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Queensland had the second-highest rate of transport injury hospitalisation between  2022 and 2023. Within January 2024, there were 550 hospitalised casualties due to crashes in Queensland.

Motor vehicle accidents not only affect the driver – they cause significant devastation to those around. All too often, we see the terrible impact that road accidents and serious injuries have on the lives of our clients, carers and the flow-on effect on other members of their families. These accidents happen in a moment, but the physical and mental scars can last a lifetime.

What to do after a motor vehicle accident:

If your loved one has been injured on the road, it’s important to take these steps as soon as possible.

  • If the police did not attend the scene, get in contact to report the incident
  • If there is any doubt about how the accident was caused or who was at fault:
    • Ask someone to return to the accident scene and take photographs of the area where the accident occurred (if it is safe to do so)
    • Keep the details of any witnesses you are aware of and
    • Contact the at-fault driver’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurer about making a road accident claim
  • Keep a diary of the accident and any further medical information
  • Ensure you have a good medical and allied health team around you
  • Seek legal advice

Understanding your rights after a serious car accident

It’s very important to seek legal advice early on following a serious accident.

For example, did you know that the injured person may be entitled to significant treatment and rehabilitation for their injuries, funded by the CTP insurer of the vehicle that caused the accident?

We act for many motorists who have been injured due to another driver's negligence.

Jane’s story

Jane sustained a neck and shoulder injury when the driver’s side of her car was struck by a heavy vehicle. After Jane spoke with the police, who had attended the scene and sought initial medical attention for her injuries, she contacted her solicitors to seek advice.

Due to the seriousness of her injuries, Jane’s claim was lodged quickly, and the insurer agreed to fund the cost of her surgery and subsequent rehabilitation. That obligation was ongoing until Jane’s injuries ‘stabilised’, meaning that no significant further treatment or rehabilitation was required, and Jane’s injuries were unlikely to improve or worsen.

Jane’s rehabilitation needs were extensive, and the CTP insurer also funded physiotherapy, psychology treatment, and exercise physiology. Providing funding for equipment recommended by an occupational therapist.

Jane was not alone in her claim - her family supported her greatly. They were the ones who initially contacted us to find out more information about the insurer’s obligations to provide treatment and rehabilitation.

Supporting loved ones through the injury claim process

Some severely injured motorists will be accepted as participants in the National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland (‘NIISQ’). Regardless of who was at fault, the NIISQ aims to provide individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents with treatment, care and support. The most common injuries covered by NIISQ are traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. If someone you know has serious injuries and isn’t getting the help, rehabilitation and support they need and deserve, seeking legal advice is one of the best things they can do. Like in Jane’s situation, lawyers can help lighten the burden and advocate for the injured person with their insurer.

It’s easy to feel helpless when someone you love is living through the complex and life-changing effects of a serious injury. However, there’s no need to feel that way. Here are some practical ways carers can support their loved ones through the injury claim process:

  • Speak up if you believe that your loved one is not receiving the proper care and treatment they require
  • Obtain legal advice – time limits apply, so don’t delay
  • Keep a diary about medical treatment and the help and support your loved one is receiving from you and others
  • Ask questions: it’s important to understand the treatment your loved one needs and the support they should be receiving

Getting back on track after a road accident can seem daunting, but with the right guidance and support, your loved one can make it through the process.

Making a claim for motor vehicle accident compensation

If you or a loved one have been injured on the road, we can help you understand your next steps. Use our free road injury claim check tool to see if you are eligible.

We encourage you to contact Maurice Blackburn for advice. The initial consultation is free and without obligation.

Our expert road injury lawyers can help

Our specialist road injury lawyers are experienced in a range of claims related to road accident injuries. If you've been hurt on the road, we can help you understand your options. 

Easy ways to get in touch

We are here to help. Give us a call, request a call back or use our free claim check tool to get in touch with our friendly legal team. With local knowledge and a national network of experts, we have the experience you can count on. 

Office locations

We’re here to help. Get in touch with your local office.

Select your state below

We have lawyers who specialise in a range of legal claims who travel to Australian Capital Territory. If you need a lawyer in Canberra or elsewhere in Australian Capital Territory, please call us on 1800 675 346.

We have lawyers who specialise in a range of legal claims who travel to Tasmania. If you need a lawyer in Hobart, Launceston or elsewhere in Tasmania, please call us on 1800 675 346.