What can I claim after a car accident in Victoria?
After a car accident in Victoria, what you can claim falls into two separate streams: your injuries, handled by the TAC, and your vehicle and financial losses, handled through insurance or a recovery claim.
Your injuries - the TAC
Injuries from a transport accident go through the TAC's no-fault scheme: medical treatment, rehabilitation and income support if you cannot work, regardless of fault. Lodge a TAC claim, generally within 12 months.
Your car and property
Vehicle damage is not covered by the TAC. You claim on your own insurance, or recover repair costs from the at-fault driver. If they were uninsured, that is often a letter of demand or a civil claim for the cost.
Common-law damages for serious injury
If you were seriously injured and someone else was at fault, you may also claim a lump sum for pain and suffering and loss of earning capacity - a common-law claim, separate from TAC benefits and usually run by a lawyer on no-win-no-fee.
Loss of income
If the accident stops you working, TAC income support may help in the short term, and a common-law claim can cover longer-term loss of earning capacity where someone else was at fault.
How to sort it out the easy way
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Post your matter — freeCan I claim if the other driver was uninsured?
Who pays to fix my car?
Can I claim both TAC and against the other driver?
Is there a time limit?
This article is general information only and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, post your matter and a matched Victorian law firm can help.