HAVE YOU BEEN INJURED IN A ROAD ACCIDENT?
If you’ve been in a road or transport accident, you may be able to claim compensation and benefits regardless of who was at fault.
We understand that if you are suffering from the trauma and pain of an accident, making a compensation claim may seem overwhelming or intimidating. That’s why at Carbone Lawyers, we’ll handle everything for you and get you the compensation you deserve. And remember, our No Win, No Fee Policy means no risk to you.
Who can claim compensation, damages or benefits?
- Any driver or passenger injured in an accident involving a car, ute, van, or truck, regardless of cause or fault.
- Any driver or passenger of a motorcycle or scooter involved in an accident, regardless of cause or fault.
- A pedestrian who’s been injured by a vehicle.
- A cyclist injured riding on the road, dedicated bicycle path or shared pathway. This includes incidents of ‘dooring’ where cyclists hit the open door of a vehicle.
- A passenger injured on a tram, bus or train.
- A worker who’s been injured while operating a registered vehicle.
- A worker injured while operating work-related vehicles like forklifts, tractors or quad bikes.
Every accident claim is different. Even if your circumstances don’t fit any of these descriptions, you may still be entitled to compensation. The specialist team at Carbone Lawyers can advise you if you have a claim. Contact us today.
Injuries that are covered by compensation
Road accidents are traumatic and stressful for the people directly involved and their loved ones. Injuries can be physical and psychological, and some can have a long-term impact on the quality of life. These include injuries such as:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash injuries to the head, face, neck, shoulders or back
- Numbness or pins and needles
- Lower back injury and sciatica
- Broken or fractured bones
- Brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Shock and psychological trauma
- Scarring
The Transport Accident Commission (TAC)
Every registered vehicle in Australia has Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance included in the cost of registration. This money is to compensate those who have been injured in an accident. In Victoria, this is done through the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
All road users, including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians injured in an accident, can make a TAC claim for medical and other expenses. If someone dies in the accident, benefits may also be paid to the family.
You may receive compensation for:
- Doctor, hospital and ambulance fees and pharmaceuticals
- Rehabilitation and disability services
- Help to return to work or re-training
- Home and vehicle modifications if you have been permanently disabled
- Home help services like child care, cleaning, gardening and school tutoring
- Psychology and family counselling
- The cost of travel to and from medical appointments
- Travelling and accommodation expenses for a spouse / dependent children in certain circumstances
- Funeral expenses
- If your injury is severe and permanent, you may be entitled to compensation for pain, suffering, and permanent impairment.
Income Benefits
If you cannot work due to injuries from a road accident, you may be able to claim income benefits from the TAC. You can also claim if you can only work part-time or reduced hours due to your injuries.
These benefits are payable for up to three years after the accident unless your impairment reaches a 50% threshold. In this case, TAC benefits may be payable until retirement age.
Lawsuits for negligence
If another person’s negligence caused the accident, for example, they ran a red light; you may be able to claim damages under a common law claim. This would be in addition to any compensation you receive from the TAC.
If you have already initiated a claim but feel frustrated or unsatisfied with its progress, contact our specialist team to discuss how we can improve your outcome.
For information about what to do if someone close to you has been killed in a road accident, please call us directly.
IMPORTANT: Never sign anything or accept any compensation offer until you receive proper legal advice. You may be entitled to a lot more than you’ve been offered. Don’t settle for less!
FAQs on Road Accident Compensation
Do you have to be in a vehicle to claim compensation for road and transport accidents?
No, drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users injured in accidents can claim compensation in Victoria. Even family members of loved ones who have been lost in a transport accident can claim compensation.
How do I file a TAC claim for a road accident?
Making a TAC Claim involves collecting information, reporting the accident, and providing the necessary documentation in your claim. Consulting Carbone Lawyers for assistance with the process can provide much-needed stress relief after an accident and give your claim the best chance at success.
What is the role of the TAC in road accident claims?
The TAC provides compensation for medical expenses, income support, rehabilitation, and other related costs for those injured in transport accidents.
Can I claim compensation for psychological trauma after a road accident?
Yes, compensation can cover treatment and adjustments for psychological injuries such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression resulting from the accident.
Am I eligible for compensation if I was partly at fault in a road accident?
Yes, you may still be eligible for compensation even if you were partly at fault in a road accident as Victoria’s TAC scheme operates as ‘no-fault’ compulsory third-party insurance.
