Life after a motor vehicle accident can come with challenges that you haven’t had to navigate before. Both physical and psychological injuries can take their toll on your day-to-day life and activities and your finances, but there is assistance available. In this article we outline your options when it comes to accessing healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation options, and even getting financial assistance during your recovery.
Rehabilitation covered by CTP insurance
If you’re injured in a car accident and it’s not your fault, you may be entitled to commence a claim for compensation through the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance of the vehicle which was responsible for causing your injury/injuries. CTP insurance is included when you pay your vehicle registration in Queensland. Lodging a CTP claim and seeking payment of compensation can help you by covering medical and rehabilitation expenses while your claim progresses.
Getting the right medical and allied health support is key to injury healing and the sooner you start the better. To obtain financial assistance with funding medical and rehabilitation you’ll need to lodge a Notice of Accident Claim Form with the CTP insurer for the vehicle causing the accident. We suggest getting legal advice as the CTP claim process can be complex and taking the right steps can have a significant impact on ultimate success and amount of compensation you receive. Read our article on the CTP claims process to learn more about what to expect.
The National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland
Regardless of who is at fault, you may get treatment, care, and support through the National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland (NIISQ). This scheme helps people with a serious personal injury resulting from a motor vehicle accident to access the help they need to assist with recovery, injury management, and ongoing needs.
Visit the NIISQ website to learn more about eligibility criteria for your particular injury. The injury types covered by this type of support include permanent spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, multiple or high-level limb amputations, permanent injury to the brachial plexus (shoulder), severe burns, and permanent blindness caused by trauma. To determine eligibility, you may be required to provide information from the police, ambulance, hospitals, and insurance companies.
Medicare and private health fund refunds
Medicare or your private health fund may cover doctor, specialist, and allied health treatment for motor vehicle accident injuries. This could include all or part of the treatment costs. As you can’t be compensated twice, Medicare or your health fund will be refunded by your CTP insurer if your claim is successful and settles for more than $5,000. Medical or rehabilitation expenses incurred and related to your injury form part of the damages claimed in a successful CTP claim, and partial or full payments made by your health insurer will be paid back upon distribution of settlement funds at completion.
What if my car accident occurs during or on my way to work?
If you have a car or public transport accident on your way to or from work, or during work related activities, you could be eligible for workers’ compensation. You may be able to lodge a journey claim which will cover wages and your medical and treatment expenses. Once your workers’ compensation comes to an end, if you have also lodged a CTP claim this will come into effect for continued support. For this type of injury, WorkCover Queensland and your CTP insurer may work parallel to provide the support you need. As with Medicare and private health payments, all payments made to you or on your behalf for medical and treatment expenses will be refunded at the time of settlement and distribution of the settlement funds.
Mental health support
Car accidents can be traumatic and you may require psychological assistance. If you have a successful CTP claim, it will often cover reasonable psychologist costs for treating mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression. There are also free services available through Medicare Mental Health, Lifeline, and Beyond Blue. During this time, you’re not alone and it’s important to reach out if you feel you need to talk to someone.
If you’ve been injured on Queensland roads and would like advice about applying for compensation, our lawyers are here to help. Get in touch with any questions you have or to arrange a free case review.