If you’ve been injured in a car accident and need to make a compensation claim, then you’ll want to provide your lawyer with as much information as possible about the accident to give your claim the best chance of success. Below are some key details to guide you.

How much time do you have?

There are time limits involved in making a personal injury claim, so you need to act quickly. Firstly, ensure that the accident has been reported to the police within 28 days. You’ll have 6 months from the date of the accident to complete the personal injury claim form and send it to the relevant CTP insurer.

What personal details are needed for the claim form?

Your lawyer will want to know some basic details first. You’ll need to provide your personal details for the form including your name, address, contact numbers, email, driver’s licence and Medicare number.

Describe how the accident happened

Your lawyer will then want to know a bit more about the accident. Some of the questions you’ll need to answer include:

• When and where did the accident happen? Provide the date, time and place.
• How were you involved in the accident? State whether you were the driver, a passenger or a pedestrian.
• Who was involved? If you have the details, give the names and addresses of the drivers and passengers in the accident, as well as any witnesses who saw what happened.
• What cars were involved? If you have them, provide the details of each car’s number plate, model, make and year.
• What happened to cause the accident? Describe the events in the lead-up to the accident and who you think caused the accident.

Were the police involved?

Your lawyer will also need to know if the police were involved at the accident. If so, when were they notified? Did they attend the scene? Was anyone charged as a result of the accident? You’ll also need to provide details of the police station to which the accident was reported and the police event number assigned to the incident.

Explain how the accident has affected you

Your lawyer will then want to know how the accident has affected you and the injuries you suffered, including the medical treatment you’ve received. Make sure to have the details of any hospital visits or doctor consultations.

Lost income and out-of-pocket expenses

Keep track of how much money you have already spent on medical services and provide copies for medical bills including hospital, ambulance, doctors and chemists. Your lawyer will also need to know how much income you have lost as a result of the accident.

Prior compensation and pre-existing medical condition

Your lawyer will also need to know if you’ve already received compensation payments for this accident, from workers’ compensation, social security or disability payments.

Your past medical history will also be important for your claim, so be prepared to provide details of any other accidents you’ve been involved in, and if you had any pre-existing medical conditions.

Talk to a lawyer as soon as possible

Given the complexities involved in making a personal injury compensation claim, we strongly advise that you speak to a lawyer as soon as possible to get the right advice about what to do. Your lawyer will be able to help you to fill out the claim form to ensure you include all the critical information you’ll need for success.