At L&H Injury Lawyers, we know that being injured in a motor vehicle accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed — physically, emotionally and financially. Whether you were a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian, if someone else was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation under Queensland’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme.
In this article, we explain what CTP insurance covers, the types of compensation you may be entitled to, and how you can protect your rights.
What Is CTP Insurance?
In Queensland, all registered vehicles must have CTP insurance, which provides cover for people injured in accidents caused by the driver of a motor vehicle. It doesn’t cover property damage — it’s purely for personal injury.
CTP claims are made against the insurer of the at-fault vehicle, and allow you to recover losses which you have suffered as a result of the injuries you sustained in the accident.
Who Can Make a CTP Claim?
You may be eligible to make a CTP claim if you were:
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- A driver or passenger injured in a crash where another vehicle was at fault
- A pedestrian or cyclist hit by a motor vehicle
- The dependant of someone fatally injured in a road accident
- Involved in a hit-and-run accident (through the Nominal Defendant)
What Compensation Can You Claim?
If your CTP claim is accepted, you may be entitled to:
Medical and treatment expenses
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, the CTP insurer will, in most circumstances, fund reasonable and necessary treatment expenses up front.
You will also be entitled to claim for future treatment costs where ongoing treatment is required.
The cost of travel to and from medical appointments can also be claimed as part of your compensation.
Loss of income and associated superannuation
If your injuries stop you from working, you can claim both past and future loss of earnings. This includes not just lost wages, but also your loss of superannuation entitlements and in some cases, loss of opportunity — such as being unable to take on promotions, training, or career advancement due to your injuries.
Pain and suffering (General damages)
General damages are designed to compensate you for the physical pain, emotional distress and impact on your quality of life.
Care and support
If your injuries prevent you from managing everyday tasks, you may be entitled to compensation for care and assistance — whether it’s provided by a paid professional or unpaid support from family or friends.
The total amount of damages you may be entitled to depends on the severity of your injuries and the extent to which they impact your work, daily life, and future wellbeing.
Additionally, in many CTP claims, a significant portion of your legal costs will be paid by the CTP insurer as part of your settlement. At L&H Injury Lawyers, we work on a no win, no fee basis, which means you won’t pay anything upfront — and you won’t owe us legal fees unless we successfully resolve your claim.
Time Limits Apply — Don’t Delay
Strict time limits apply for lodging a CTP claim in Queensland:
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- Within 9 months of the date of accident (or the date symptoms first appear), or
- Within 1 month of consulting a lawyer about the injury, whichever is earliest.
If the vehicle at fault cannot be identified (such as in a hit-and-run), your claim must be lodged with the Nominal Defendant within 3 months of the accident.
Late claims may still be accepted in some circumstances, but it’s crucial to act quickly. Delaying can impact your rights and the evidence needed to support your case.
How L&H Injury Lawyers Can Help
Navigating a CTP claim on your own can be stressful and confusing. CTP Insurers often refuse to fund enough rehabilitation and try to minimise payouts. At L&H Injury Lawyers, our experienced CTP Lawyers will:
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- Help you access treatment and support early
- Handle all paperwork and negotiations with the insurer
- Arrange independent medical assessments
- Work on a no win, no fee basis
Most importantly, we work to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to within the shortest period of time.
Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident?
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident and aren’t sure about your rights, let us help. Contact L&H Injury Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call us on (07) 5292 5272
Or book your free appointment via our website Contact Us – L&H Injury Lawyers
