How Long Does a CTP Claim Take? What You Need to Know
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, a Compulsory Third Party (CTP) claim can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other financial stress. But how long does a CTP claim take, and when can you expect to receive compensation?
In most cases, CTP claims take between 12 to 18 months to resolve. Some straightforward claims can be finalised in as little as six months, while more complex ones may take longer.
The exact timeline depends on a range of factors, including who was at fault, how serious your injuries are, and the type of medical treatment you need.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the CTP claims process, including what factors can speed up your claim and how to access short-term support while you wait.
If you’d rather chat with an expert CTP claims lawyer now, just get in touch. We’re here to listen to your story and provide free advice on your rights — free of charge.
How long will my CTP claim take to settle?
While most car accident claims take around 12 to 18 months, every case is different. How long your claim takes will depend on a few key things, especially:
- Whether you were at fault for the accident.
- How complex or serious your injuries are.
- Whether your injuries have ‘stabilised’.
- Your medical treatment and expenses.
- Your future losses.
Let’s explore each of these in more detail below.
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1. Whether you were at fault for the accident
If you caused the accident and live in a state that allows at-fault claims, your claim should be relatively straightforward. Simply make a claim with your CTP insurer, attach the relevant evidence like medical costs and pay slips, and wait for their response. The entire process could be resolved in as little as three months, with the average being around six.
If someone else caused the accident, your CTP claim will take a little longer, depending on the factors below.
2. How complex or serious your injuries are
As part of your car accident claim, each injury needs to be assessed by a medical specialist. The more complex the injury, the longer this can take. The specialist has to look at how your injury affects all parts of your life, including work, home, and your everyday routines.
Make sure to wait until your injuries have ‘stabilised’ before getting this assessment.
3. Whether your injuries have ‘stabilised’
It’s important to hold off on finalising your car accident claim until your injuries have fully settled. In legal terms, this is called reaching ‘maximum medical improvement’, meaning your condition is unlikely to change significantly with further treatment or time.
Although it may be tempting to accept an early payout (especially if you’re under financial stress), doing so can seriously limit your entitlements. Here’s why waiting matters:
- You only get one claim: if your condition worsens after settling, you won’t be able to make another claim to cover those extra costs. That’s why it’s crucial your compensation reflects the full extent of your injuries, both now and in the future.
- Not all injuries show up straight away: some injuries, especially soft tissue or psychological conditions, can take time to develop. By giving your body time to recover and your symptoms time to fully emerge, you ensure that nothing important is left out of your claim.
Taking the time to let your injuries stabilise might mean your claim takes a little longer — but it also means you’re much more likely to receive the compensation you truly deserve.
4. Your medical treatment and expenses
After a car accident, you may need ongoing medical care. This could be anything from GP visits and medication to surgery, hospitalisation, or rehabilitation. For minor injuries, working out your total medical costs is usually straightforward. But if your injuries are serious, the process gets more complex.
In more serious cases, you can claim not just your current medical bills, but also the cost of future treatment. This includes things like follow-up surgeries, physiotherapy, long-term medication, and assistive equipment. To calculate these future expenses, it’s important to work with an expert CTP claims lawyer. We know how to assess the severity of your injuries and figure out the support you’re likely to need in the future.
While this process can take time, it’s absolutely essential for getting the full CTP payout you deserve. And when you work with a specialist lawyer, we handle the entire process for you — so you focus on your recovery, knowing you’re getting the maximum possible CTP compensation.
5. Your future losses
If your injuries are serious, your compensation can go well beyond immediate medical costs and time off work. You may also be entitled to claim for future losses, such as lost future earnings and earning capacity, missed super contributions, and the lasting impact your injuries have on your quality of life.
To work out this part of your claim, we consider factors like your pre-accident income, reduced ability to work, and how your injuries affect your everyday life. It’s a detailed and sometimes time-consuming process, but it’s essential to making sure your payout reflects the long-term impact of your injuries.
Why your CTP claim might be taking longer than expected
CTP claims don’t always follow a predictable timeline. While many are resolved within 12 to 18 months, some can take longer due to factors outside your control. Here are a few common reasons your CTP claim may be delayed:
- Insurer delays or backlogs: some insurers are dealing with a high volume of claims, which can slow down how quickly they assess new ones. Unfortunately, this backlog means your claim might not be reviewed as promptly as expected.
- Unfair insurer tactics or pressure: in some cases, insurers may drag out the process in hopes that you’ll give up or settle for less than you’re entitled to. These stalling tactics are unfortunately common, but a good lawyer will push back and hold the insurer to account.
