Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Sydney

5-Star Client Rating

You’ll receive outstanding service. We maintain a 5-star client rating.

Free Case Assessments

We provide confidential, free case assessments.

Industry Experts

We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience.

No Win No Fee

You won’t be required to pay any fees until we win your case.

5-Star Client Rating

You’ll receive outstanding service. We maintain a 5-star client rating.

Free Case Assessments

We provide confidential, free case assessments.

Industry Experts

We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience.

No Win No Fee

You won’t be required to pay any fees until we win your case.

We specialise in Motor Accident Compensation Claims

Why choose us for your motor accident claims?

With over 20 years of experience, our accredited motor vehicles accident lawyers understand what needs to be done in order to secure you a successful compensation claim.

At every stage of your claim Garling & Co’s lawyers will be up front and honest with you. Before taking legal action, our team will help you to determine whether you have a valid argument to make a motor vehicle accident compensation claim. We will also discuss the types of compensation you could receive, how much your claim is worth and the timeframe involved with a successful claim.

To contact our motor vehicle accident lawyers about your compensation claim, please call 02 8329 9500 or send us an email now. Alternatively, complete our free, no obligation confidential case assessment form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

We have a 5-star client rating
No win no fee cost agreements
Confidential, free case assessments
We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience
Named “Leading Motor Vehicle Accident and Compensation Lawyers Sydney” in Doyles Guide November 2015

We have a proven track record in winning our clients compensation

At Garling & Co, our priority is securing our clients the motor vehicles accident compensation they deserve. Over the last 20 years, we’ve helped hundreds of people across NSW win their motor vehicles accident compensation claims. Take a look at some examples of how our motor vehicle accident lawyers have helped people like you win huge compensation payments.

What can be claimed under the Motor Accidents Compensation Act?

The Motor Accidents Compensation Act NSW 1999 is here to protect you if you’ve suffered a motor vehicle related accident at no fault of your own. Our experienced team of lawyers will fight for your right to financial compensation and you may be able to recover:

Past and future loss of income
General damages for pain and suffering
Past and future medical and treatment expenses
The value or cost of past and future care or domestic assistance
Legal costs

Claims Case Studies

Types of claims

The Claims Process:

Obligation free meeting with Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law
Understand what you are entitled to, the process and timeframe
Proceed on a No Win No Fee basis
Your case is built using the best experts to achieve the optimum result
Your will be kept updated throughout the process
We will secure the financial result in the shortest possible timeframe

Would you like assistance with your claim?

Complete our free, no obligation confidential case assessment form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

Alternatively, we are available to talk by phone and email. Please contact our experienced accredited specialist personal injury lawyers to find out how we can help.

Call now to start your claim 02 8329 9500

No Win No Fee

You won’t be required to pay any fees until we win your case.

Industry Experts

We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience.

Maximum Compensation

Our team of expert injury lawyers will help you get maximum compensation.

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

Sandra C.

03:27 06 Feb 25

Garling & Co Lawyers were professional from start to finish. They made me feel like I was as important to them as all their clients. Emma Perkins and her team went over and above in all aspects to... exceed my expectations. Highly recommended.read more

kokomo U.

01:38 15 Jan 25

Such a difficult time for me and so grateful to have alison and Mathews help...knowing I could trust in their knowledge, along with the understanding and compassion I received helped make a trying... time easier to navigate. Thankyou guys, would highly recommendread more

Sam H.

09:47 17 Dec 24

Very knowledgeable, explains everything very clearly and highly recommend.

Rachel R.

09:13 17 Nov 24

Although a long journey, the team at Garling & Co Lawyers have been amazing. They are thorough and clear with the processes and the expectations. It is a pleasure dealing with Emma and Rebecca. They... take all the weight off our shoulders when it comes to all the legal stuff and they make us feel comfortable and confident in their ability to look after us.read more

Angie & Brian M.

