After a car accident in Perth, your first priorities are your safety and your health. Check for injuries, call 000 if anyone is hurt or in danger, exchange details with the other driver, and report the crash through the online crash reporting facility to WA Police and the Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA) where someone is injured, total property damage exceeds $3,000 or the owner of damaged property is not present. See a doctor and keep records of everything. If you were injured in the crash, a motor vehicle accident lawyer Perth can explain your options and what to expect.
Even a minor crash can leave you shaken and unsure of what to do next, and the decisions you make in the first hours and days often affect how smoothly an injury claim runs. This guide answers that question step by step. It also explains how the claims process works in WA, what compensation may cover, the time limits that apply and the common mistakes to avoid.
Key Takeaways
- Your safety comes first: make sure everyone is safe and call 000 straight away if someone is injured or the road is unsafe.
- Collect the other driver’s details, take photos of the scene and avoid saying anything that could be taken as admitting fault.
- Where reporting is required, make an online crash report to WA Police and the Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA), and have a doctor examine you as soon as possible.
- WA’s CTP scheme pays for personal injuries only, and your claim goes to ICWA rather than the other driver.
- You generally have three years to lodge an injury claim, so it is wise to take action early.
Essential Steps to Follow After a Road Crash
The following steps apply to most crashes and help protect both your safety and any future claim.
Stop Safely and Check for Injuries
Park your vehicle and activate your hazard lights. Be sure that you and others involved in the crash determine whether there are any injured parties. If anyone is injured or there is any danger in the roadway, dial 000 immediately.
Exchange Details
Swap names and addresses with the other driver, along with vehicle registration numbers and insurer details where possible. Avoid apologising or admitting fault at the scene, as responsibility is often clearer once all the information is gathered.
Record the Scene
If it is safe, take photos of the vehicles, their positions, road conditions, traffic signs and any visible injuries. Write down the names and phone numbers of witnesses. Save any dashcam footage before it is overwritten.
Report the Crash
In WA, you should report the crash through the online crash reporting facility to WA Police and the Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA) if anyone was injured, property damage is over $3,000 or the owner of damaged property is not present. Keep your reference number.
See a Doctor
Go for an examination with a doctor or at a hospital even when you think that everything is okay. It might be that injuries like whiplash, back injury, and concussion do not give any signs right away. Medical documentation done soon after the accident will prove your injuries.
Keep Records of Your Losses
Hold on to receipts for treatment, medication, and travel, along with records of time off work. A simple diary of your pain and daily limitations can also help.
How a Motor Vehicle Accident Claim Perth Works
Compulsory third party (CTP) insurance is included in the registration fee for every registered WA vehicle. Under the Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance) Act 1943 (WA), a person injured by the negligent driving of a WA registered vehicle may be able to claim through ICWA’s motor injury insurance scheme. This means you claim against ICWA rather than the other driver personally.
Drivers who were not wholly at fault, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists may all be able to claim. To seek compensation, you must lodge a notice of intent to claim with ICWA. People who suffer catastrophic injuries, such as severe brain or spinal cord injuries, may be eligible for the Catastrophic Injuries Support Scheme, which provides necessary and reasonable treatment, care and support; eligibility depends on the scheme criteria.
CTP covers personal injuries only. Your car damage will be covered separately by your own insurance company or that of the other driver.
What Can a Car Accident Claim Perth Cover?
Compensation will vary according to the seriousness of your injuries and how they affect your ability to earn a living. The compensation can consist of:
Medical and hospital costs, rehabilitation expenses
- Loss of earnings both past and future
- Home nursing or assistance with housework
- Expenses for travelling to treatment appointments
- Pain and suffering
The WA scheme places restrictions on losses of income, and statutory thresholds and caps can apply to damages for non-pecuniary loss and economic loss.
Time Limits You Should Know
Generally, you need to lodge your claim within three years from the date you first became aware of your injury, which is usually the date of the crash. If your claim has not settled within that period, court proceedings may need to be started to protect it. Different rules can apply to children.
Missing a deadline can mean losing the right to claim, so act early.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even if you take all the correct actions on the spot, you may make avoidable mistakes that can damage your case in the coming weeks. Be cautious about the following:
- Stopping treatment or skipping follow-up visits
- Signing forms or making statements without understanding them
- Posting pictures or comments about the accident on social media
- Accepting a quick settlement offer without knowing the full impact of your injury
Conclusion
Knowing the correct steps to take prior to a collision allows you to be more ready when one actually occurs. It is also better to keep yourself safe, report the incident to the authorities and ICWA, see a doctor, and document everything, since all of these things will help you prepare yourself better.
Through our services at MPK Lawyers, we are able to offer clients who have been injured in accidents on the streets of Perth information on how to go about their claims. Our lawyers will ensure that everything is explained to you clearly in a way that will help you know what to do. Being injured in an accident can help you talk to a motor vehicle accident lawyer in Perth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have to report a car accident to police in WA?
Yes, in certain situations. A crash must be reported through the online crash reporting facility to WA Police and the Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA) when someone is injured, total property damage is more than $3,000 or the owner of damaged property cannot be located. Reports can be made online.
2. How long do I have to make a car accident injury claim in WA?
Generally, you have three years from when you first became aware of your injury, usually the crash date. Different rules may apply to children, so seek advice early.
3. Can I claim if I was partly at fault for the accident?
You may still be able to claim, but your compensation can be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility. Drivers who were completely at fault generally cannot claim, except under the catastrophic injuries scheme.
4. Does CTP insurance cover damage to my car?
No. CTP insurance in WA only covers personal injuries. Vehicle/property damage may be pursued through your own motor insurance (if held) or from the person responsible for the damage and / or their insurer.
5. Do I need a lawyer for a car accident claim in WA?
Getting an experienced car accident lawyer is important to assess damages and get you the best possible compensation in your circumstances.
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