What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
A car accident lawyer helps injured people understand their rights and pursue compensation through Queensland’s CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance scheme. At Main Lawyers, we assess your situation, explain your options clearly, and manage the claims process on your behalf, so you can focus on recovering.
We operate on a no win, no fee basis, meaning there’s no financial risk in getting advice.
What Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents Can You Claim For in Queensland?
Queensland’s CTP scheme covers a wide range of motor vehicle accidents, not just standard car collisions. Our car accident lawyers on the Gold Coast regularly assist with claims involving:
Car driver and passenger injuries
Motorcycle and pillion passenger injuries
Pedestrian injuries
Hit and run accidents
Accidents in recreational vehicles such as caravans
Truck and heavy vehicle accidents
Who Can Make a Car Accident Compensation Claim in QLD?
You may be eligible to make a motor vehicle accident claim if you were injured through no fault of your own, or even if fault is shared. You can generally claim if:
You were the driver or passenger in a vehicle that was hit by another vehicle
You were a pillion passenger on a motorcycle, regardless of whether the rider was at fault
You were a pedestrian hit by a vehicle
You were involved in a hit and run and don’t have the other driver’s details
The other vehicle is unidentified or uninsured
You were injured riding a bicycle, e-bike or e-scooter
If you were injured in a vehicle during the course of work, you may also have a separate Workers’ Compensation entitlement. Our WorkCover lawyers can help with that here.
What Injuries Are Covered in a Motor Vehicle Accident Claim?
Most physical injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident are covered under a CTP claim, from minor short-term ailments through to serious long-term conditions. Common injuries include:
Head and Back
Traumatic brain injuries including concussion
Skull fractures
Hearing or vision loss
Spinal cord damage and herniated discs
Nerve damage and paralysis
Neck, Chest and Whiplash
Whiplash, the most common car accident injury
Serious neck muscle and ligament damage
Blunt force trauma to the chest
Broken ribs or collapsed lungs
Internal bleeding or organ damage
Limbs and Other Injuries
Broken bones and ligament damage
Severed limbs
Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor as soon as possible after any accident. Early medical records can be important if symptoms develop later.
How Does the Queensland CTP Claims Process Work?
Queensland’s CTP scheme is managed through the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) and requires claims to be lodged within strict timeframes. In general:
- Report the accident to police and exchange details with all drivers and witnesses where possible
- See a doctor as soon as possible and keep records of all treatment
- Lodge your CTP claim with the at-fault driver’s CTP insurer within the required timeframe
- Get legal advice before accepting any offer or signing anything
Our team manages this process with you from start to finish, making sure nothing is missed.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
It costs nothing upfront to get legal advice or start a claim with Main Lawyers. We operate on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you only pay legal fees if your claim is successful, and those fees are typically deducted from your compensation for convenience.
In some cases, legal costs may be covered by the CTP insurer, which can account for up to 50–70% of the total legal expense. The final cost depends on the complexity of your case and the number of specialists involved.
Book a free consultation with principal solicitor Lachlan Main to get a clear picture of likely costs and outcomes before you commit to anything.
How Do You Start a Car Accident Claim on the Gold Coast?
1
Call Us or Enquire Online
Not sure if you have a claim? There’s no harm in asking. Call 1800 314 761 or enquire online for a no-obligation conversation.
2
Book Your Free Consultation
Sit down with our principal solicitor at no cost. We’ll assess your situation, explain your rights and walk you through your options.
3
Make an Informed Decision
With all the information in front of you, you decide how to proceed. No pressure, no obligation.
We’re based in Coolangatta and work with clients across the Gold Coast, Logan and Brisbane. If you can’t come to us, we can come to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Lawyers
How Long Do You Have to Make a Car Accident Claim in Queensland?
You have 9 months from the date of the accident, or from when symptoms first appeared, to lodge a CTP claim in Queensland. You also have one month from the accident date to notify a lawyer if you intend to seek legal representation. These timeframes are strict, so it’s worth getting advice early.
What Happens If the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Unidentified?
If the at-fault driver cannot be identified or is uninsured, you may still be able to make a claim through the Nominal Defendant, a Queensland Government fund specifically set up to protect people in this situation. Our team can advise whether this applies to your circumstances.
Can You Claim If You Were at Fault in the Accident?
If you were fully at fault, you may not be eligible to claim compensation for your own injuries under CTP. However, if fault is shared, you may still have partial entitlements. Damage to your own vehicle may be covered by your comprehensive car insurance depending on your policy. Speak to us to understand where you stand.
Can You Claim If You Were a Passenger in the Car?
Yes. Passengers can generally make a CTP claim regardless of which driver was at fault. This includes pillion passengers on motorcycles.
What If You Were Injured in a Work-Related Car Accident?
If you were driving or travelling for work purposes at the time of the accident, you may be eligible for both a CTP claim and a Workers’ Compensation claim. These are separate entitlements and both may apply. Our WorkCover lawyers can help you understand both options.
Do You Need a Lawyer to Make a CTP Claim in Queensland?
You’re not required to use a lawyer, but having one significantly improves your ability to navigate the process, meet deadlines and negotiate a fair outcome. Given that we work on a no win, no fee basis, there’s no financial risk in getting professional advice before you decide.
Disclaimer: This information is designed for general information in relation to Queensland is current at time of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. We strongly recommend you seek legal advice in regards to your specific situation. For expert advice call 1800 314 761 for a free discussion of your matter with our experienced car accident lawyer Gold Coast.