- Disputes over who’s at fault: if the accident involved multiple vehicles or there’s disagreement over who caused the accident, it can take time to sort out liability. These investigations often require police reports, witness statements, or expert opinions, all of which can cause delays.
- Claim denial and review: if your claim is rejected, you’ll need to go through an internal review or dispute resolution process. This can significantly increase the time it takes to get a final outcome. And since the review process can be complex, we strongly advise speaking with a specialist CTP claims lawyer before appealing an insurer decision.
Can I get part of my CTP compensation early?
We understand that waiting for a CTP payout can create serious financial stress, especially if you’re unable to work or are doing fewer hours than usual.
To help support you during this time, you can often request an interim payment from the CTP insurer. This is an advance on your final compensation to help cover urgent costs while your claim is still being processed.
While the exact process can vary depending on your state or territory, here’s how it usually works:
- Make a formal request: you’ll need to send a written request to the insurer explaining your situation and how much you’re asking for.
- Provide supporting documents: this might include medical certificates, bank statements, or payslips showing loss of income and financial hardship.
- Await the insurer’s response: the insurer typically has 7–14 days to respond, depending on where you live. They may approve the payment, deny the request, or ask for more information.
- Sign an agreement: if your request is approved, you’ll be asked to sign an Interim Discharge or similar agreement. This confirms that the early payment will be deducted from your total settlement.
- Receive your payment: once the paperwork is complete, the insurer is required to issue the payment promptly (usually within a few business days).
If you’re unsure what to include in your request or how much to ask for, a lawyer can help you prepare a strong submission and speed up the process. And if you’re already working with a CTP lawyer, we’ll apply for any financial assistance on your behalf, so you get every bit of support you’re entitled to.
Can I get other support while my CTP claim is processed?
Beyond an interim CTP payment, you may have several other options for financial support, including work entitlements, insurance or superannuation benefits, and government assistance.
1. Start with any available work entitlements
If you’re employed, check whether you can access:
- Sick leave: since unused sick leave often isn’t paid out if you stop working, it’s usually best to use this first.
- Annual leave: this can provide short-term income while you recover.
- Long service leave: if you’re eligible, this can offer additional financial support.
2. Look into insurance or superannuation benefits
You might also be entitled to:
- Income protection insurance: many superannuation policies include this. If you're temporarily unable to work, an income protection claim can provide regular payments (typically up to 75% of your usual income).
- Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) benefits: if your injury turns out to be permanent and prevents you from working in your usual occupation, you may be able to claim a lump sum TPD benefit through your super.
3. Explore government assistance
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for:
- JobSeeker: if you're temporarily unable to work.
- Disability Support Pension (DSP): for those with long-term or permanent impairments.
Not sure what you’re eligible for? Speak with an expert CTP lawyer today. Our team can help you understand your full range of entitlements and ensure you receive any payments you’re owed.
What can I do to speed up my CTP claim?
While some delays are out of your control, there are several things you can do to help speed up your CTP compensation claim:
- Go to every medical appointment: attend all scheduled assessments and follow your doctor’s advice. Gaps in treatment can slow your claim or give the insurer a reason to question your injuries.
- Respond promptly to requests: whether it's your insurer or your lawyer asking for documents or information, reply as soon as possible to keep things moving.
- Keep your reporting accurate: be open and consistent when describing your injuries, how they affect your daily life, and how your recovery is going.
- Track everything: maintain detailed records of your out-of-pocket expenses, missed work, and treatment history. This documentation will help support your claim and avoid back-and-forth delays.
- Get legal help early: speak to an expert CTP lawyer as soon as possible. We know how insurers work and exactly what’s needed to get your claim approved fast.
How can a lawyer get my CTP claim processed faster?
When your CTP claim is delayed, it can take a toll on both your recovery and your financial stability. That’s why it’s our priority to get your CTP claim resolved as fast as possible, so you get your compensation sooner.
In our experience, insurers often delay or even deny valid claims made by unrepresented people. Having an experienced lawyer on your side helps prevent these setbacks throughout the process. Here’s what we do to keep your claim moving forward:
- Fast medical evaluations: we connect you with trusted medical specialists nationwide to ensure timely assessment of your injuries without unnecessary wait times.
- Overcoming insurer tactics: we know the common delay strategies insurers use — and exactly how to fight back against them.
- Enforcing insurer deadlines: if your insurer tries to stall your claim, we’re prepared to take legal steps, including tribunal or court appeals, to ensure your claim is processed within the required timeframe.
Whether you’ve just been in an accident or your CTP claim is taking too long, we can help. Simply get in touch today for a free chat with one of our experienced CTP lawyers. We’ll look into your case, explain your rights, and figure out the best strategy to get your claim resolved fast.
