Last updated August 10, 2023

What to do if you're injured in a car accident

This information is for accidents before 1 December 2017

It’s very important to make a claim if you are injured in the accident.

This is because the CTP insurer is obliged to cover $5,000.00 worth of medical treatment or loss of income before they even decided who was at fault. If your injuries are more serious you could be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, loss of income and care and assistance.

A photo of someone taking a photo of a wrecked front of a car.

The CTP insurer is obliged to cover $5,000.00 worth of medical treatment or loss of income before they even decided who was at fault.

What should I do if i’ve been injured in a car accident?

If you have been injured in a car accident you should:

Write down the registration number of the other vehicle or vehicles
Get the drivers details and a photo of their driver’s licence
Call the police to report the injury and get an event number. You MUST report the accident to the police within 28 days (but it is much better to report the accident right away)
Get phone numbers and addresses from witnesses
Do not admit that you were at fault or accuse anyone else of being at fault
Take photos of the damage to all cars involved. It is important that you do this right away while you are still at the scene of the accident
Pre-install an app on your phone like AAMI Claim Assist. Download the app even if you are not insured with them
Download an Accident Notification Form (ANF). This is easily downloaded from google (type: ‘Accident Notification Form – SIRA’ and select the PDF printable version. Fill in the form and send it to the CTP insurer of the driver you believe to be at fault. You must do this within 28 days. Make sure you keep a copy for your own records. The insurer will respond to your ANF within 10 days. If you haven’t received a response you will need to contact them to find out what has happened).

NOTE: If you do not have the details of the CTP insurer you can obtain them by calling the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) on 1300 656 919 and providing the registration number.

Why do I need to do this?

It is very important that you follow the above steps as best you can. You will need all these details for your CTP claim if you decide to make one. Even if you’re not sure if you will make a claim at the time, get the details anyway just in case you change your mind.

What do I do next?

If you are injured you need to get the care and assistance that you need to recover. If your injuries have not improved within three months from the date of the accident OR you require more treatment which will exceed $5,000.00, OR you still cannot work and have lost income of more than $5,000.00 you need to complete a Motor Accident Personal Injury Claim Form. This form must be completed within 6 months of the date of the accident.

You will need the assistance of a specialist lawyer to complete a Motor Accident Personal Injury Claim Form. Please contact us for a free consultation. Review our Motor Vehicle Compensation Claim Guide here.

Matthew Garling

Matthew Garling is an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law approved by New South Wales Law Society. He is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia. Matthew is also a member of...

You might also be interested in…

BACK TO BLOG

14/11/2022

SIRA – Who Are They And What Do They Do?

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident or at work, you may have already come across th...

READ POST

11/11/2022

Injured and unrepresented – Should I be worried?

You do not need to be worried, but you should speak to a lawyer who is an accredited specialist in p...

READ POST

Phillip R.

12:05 26 Apr 25

My case was extremely well managed by Garling & Co. I can highly recommend and commend Matthew Garling for his professionalism in handling my matter in a direct manner. Thank you.

alex S.

05:14 14 Apr 25

The guys know what they doing, high professional, best service and good results.They always there for answers every question in the same day.I can not be more happy with this company.HIGH... RECOMMENDED!!!read more

Pitchman D.

01:31 08 Apr 25

"I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Matthew Garling at Garling & Co. From the outset, Matthew was incredibly communicative, always responsive to my questions and concerns, and kept me fully... informed throughout the process. Their expertise in worker’s compensation was evident, and I felt confident in their ability to navigate my complex case. Matthew Garling was also incredibly empathetic and understanding, making me feel supported and heard during a difficult time. I would highly recommend Matthew to anyone seeking legal representation. They truly went above and beyond to achieve a positive outcome for me."read more

