is not possible to say definitively how often a car accident claim goes to court in Australia. However, in most cases, it is less expensive and time-consuming to reach a settlement out of court.
Can I claim car accident compensation if the accident was my fault?
If you've been in a car accident, you may be wondering if you can still claim compensation even if the accident was your fault. The answer is yes - you may still be eligible for damages. However, the amount of compensation you're able to claim will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Generally speaking, you'll need to show that the other driver was either entirely or partially at fault for the accident. For example, if the other driver was speeding or failed to yield at a stop sign, they may be held liable for any damages you incurred. In addition, many states have laws that protect drivers from being held responsible for accidents that were beyond their control. So, even if you were partially at fault for an accident, you may still be able to receive some compensation. Ultimately, it's best to speak with an attorney who can evaluate your case and advise you of your best course of action.
How is a car accident compensation settlement paid?
If you've been in a car accident, you may be wondering how the compensation settlement will be paid. In most cases, the insurance company for the at-fault driver will pay the settlement. However, there are some exceptions. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to file a lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve. You may also need to file a lawsuit if the insurance company denies your claim or if the amount of your damages exceeds the policy limits. In either case, it's important to speak with an experienced car accident attorney to learn about your legal rights and options. With the help of a lawyer, you can protect your interests and maximize your chances of getting the full compensation you deserve.
The benefits of hiring a motor vehicle accident lawyer
After being involved in a car accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. One of the first steps you should take is to hire an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer. An experienced attorney will help you navigate the legal process, ensure that your rights are protected, and fight for fair compensation. Here are just a few of the benefits of hiring a motor vehicle accident lawyer:
Deal with insurers
Hiring a lawyer shows the insurance company that you are serious about getting full and fair compensation for your injuries.
Paperwork & Evidence
A lawyer can help you gather evidence and build a strong case. They can also handle all of the paperwork and other legalities so that you can focus on healing from your injuries.
Legal Representation
If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will be an aggressive advocate for you in court. A lawyer can negotiate with the other party on your behalf.
Maximum Compensation
You will likely receive more money than if you try to settle the case on your own. A lawyer will fight to get you the full and fair compensation that you deserve.
Speak to our experienced personal injury lawyers today
At State Law Group, our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies. We understand the strategies they use to try to minimise the amount of money they have to pay out, and we know how to build a strong case on your behalf. We will fight for the full compensation you are entitled to, including damages for your pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses. Don't try to deal with the insurance company on your own - let us handle the legal details while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We'll review your case and advise you of your best course of action. There's no risk or obligation, so call now.
