Injured in a road accident?
If you've been hurt in a car, motorcycle or other road accident in Queensland, you may be able to claim compensation through the compulsory third party (CTP) insurance scheme. We can explain how it works and where you stand.
Road accidents happen quickly and the aftermath can be overwhelming — medical appointments, time off work, an insurer asking questions and bills that don't stop. Most people we speak with are not trying to make a fuss. They simply want to recover, get back to work and be treated fairly.
In Queensland, injuries caused by motor vehicles are generally dealt with through the CTP scheme. Every registered vehicle carries CTP insurance, and a claim is usually made against the CTP insurer of the vehicle that was at fault, rather than against the driver personally.
Who a road accident claim may apply to
A CTP claim may be relevant to a wide range of people injured on Queensland roads, including:
- Drivers injured in a collision caused by another driver
- Passengers injured in any vehicle, including a vehicle driven by a family member
- Motorcyclists and pillion passengers
- Cyclists and pedestrians struck by a motor vehicle
- People injured in accidents involving trucks, buses or other heavy vehicles
- People injured in circumstances where the vehicle at fault cannot be identified, in some cases
Whether a claim is available in your situation depends on the facts, including how the accident happened and the nature of your injuries. We can't tell you that from a webpage — but we can tell you after a conversation.
What a CTP claim may cover
Compensation in a road accident claim is generally intended to place you, as far as money can, in the position you would have been in had the accident not occurred. That can include matters such as:
- Pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
- Past and future loss of income and superannuation
- Medical, rehabilitation and treatment expenses
- Care and assistance you have needed, including from family
- Out-of-pocket expenses connected with the injury
The value of any claim depends entirely on individual circumstances, including the severity of the injury and its effect on your life and work. Be cautious of anyone who quotes you a figure before your circumstances and medical evidence have been properly assessed.
Fault matters, but it isn't always obvious
CTP claims in Queensland generally require that someone else was at fault, at least in part. Even if you think you may have contributed to the accident, it is worth getting advice — the legal position is often different from what people assume.
What you should do next
- Get medical attention and keep following your treating doctor's advice.
- Make sure the accident has been reported to police if that is required.
- Keep records: vehicle details, witness names, photographs, receipts and time off work.
- Be careful with early insurer phone calls and recorded statements — you're entitled to get advice first.
- Talk to a lawyer before signing anything or accepting an early offer.
Key considerations
Time limits
Road accident claims are subject to notice requirements and limitation periods, and these can be strict. We don't publish specific periods here because the applicable time frame depends on the type of claim and the circumstances. Please read our time limits page and contact us promptly.
Early offers
Insurers sometimes make offers before the full extent of an injury is known. Once a claim is settled it generally cannot be reopened, even if your condition worsens.
Your own recovery comes first
Consistent medical treatment is important both for your health and for the evidence in your claim. We work around your treatment, not the other way around.
Common questions
Draft content: this page is general information only and requires review and approval by Andrews Injury & TPD before publication. It is not legal advice.
Injured on the road? Let's talk about it.
We'll listen to what happened, assess your situation and explain your options.