T M

08:15 27 Feb 25

To describe my experience with Garling & Co Lawyers as transformative would be an understatement. From the moment I engaged their services, I was met with a level of professionalism, compassion, and... legal acumen that is truly unparalleled. At the heart of this exceptional team is Mr. Matthew a man whose profound intellect, vast experience, and unwavering commitment to his clients set him apart as one of the finest advocates in the field of personal injury law.Mr. Matthew possesses an extraordinary depth of knowledge, honed by years of navigating the complexities of personal injury claims. His ability to anticipate challenges, strategize effectively, and counteract adversarial tactics is nothing short of remarkable. In my case, where I suffered a debilitating back injury as a result of a workplace accident, the road to recovery both physically and legally felt insurmountable. Insurance companies and medical examiners sought to downplay the severity of my condition, attempting to minimise my impairment rating and deny me the compensation I rightfully deserved. Yet, Mr. Matthew stood firm, refusing to let them diminish the gravity of my suffering.What struck me most about Mr. Matthew and indeed the entire team at Garling & Co is their genuine care for their clients. Mr. Matthew is not merely a lawyer; he is a compassionate advocate who understands the human element behind every case. He listened intently as I described the chronic pain, mobility limitations, and emotional toll caused by my back injury , treating my story with the seriousness it warranted. His internal and external team, equally brilliant and dedicated, worked tirelessly to gather medical evidence, consult specialists, and build an unassailable case that highlighted the true extent of my injuries. Together, they formed an unstoppable force, driven by a shared mission to deliver the best possible result for their clients.The professionalism exhibited by Garling & Co is of such a high caliber that it defies belief. Every interaction was marked by courtesy, precision, and transparency. They communicated with me regularly, keeping me informed at every stage of the process and ensuring I felt empowered rather than overwhelmed. Their ability to simplify even the most intricate legal matters into understandable terms speaks volumes about their expertise and client-centered approach.Thanks to Mr. Matthew and his team, what began as a daunting and disheartening journey ended in triumph. Facing a severe back injury that left me unable to work or enjoy life as I once did, I encountered countless obstacles designed to diminish my claim. Yet, under Mr. Matthew’s guidance, those barriers were dismantled one by one. The result he achieved for me was not just satisfactory it was extraordinary. He secured the maximum compensation I deserved, restoring not only my financial stability but also my faith in the legal system.If you find yourself grappling with the aftermath of a personal injury, whether it be a back injury , workplace accident, or any other trauma, I implore you to place your trust in Garling & Co Lawyers. They are more than capable of turning despair into hope, adversity into victory, and injustice into resolution. With Mr. Matthew leading the charge, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with the utmost integrity, intelligence, and tenacity.In closing, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. Matthew and the entire team at Garling & Co. You have made an indelible impact on my life, and I will forever be indebted to you for your tireless efforts and unwavering support. To anyone seeking representation that combines brilliance, professionalism, and genuine care, look no further Garling & Co is the epitome of excellence.read more

S Z

07:46 27 Feb 25

I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional support and dedication provided by Garling & Co Lawyers, particularly Mr. Matthew, Alison, and their incredible team. They have been nothing... short of a lifeline during one of the darkest chapters of my life a time when I felt abandoned, broken, and unsure if anyone could truly help me.After sustaining multiple disabilities from a workplace injury, I was left grappling with physical pain, emotional turmoil, and overwhelming uncertainty about my future. I had initially turned to another law firm one of those big names everyone talks about but they failed me. Despite their promises and polished reputation, they couldn’t deliver when it mattered most. Faced with insurance medical examiners determined to downplay my injuries and strip away my rights, I felt powerless. It seemed like no one was on my side until I found Garling & Co.From the very first conversation, Matthew, Alison, and the entire team showed me what real compassion looks like. They didn’t just hear my story; they felt it. Every phone call I made was answered with patience and understanding. Every question I had was met with clarity and reassurance. For the first time in months, I felt seen, heard, and valued not as a case file, but as a person.What sets Garling & Co apart isn’t just their unmatched legal expertise it’s their humanity. They understood the weight of what I was carrying, and they carried it with me. Where others saw obstacles too great to overcome, they saw opportunities to fight harder. Their wisdom, determination, and relentless pursuit of justice transformed a losing case into a victory that exceeded all expectations.The difference between my previous lawyers and Garling & Co? Heart. My former lawyers treated my case like a transaction; Garling & Co treated it like a mission. They refused to let the insurance company minimize my suffering or dismiss my struggles. Instead, they fought tooth and nail to secure the maximum impairment compensation I deserved a result I never dreamed possible after everything I’d been through.If you’re reading this and feeling lost, scared, or defeated, please know there is hope. No matter how complex or challenging your situation may seem, Garling & Co will stand by you. They’ll dig deep, work tirelessly, and leave no stone unturned in their quest for fairness and justice. You won’t just be hiring lawyers you’ll be gaining advocates who genuinely care about your well-being and your future.To Matthew, Alison, and the entire team at Garling & Co: thank you!!! doesn’t feel like enough. You’ve given me back my dignity, my peace of mind, and my belief that good people still exist in this world. If anyone is searching for a team that will pour their heart and soul into your case, look no further. These are the lawyers who will turn your darkest days into brighter tomorrows.read more

