If you’re thinking about making a CTP claim in NSW, you should consider how car accident lawyers could assist you with your claim. This guide will help you understand when you need a lawyer, how they work and how to choose the best car accident lawyer to suit your needs.
It’s possible to lodge your own claim form without using a car accident lawyer. However, it’s important to understand that if you leave out important details in your application it can significantly reduce the benefits you will receive. A car accident lawyer can advise you on how to make sure you claim everything you’re entitled to and some will provide free advice over the phone.
Once you’ve lodged your claim, if you decide to dispute the insurer’s decision or claim an additional lump sum payment, then you can use a car accident lawyer and in most cases the insurer will pay their fees.
There are some “unpaid” disputes where a lawyer isn’t allowed to charge for their time. For “paid disputes”, however, the CTP scheme specifies how much the lawyer can charge, and all legal fees are paid by the insurer, so you won’t have to pay anything. To learn more about your entitlements read our car accident claims guide.
Getting a car accident lawyer to help you with your CTP claim can dramatically increase the benefits you receive, and there are many situations where you can get your lawyer’s fees paid by the insurer.
Here are some ways a car accident lawyer can help you:
Here are five questions to help you choose the best car accident lawyer for your claim:
Choose a lawyer who only handles NSW car accident claims, and has a good track record of making successful claims and winning disputes under the CTP scheme that was introduced in late 2017.
Your relationship with your car accident lawyer is key to getting a good result in your claim. A good lawyer will take time to get to know you, your family and what your life was like prior to your accident, to form a full picture of how your life has changed. That’s how they make sure they claim everything you’re entitled to and not just focus on the obvious injuries.
Some car accident lawyers may not fund all of your costs. For example, some may not fund some of the expert reports needed as evidence for your case, travel expenses or court fees. Other car accident lawyers may fund these costs but charge you interest on them. Choose a car accident lawyer who will fund all your costs and not charge you any interest on them.
If you’re entering into a costs agreement with a lawyer, make sure they provide you with a ‘no win no fee’ agreement that specifically says you won’t have to pay any legal fees, costs or disbursements if they don’t win. Some car accident lawyers will still charge you for costs and disbursements if they lose, and that can be expensive.
All car accident lawyers will provide you with a costs estimate, but keep in mind the final cost could vary from the initial estimate. Make sure you fully understand the estimate and how the final costs might vary. The following paragraphs provide some insights into how costs are regulated for CTP claims in NSW.
A specialist lawyer will review your circumstances and tell you how much you can claim.
For NSW CTP claims, lawyers’ fees are regulated. Here’s an overview of what a car accident lawyer in Sydney and NSW can charge:
If you’re disputing the insurer’s decision over your benefits, it’s important to understand there are two types of disputes – paid disputes and unpaid disputes.
For some disputes you’ll need a medical report to provide supporting evidence – for example, if you’re disputing the definition of your injury as a threshold (minor) injury.
If you’re applying for a lump sum, there’s a schedule of fixed fees a lawyer can be paid to assist you for claims up to $75,000.
Law Partners Personal Injury Lawyers is Australia’s largest specialist personal injury compensation law firm, with a number of specialist car accident lawyers. They have 15 offices across Sydney and NSW.
Car accident lawyers in NSW – show me a car accident lawyer near me.
Tanja Maksimovic
Partner
An accredited specialist in personal injury law, backed by over 10 years’ experience in assisting injured Australians receive everything they’re entitled to with their motor accident claim.
Our senior lawyers will assess your case for free.
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