Are Their Time Limits For Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Claims?

21 August, 2017

blog-6.jpg

Any car accident is distressing, but sometimes it is downright life changing. If you or someone you love suffers injuries in a car accident, your first thoughts revolve around their health and well-being.

Your focus is on their recovery, not compensation. While this is understandable, it is important to realise your time to make a compensation claim for a motor vehicle accident is limited. Treatments, time off work and rehabilitation costs can be expensive, so claiming your entitled compensation can have lasting benefits into the future as you recover from your injuries.

Time limits to filing a compensation claim following an injury from a motor vehicle accident are dependent on your age and situation. These are outlined in the Insurance Commission of WA Motor Vehicle Claim Guide:

 

  • If you have not lodged your claim within 3 years from the date you first became aware of your injury, (generally this is the date of the crash) you may be legally barred from pursuing claim
  • If you have not settled your claim within 3 years from when you first became aware of your injury you must ensure that Court proceedings are commenced to preserve your claim
  • If you are under 18 years of age at the time you first became aware of your injuries, different limitation periods will apply depending on your age
  • Claims for financial dependency, as a result of the death of a close relative, must be lodged within 3 years of the date of death

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident as a driver, passenger, bicycle rider or pedestrian, your first step is to register your accident immediately online at www.crashreport.com.au.  This will notify both the police and the Insurance Commission of Western Australia of the accident.

If you believe you may be eligible to claim compensation, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible as they will guide you through this difficult process, assuring the best possible result.

This is not intended to be exhaustive advice in relation to the benefits available to motor accident claims. If you have any questions, please contact our office on (08) 9581 4339. We provide an initial consultation at no cost to discuss your claim and possible entitlements.  We also act on a no win no fee basis if we are able to assist with your claim.