Jude M.

03:54 21 Feb 25

I rang Mr Matthew Garling on a matter, and Matthew gave me his time and honest advice from goodwill. Matthew is a very honest, good man of integrity who went beyond the call of duty. I would highly... recommend Matthew and his company.read more

Pouya Zadbar T.

01:36 15 Feb 25

Garling and Co were very helpful and did their best to get the most payout for my mothers workers compensation claim. We were very happy with their patience and understanding as this was a long and... trying process with the insurance. I Would definitely recommend their services.read more

Don T.

05:59 13 Feb 25

I had an occupational accident for 2 years and after the surgery for a whole year there was no good result and my body was in so much pain that I could not return to work. Everyone told me to find a... lawyer immediately, I did not know which lawyer could help me so I searched on Google. After searching I found that many clients were very satisfied with Garling & Co, so I texted Garling & Co. They immediately called back and asked if I felt pain and could not come to the office, they would come to see me but I replied that I could come. And the legal journey started from there. I met Mr. Garling who was about my age but very enthusiastic and dedicated and he explained and advised me in a way that I could understand all the questions and I agreed with him very much, then he handed over my case to Ms. Allison to contact me. Everything went very well according to his arrangements from the first step to the last step. Until the last day, he explained how the negotiation was going and I understood the whole story. I did not ask for too much and the number I gave was quickly agreed to avoid lengthy legal headaches. In total, after 4 years of the accident and almost 2 years with the help of Garling & Co, everything was resolved happily for all parties. Once again, I thank Mr. Garling, Ms. Allison and everyone at Garling & Co for helping me, they are wonderful and I hope they will continue their good work helping people who need legal help like I need help. Thank you very much Garling & Co.read more

Pedro M.

04:26 11 Feb 25

Thank you so much for all the help and support this past years.I recommend it to anyone who needs help.Thanks again and all the best for the Garling & Co team and a special thanks to Kerry Byrnes.

Ron J.

03:49 11 Feb 25

I had an overall good experience with Garling and Co. I was the victim of a major motorvehicle accident in April 2021. There were a few complications in my case including me having to move overseas... for 2 years temporarily during the progression of my claim and original lawyer from Garling that handled my case leaving the firm. The move overseas resulted in the insurer cutting off my income replacement, which lasted for 9 months, which as you can imagine created a major financial strain on the family On both these occasions, Garling worked to get a good result. They fought in front of the NSW Panel, and got a reported decision that states that all Permanent Residents and Citizens of Australia have the right to be paid income replacement even when overseas, during an accident claim under CTP cover. They also worked very hard in the face of a typically uncooperative and obstructive insurer to progress my claim over the last (almost 4 years) and the replacement lawyer Kerry Burns has done amazing work, with care, empathy and professionalism. I've had a good experience with them!read more

READ ALL TESTIMONIALS

Workers Compensation Lawyers

Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Sydney

Medical Negligence Lawyers Sydney

Public Liability Lawyers

Superannuation Lawyers Sydney

What to do if you're injured in a car accident

The CTP insurer is obliged to cover $5,000.00 worth of medical treatment or loss of income before they even decided who was at fault.

What should I do if i’ve been injured in a car accident?

Why do I need to do this?

What do I do next?

Matthew Garling

Share this article on

You might also be interested in…

SIRA – Who Are They And What Do They Do?

Injured and unrepresented – Should I be worried?

Would you like assistance with your claim?

No Win No Fee

Industry Experts

Maximum Compensation