00:58 18 Sep 24

We cannot recommend Garling and Co. Lawyers highly enough! Our principal solicitor, Matthew Garling, was absolutely outstanding throughout our entire legal journey. He, along with the fantastic team... in the office, especially Allison, provided outstanding support. They were always responsive, willing to listen, and took the time to thoroughly explain the entire process. Thanks to their dedication and expertise, we achieved a brilliant outcome.read more

Find out more about Motor Accidents

Car Accidents

If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be able to make a claim for personal injury compensation

Learn More

Bicycle Accidents

A cyclists can claim compensation for injuries sustained by the fault of the driver of a motor vehicle.

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Motorbike Accident

If you are injured in a motorbike accident, it can turn your life upside down.

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Pedestrian Accidents

In NSW, if you sustain an injury as a result of being struck by a motor vehicle while a pedestrian.

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CTP Claims

A CTP claim to obtain compensation for any injury sustained in the accident.

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Whiplash Injury

The sudden force tears and injures the muscles and tendons in the neck

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Brain Injury Claims

Traumatic brain injuries often occur as a result of a severe sports injury, fall or car accident.

Learn More

Boating Accident Lawyers

Learn More

Car Accidents

If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be able to make a claim for personal injury compensation

Learn More

Bicycle Accidents

A cyclists can claim compensation for injuries sustained by the fault of the driver of a motor vehicle.

Learn More

Motorbike Accident

If you are injured in a motorbike accident, it can turn your life upside down.

Learn More

Pedestrian Accidents

In NSW, if you sustain an injury as a result of being struck by a motor vehicle while a pedestrian.

Learn More

CTP Claims

A CTP claim to obtain compensation for any injury sustained in the accident.

Learn More

Whiplash Injury

The sudden force tears and injures the muscles and tendons in the neck

Learn More

Brain Injury Claims

Traumatic brain injuries often occur as a result of a severe sports injury, fall or car accident.

Learn More

Boating Accident Lawyers

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

1/ What if I don’t know the registration number of the car which caused the accident?

If you are unable to identify the registration number of the vehicle which caused the accident or if the vehicle was not registered, you can claim against the Nominal Defendant.

You still need to make an Application for Personal Injury Benefit through the SORA website.

You must have tried everything possible to find out the registration number of the vehicle, including speaking the police, talking to witnesses, or by putting an advertisement in the newspaper or flyers in local letterboxes. You must do what you can to find out if anyone can identify and provide you with the registration number of the vehicle.

If you have been unable to identify the vehicle which caused the accident, then you can lodge a claim form with the Nominal Defendant.

2/ How do I claim compensation?

To make a claim, you must complete an Application for Personal Injury Benefits through the SIRA Website HERE.

You will need the registration number of the vehicle you consider most at fault.

If you don’t know the registration number (license plate), you might be able to get it from the police. Look at your police report, or contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

You need to take all reasonable steps to find the registration number, but if you can’t, you can still make a claim. Call CTP Assist on 1300 656 919 for assistance.

If you believe you were at fault, you can still make a claim. You will provide the registration number of the vehicle you were driving.

3/ Are there time limits in a Motor Vehicle claim?

Yes, the new Motor Accident Legislation for injuries received on or after 1 December 2017 now provides very strict time limits in which to make a claim.

These include the following: –

The motor vehicle accident must be reported to the police within 28 days of the accident.

An Application for Personal Injury Benefits should be completed within 28 days of the accident but can be completed up to three months after the accident.

If the insurer makes a decision that affects your ongoing entitlements to statutory benefits, this decision must be internally reviewed within 28 days.

If you disagree with the insurer’s internal review, you can apply for a Merit Review to SIRA, which must be done within 28 days of receiving the internal review.

A claim to determine the level of whole person impairment (WPI) should be made within two years from the date of the motor vehicle accident. If your WPI has not been assessed or is less than 10%, then weekly benefits cease two years after the motor vehicle accident.

A claim for common law damages should be made within two years from the date of the motor vehicle accident. This will allow you to continue to receive weekly payments for up to three years (if your whole person impairment is 10% or less) or for up to a maximum of 5 years (if your whole person impairment is 11% or more).

A claim to determine your common law damages must be made in DRS within three years from the date of the motor vehicle accident.

