Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can have a range of physical and mental effects, many of which will require rehabilitation.

car accidents

Motor vehicle accidents remain a common feature on Australian roads, despite campaigns to improve driver awareness and technology being developed to prevent crashes. Figures from Transport for NSW show that on average, there are around 30 hospitalisations due to vehicle collisions each day, with many of these victims facing life-long health problems.

Rehabilitation plays an important role in helping people overcome these injuries, whether physical or mental. This can come at a significant cost to the victim and their family, which is why we strongly urge you to consider pursuing injuries compensation.

If you are successful in receiving a payout, this can be put towards your ongoing rehabilitation, therefore making life that little bit easier for you and your family.

Post-accident mental rehabilitation

There are various psychological problems that could emerge in the aftermath of a traffic accident. Many of these will require rehabilitation and the input of a mental health expert to put the situation into perspective and hopefully assist you on the road to recovery.

Some of the psychological traumas you might experience and need to receive help for include:

Post-traumatic stress disorder
Memory loss
Inability to return to driving
Anxiety
Feelings of guilt, especially following fatal crashes
The Australian Psychological Association advises that the cost of consultations can vary quite considerably, depending on the type of service that is being offered. However, ongoing psychiatric care is likely to mount up, especially in cases of severe distress.

Physical injuries that may require rehabilitation

The Motor Accidents Authority suggests that the expertise of chiropractors, physiotherapists and osteopaths could all be crucial in helping your recovery following a road traffic accident. It is essential to enlist the services of a health expert with knowledge of your particular injury, especially if the rehabilitation process is going to be effective.

Among the physical side-effects of a motor vehicle accident are:

Whiplash
Neck injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Head trauma
Recurring back problems
Many of these concerns can make it difficult for a motor vehicle accident victim to return to work. This should provide another incentive for contacting an accident lawyer, as any money you’re entitled to could help plug the shortfall that arises from being out of work.

Receiving the compensation you’re entitled to

The first step in securing compensation is to get in touch with PK Simpson. We have decades of experience in dealing with traffic accident injuries and could be the key to securing the payout you need to improve your quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

A: If you’ve had a motor car accident, stop your vehicle and turn on your hazard lights. Make sure nobody is injured, and if so, call emergency 000 and remain at the scene of the accident. If it’s a minor incident you don’t need to call the police, but move the damaged cars if possible. Never admit responsibility even if you think you were at fault. Collect name, address, registration number and insurance details from the other parties and get witness details if possible.

A: Motor accident compensation claims are normally finalised after you’ve recovered, or your injuries have stabilised. It can take some people longer to recover than others – from days to years – which determines the length of time it can take to finalise a claim. Also, your injuries may not always appear immediately after the accident and can take some time to appear, in some cases, years.

A: In a carpark, anyone driving in the lanes has the right of way, so if you’re the one pulling out of the car space and hit another motor vehicle, you are likely to be the majority at fault in the accident. However, since both cars are moving, both drivers might hold some responsibility. But if you hit a parked car, you are likely at fault.

A: When lodging a claim for compensation after a motor vehicle accident it’s best to do it as soon as possible. However, it isn’t always feasible if you were severely injured and couldn’t file a claim straight away. There are time limits, however, so get someone to call a lawyer at PK Simpson for you to lodge a claim at least within six months of the crash.

A: The length of time you have to make your claim depends on the jurisdiction.

For instance:

  • TPD claims – these may be commenced up to 10 years after you’ve stopped work. TPD claims are very technical and you may have more than one TPD claim.
  • Car accident claims – A personal injury claim form should be filled in and sent to your CTP insurer as early as possible, but must be no later than six months from the date of your accident. HOWEVER, out of time claims may be made. New NSW CTP laws have made it difficult for injured people and many law firms still do not understand how to run new claims under these laws – so call us at PK Simpson Sydney as soon as possible.
  • Workers compensation claims – You should contact a lawyer within six months of the accident. But remember, out of time claims can be handled by PK Simpson Sydney. We can help you get the treatment required to build your claim.
  • Slip ‘n’ fall/occupiers liability claims – Your claim must be lodged usually within three years of the date of your accident.

Medical Negligence – within three years of the date of when the cause of action was discoverable to our client OR 12 years from the time of the act or omission which caused the injury through negligence.

A: At PK Simpson compensation lawyers we operate on a no-win, no-fee basis. However, for detailed information on the legal costs that can be charged for statutory benefits CTP Insurance car accident claims in NSW click on this link.