Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident in South Australia – What Do I Do Now?

Being involved in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) can instantly turn your life upside down. Alongside physical or psychological injuries, you may be facing time off work, medical bills and uncertainty about what compensation you’re entitled to claim.  

 If you’ve been injured in a car accident in South Australia and the accident was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation under South Australia’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme.  

  When can I make a motor vehicle accident claim in South Australia?  

You may be eligible to make a motor vehicle accident claim in South Australia if:  

• you were injured in a road accident involving a motor vehicle (including cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses or as a pedestrian or cyclist), and  

• the accident was not caused by your own fault.  

Importantly, strict time limits apply.  

You must lodge your claim within 6 months of the date of the accident. 

 Missing this deadline can seriously affect or prevent your ability to receive compensation.  

What should I do immediately after a car accident?  

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

• seek medical treatment as soon as possible and follow your doctor’s advice  

• report the accident to police where required  

• keep records of all medical treatment, expenses and time off work  

• obtain legal advice early from an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer before lodging your claim.  

Early advice can help protect your entitlements under the CTP scheme and avoid costly mistakes.  

What compensation can I claim for?  

The compensation available following a CTP claim in South Australia depends on the severity of your injuries and how they impact your daily life and ability to work. In South Australia, injuries are assessed using an Injury Scale Value (ISV) system, which affects what types of damages you may be entitled to claim.  

General damages   

Compensation for non-economic loss is based on the severity of your injuries and where your injuries fit in the ISV scale.  

• Only available if your injury is assessed at 11 ISV points or more  

Past economic loss  

Compensation for income lost because you were unable to work after the accident  

• You cannot claim for the first week of lost income  

• Any amount awarded is reduced by 20% under the legislation.  

Future economic loss  

Compensation for loss of future earning capacity due to your injuries  

• You must reach 8 ISV points to be eligible.   

• Any amount is reduced by 20% under the legislation.  

Future medical expenses  

Covers the cost of treatment you are likely to need in the future, such as:  

• ongoing medical appointments  

• surgery  

• physiotherapy or rehabilitation  

• medications and medical equipment.  

Future care and assistance  

If your injuries mean you will need paid assistance in the future, such as help around the home or with personal care, these costs may be claimable.  

Past care  (past voluntary services) 

Compensation may be available for care provided by a parent, spouse or child where: The care was required solely because of your injuries 

• Your injury is assessed at 11 ISV points or more, and  

•  the care was provided for at least 6 hours per week, for at least 6 months.   

This care can include assistance with tasks such as cooking, cleaning and personal care.  

Impact on your relationship  

In some cases, compensation may be available for the impact of your injuries on your relationship with your spouse or partner. This is known as ‘loss of consortium’.  

• An injury scale value of in excess of 10 ISV points is required.  

Is making a motor vehicle accident claim expensive?  

At 
Tindall Gask Bentley (TGB Lawyers), we understand that financial pressure often follows a serious accident.  

That’s why we offer no-win, no-fee arrangements for motor vehicle accident claims in South Australia.  

• You will not pay our legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful 

• We do not require you to pay legal fees upfront. 

• Our fees are only payable once your claim is successfully resolved.  

What to do next  

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in South Australia, do not delay. 

Speaking with an experienced CTP claim lawyer as early as possible can help ensure your claim is lodged on time and that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to. 

Get in touch 

Tindall Gask Bentley’s Personal Injury team has extensive experience assisting clients with car accident claims, CTP claims and motor vehicle accident compensation across South Australia. 

Call us today on (08) 8212 1077, or
Contact us online to arrange a confidential, no-obligation discussion about your options.