Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming – you need to seek help.
If you’ve been injured, knowing what actions to take early on can help protect your rights and support any future compensation car accident claim. Here are four important steps to follow after a car accident in Queensland.
1. Prioritise medical attention first
In any serious crash, your first action should be to call 000 and clearly explain your location and what assistance is needed.
If it’s safe, move anyone injured away from traffic or potential hazards like leaking fuel. Even if emergency services are not required, you should still contact police so that an official record of the car accident is made — including details of who was involved and any initial findings about who may be at fault.
Keep in mind that some injuries may not be obvious straight away. Symptoms can appear hours or even days later. Always see a medical professional as soon as possible, and keep a record of any developing symptoms or medical visits.
2. Collect Information at the Scene
Gathering accurate information from others involved in the car accident is crucial when later claiming traffic accident compensation. Try to collect:
- Full names and contact details
- Driver’s licence and vehicle registration numbers
- Insurance provider details
- Make and model of any vehicles involved
If there were any witnesses, ask for their contact details and whether they captured any dashcam footage.
If safe to do so, take photos of the scene — such as vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, or intersection layouts.
If the incident involves a hit and run, report it to the police immediately. Even without identifying the other driver, you may still be eligible to make a claim.
3. Notify Your Insurance Provider
Inform your insurer that you’ve been in a car accident. Share all the details and any evidence you’ve gathered — including witness information and photographs.
You may be required to submit a Notice of Accident Claim form, so ask what documentation is needed and complete it as soon as possible.
Keep track of any expenses you incur, such as:
- Medical consultations or hospital visits
- Medication or rehabilitation costs
- Repairs to your vehicle
- Travel to and from medical appointments
These may be reimbursed as part of your claim.
4. Seek Legal Advice Early
Whether you were a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist, if you’ve been injured on Queensland roads in a car accident compensation, it’s important to get legal guidance as early as possible. There are strict time limits for lodging a claim, so acting quickly is in your best interest.
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to claim, speak with a qualified lawyer who can assess your situation. Early legal advice can help you access the treatment and financial support you may be entitled to — without facing unnecessary delays or out-of-pocket costs.
Do you need help?
Fisher Dore Lawyers is a Queensland based law firm specialising in all areas of compensation and criminal law. Specifically in respect to our compensation team, we can assist with complex claims involving workplace injuries, medical negligence, motor vehicle accidents, public liability, assaults and battery and the like.
Whether your injuries are relatively minor or catastrophic in nature, it is important you obtain professional advice about your rights to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Should you have suffered personal injuries in a motor vehicle accident and you wish to discuss your rights in respect to a claim for damages, please call our team of professional personal injury lawyers on 3236 1800.