These time limits are very strict with limited rights of appeal. The time limits must be strictly complied with otherwise, there may be difficulty making a claim at a later time.

4/ What is the Lifetime Care & Support Scheme?

The Lifetime Care & Support Authority of NSW is responsible for administering the Lifetime Care & Support Scheme (“the Scheme”)

The scheme provides lifelong treatment, rehabilitation, and care for people who had sustained catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injury, moderate to severe brain injury, multiple amputations, serious burns or blindness as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

The Lifetime Care & Support Scheme is also responsible for payment of all medical and care needs for all injured people in car accidents after 1 December 2017 where an insurer has accepted that;

The injured person was not wholly or mostly at fault and;
The injured person does not have a minor injury and
Its five years after the motor vehicle accident

The Lifetime Care & Support Scheme takes over from the insurer after 5 years and is responsible for payment of all ongoing medical and care needs.

5/ Should I use a lawyer to represent me?

Yes.

If you believe the accident was not your fault and you have more than a minor injury, you should always get a lawyer to represent you for a claim under the Motor Accident Injuries Act.

If you deal directly with the insurer yourself, you are likely to get significantly less compensation than if you appoint a lawyer to represent you.

The statistics are telling; in 2010 the average settlement amount for persons injured in a car accident who were not legally represented was about $11,000 in the same period the average settlement amount of those who were legally represented was about $90,000 on average.

If you appoint a lawyer, between 50-70% of the legal costs are also payable by the CTP Insurer.

It makes clear financial sense always to appoint a lawyer to represent you as the insurer pays most of the legal costs, and you will receive a much more significant amount of compensation if you appoint a lawyer.

You should also only use a lawyer who is a Specialist in Personal Injury law as accredited by the Law Society of NSW.

6/ How are legal costs paid in motor vehicle claims?

Most lawyers will act on your behalf based on a No Win No Fee Costs Agreement, also called a Conditional Costs agreement.

This means that the lawyer will only be paid legal costs if you are successful in obtaining compensation. If you are not successful, the lawyer will not charge you any legal fees. They may still charge disbursements for the cost of medical reports.

If you are successful in your claim, then part of the legal costs are payable by the CTP insurer in accordance with the Motor Accidents Injuries Regulation NSW 2017.

The CTP insurer pays legal costs based on how far the claim progresses and how much compensation is agreed or awarded to you. This amount is usually 50 -70% of the total legal cost’s payable by you to your lawyer.

Your lawyer is not allowed by the Legal Profession Act to charge an amount or percentage based on what you receive in compensation; this is called Contingency fees and is banned in NSW.

The legal costs and disbursements are payable to your lawyer at the conclusion of your claim.

The amount of legal costs and disbursements payable will be determined by the Conditional Costs Agreement you have signed with your lawyer and is payable from the compensation you receive. You should always make sure you clearly understand how your lawyer will charge legal costs before you sign the agreement.

7/ What do I do if I am injured in a car accident in NSW?

To claim compensation, you must have sustained an injury due to the use or operation of a motor vehicle in NSW.

Any kind of road user can claim the Act, including; the driver, the passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist.

The system is no longer fault-based; anyone injured by a motor vehicle can claim statutory benefits no matter who caused the accident.

To make a claim, you need to do the following –

Seek immediate medical assistance from your local general practitioner or, if necessary, the emergency department of the nearest hospital.
Report the accident to the police within 28 days and obtain an event number.
If you can, get the following information: –
a. The name, address, licence details, and phone number of any driver of the vehicle involved in the accident.
b. The make, model, and number plate of any cars involved in the accident.
c. Contact details of any witnesses.
d. If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, including the location and damage to any vehicles.

You then need to make an Application for Personal Injury Benefits through the SIRA website HERE.

If the injury is a result of a motor accident that is also work-related, you will also need to make a worker’s compensation claim against your employer’s worker’s compensation insurer.

You cannot claim if you are charged with a “serious driving offence” in connection with the accident or were the at-fault driver of an uninsured vehicle.

More Faqs

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