If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, the CTP claims process can seem overwhelming. The system is designed to help you get compensation for your injuries, but the process involves paperwork, deadlines and legal intricacies that can be hard to manage on your own.
This is where personal injury lawyers come in. Here’s how Wyatts’ personal injury lawyers can assist you through the CTP insurance claim process.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer to Lodge a CTP Insurance Claim?
A personal injury lawyer, specifically a CTP claim lawyer, ensures your rights are protected and you get the full entitlement you’re owed. Here are some reasons why they’re always the better choice than lodging a CTP insurance claim yourself.
Guide You Through the Legal Process
Our personal injury lawyers will guide you step by step through the CTP claim process so you don’t miss any important information. They will help you fill out the claim form, gather the required documents (medical certificates, pay slips, police reports, etc) and submit within the deadlines.
If your insurer denies your claim or offers a low payout, your lawyer will know how to appeal, gather more evidence, and keep the process smooth. They know the CTP laws and understand the subtleties that may not be obvious to someone without a legal background.
Maximise Your Entitlement
A lawyer ensures your claim includes all your injuries and losses. For example, if you have a back injury from an accident but don’t realise the full extent of the damage until later, a personal injury lawyer will work with medical experts to assess both the short-term and long-term impact. They will gather comprehensive medical reports that detail your injuries and the expected recovery time.
If you missed time from work or had extra expenses for treatments like physio, you’ll get those costs included in your claim. They may also advise you on the types of compensation you can claim, such as loss of future income or pain and suffering.
Manage Insurance Negotiations
Insurance companies are quick to offer an initial settlement, but it may not fully cover your needs. A lawyer acts as your advocate in these negotiations. For example, if the insurer tries to downplay your injuries by offering a small payout or denying your claim altogether, your lawyer will counter these tactics with evidence such as expert medical opinions or accident reconstruction reports.
If the insurer won’t increase their offer, your lawyer may recommend taking the case to the Personal Injury Commission or negotiating a better deal so you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Have Access to Experts
Sometimes, medical and expert testimony is key to building a strong case. A personal injury lawyer has access to specialists such as medical professionals who can provide an in-depth analysis of your injuries or accident reconstruction experts who can demonstrate how the accident occurred and prove fault.
In the case of a car accident, an accident reconstruction expert might examine skid marks, vehicle damage and other evidence to prove the other driver was at fault. If the insurer questions the severity of your injuries, your lawyer can call on medical experts to testify that your injuries are long-lasting and consistent with the accident.
Provide Support for Above-Threshold Injury Claims
Above threshold injuries are those that cause long-term pain, disability or permanent impairment.
If your injuries fall into this category, you may be entitled to lump sum compensation for pain and suffering, loss of income and future medical expenses. These types of claims are much more complex requiring detailed medical evidence, reports and assessments.
For example, if you suffered a permanent brain injury, a personal injury lawyer will help you gather the necessary evidence to prove the extent of your condition, including neuropsychological evaluations. They will also ensure you’re fairly compensated for ongoing care costs, loss of quality of life and future rehabilitation.
Offer “No Win, No Fee”
Many personal injury lawyers work on a “no win, no fee” basis, meaning you only pay legal fees if your claim succeeds. This model ensures lawyers are motivated to work hard for a positive outcome.
For example, if your case involves multiple complexities such as multiple parties or disputed liability, the lawyer will be committed to securing the best possible outcome since they are only paid if the claim succeeds.
This gives you peace of mind, knowing you can access legal support without worrying about upfront costs, especially if your financial situation has been affected by the accident.
Handle Delays or Disputes
Insurance will delay or dispute some aspects of your claim, such as the severity of your injuries or the cause of the accident. A lawyer will help you deal with these issues by formally making submissions to the insurer.
If the insurer refuses to cover certain medical expenses or challenges the extent of your injuries, your lawyer may escalate the matter, presenting further medical evidence or filing a formal complaint. They can also help you with things like missed deadlines for documentation or difficulties getting your medical provider to submit the necessary reports.
Have Peace of Mind
The aftermath of an accident can be stressful and the last thing you want to worry about is legal paperwork. Having a personal injury lawyer on your side means you can focus on getting better knowing a professional is dealing with the complexities of your claim.
If you’re in physical pain and emotional stress, your lawyer will handle the paperwork, deadlines and negotiations with the insurer so you don’t feel overwhelmed. This gives you the space to focus on your health and recovery while leaving the legal work to the experts.
When To Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer for a CTP Claim
It’s best to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident, especially if you’ve suffered serious injuries or your claim is complex. A lawyer will help you understand your rights, ensure all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and guide you through the claims process.
If your injuries are above the threshold, if you’re unsure how to navigate your claim or if you need to pursue a lump sum compensation (common law) claim, having a lawyer on your side can make a big difference to the outcome.
Don’t wait— contact Wyatts’ CTP claim lawyers for professional advice as soon as possible to protect your interests and get the compensation you’re entitled to. Call us on 1800 773 880. today!
