Injured in a Road or Transport accident?
The TAC (Transport Accident Commission) provides support for those injured in a road or transport accident.
Those injured in a road or transport accident can claim compensation for their pain and suffering, loss of income and medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault for their injury.
If you’ve been injured in a road or transport accident, you may have a claim for compensation.
We understand that when you’re injured, your family and friends can feel the impact of your accident too. We know our clients rely on us to get the best outcome, that’s why our road compensation experts will focus on getting you the benefits and compensation you’re entitled to.
Who can make a TAC claim?
Are you Eligible to make a TAC claim?
To make a TAC claim, you must be injured as a result of a transport accident involving a Victorian registered vehicle.
You may be covered by the TAC if you are a:
- Driver or passenger of a vehicle regardless of who was at fault
- Pedestrian hit by a vehicle
- Cyclist hit by a vehicle
- Cyclist that collides with a stationary vehicle, open or opening of a vehicle door
- Cyclist injured by taking evasive action to avoid being hit by a vehicle
- Driver or passenger injured on tram/bus/train accident
- Driver or passenger injured due to a defect in a vehicle.
In addition to the above, you may also be entitled to make a TAC claim if you are:
- The dependent of a person who dies as a result of a transport accident, OR
- If you suffer a psychiatric injury because you witnessed a traumatic accident or the aftermath of a traumatic accident, or if a family member dies or is seriously injured as the result of a transport accident.
What do I do if I’ve been injured in a road accident?
Report the accident
It is important to report your accident to the Victorian Police and obtain a police report number. If police did not attend the accident scene, it is important to report the accident to the local police station. We can help assist you if you haven’t done this already.
You have one year from the date of your accident in which to make a claim with the TAC.
Obtain important details
It is important to obtain details of any other people involved in the transport accident, including any witnesses.
It is also important to take note of where the accident occurred, what time and details of how the accident happened.
Consult your Doctor
Consult your Doctor to assess your injuries and seek appropriate treatment.
It is important to obtain a medical certificate from your doctor outlining the details of how you sustained your injuries due to your accident.
Lodge a TAC claim form – Contact us today
If you need to take time off work and/or require ongoing medical treatment due to your injury, you must complete and lodge a TAC claim form.
PRD Legal can help assist you in lodging your TAC claim form and provide it directly to the TAC free of charge. Having an experienced TAC lawyer present during this process can help ensure you maximize your entitlements.
What types of injuries are covered?
- Back Injury
- Neck Injury
- Spinal Injury
- Whiplash
- Nervous Shock
- Brain Injury
- Psychological Injury
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- And others
What TAC entitlements are available?
No Fault Entitlements
These are entitlements that you can claim, regardless of who was at fault for an accident.
Weekly Payment/ Loss of income
If you cannot work due to your injury (or have modified duties/hours) you may be entitled to weekly payments calculated by reference to your Pre – Injury Average Weekly Earnings (PIAWE).
Weekly payments are available and can continue for up to 3 years and in certain circumstances beyond to retirement age.
Medical and Like Expenses
The TAC can pay for medical treatment that are reasonable and related to your accident.
These can include:
- GP and specialist appointments
- Physical Therapies
- Psychological/Psychiatric treatment
- Medication
- Surgery
Others include:
- Travel to and from medical appointments
- Inpatient hospital care
- Radiological investigations
- Rehabilitation
- Nursing care
- Home help and garden maintenance.
It is important to seek our advice to ensure that you are accessing all your entitlements.
Impairment Benefits
Once your injury is deemed stable and permanent, you may be entitled to an impairment benefit lump sum.
A lump sum is payable if your injuries meet or exceed a particular threshold.
Common Law Entitlements
In addition to your No-Fault entitlements above, you may also be entitled to Common Law Damages – Lump sum payment for loss of earnings into the future and loss of enjoyment of life.
To be entitled to Common Law entitlements, you must establish that your injury is serious and that someone else was at fault for your accident.
If you believe you may have an entitlement to common law damages, we recommend that you contact us for advice as to whether your injury meets the relevant tests.
What other types of road accidents can you claim for?
- Cycling and Bike Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Public Transport Accidents
- Truck Accidents
When should I consult a TAC Road Compensation Lawyer?
If you have sustained an injury or a pre-existing injury has been aggravated or has worsened because of the road or transport accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
Without representation, many people are unaware of their rights and potential entitlements.
PRD Legal understands how stressful and complicated making a TAC claim can be, our firm is here to assist you every step of the way.
How long do you have to lodge a TAC claim?
- You have one year from the date of the accident or injury in which to make a claim with the TAC.
- The TAC can accept or reject a claim up to three years after the accident.
- Claims made outside three years, will not be accepted.