Motor vehicle accident claim preparation checklist
Each Australian state and territory runs a different CTP scheme with specific notification deadlines and benefit structures. This checklist walks through the standard intake and preparation.
This is a 12-step preparation checklist for an Australian motor vehicle accident personal injury claim. It covers CTP scheme notification, treatment, evidence, and thresholds for common law damages.
The checklist
Confirm the CTP scheme
Confirm the applicable CTP scheme based on the state where the accident occurred.
Check notification deadline
Check the scheme notification deadline — NSW 28 days for weekly benefits, 3 months to lodge.
Report to police
Confirm a police report was made and obtain the reference number.
Gather accident evidence
Collect photos, dash cam footage, witness details, and vehicle damage reports.
Confirm liability position
Identify the at-fault party and any contributory negligence risk.
Lodge initial claim with insurer
Lodge the claim with the CTP insurer and request the claim number.
Arrange medical treatment
Ensure the client obtains prompt medical treatment and keeps all receipts.
Collect medical records
Collect GP notes, hospital records, specialist reports, and imaging.
Document economic loss
Collect payslips, tax returns, and evidence of past and future economic loss.
Assess impairment thresholds
Assess the whole-person impairment against the scheme threshold for common law damages.
Consider early internal review
Consider internal review of any insurer decision before escalating to the state dispute body.
Advise on settlement or common law path
Advise the client on the statutory benefits vs common law damages pathway.
When this checklist applies
Use this checklist at the start of any motor vehicle accident matter to protect notification deadlines and preserve evidence.
Common pitfalls
- Missing the short statutory notification window
- Not securing dash cam or CCTV footage before it is overwritten
- Weak evidence of pre-existing conditions vs accident injury
- Undervaluing future economic loss for younger claimants
- Settling statutory benefits before assessing common law eligibility
Run this checklist on a real matter
Quillio drafts MVA claim forms, medical chronologies, and damages schedules. See /practice-areas/family-lawyers or start a free trial.
This checklist is a general guide. MVA schemes vary significantly between states — always confirm the applicable Act.
Use this checklist on your matter.
Quillio can run this checklist on a specific NSW conveyancing matter — confirm each item, calculate adjustments, and generate the supporting documents. The free trial requires no sales call.
Start your free trial