Posted on 03 Jul 2025

What to Do After a Car Accident in NSW: Step-by-Step Checklist

I just had a car accident — what do I do?

Check for injuries: Your first priority is safety. Make sure you and your passengers are okay. If anyone is seriously hurt, call emergency services immediately to get medical help at the scene.
Move your car out of danger: If your vehicle is drivable, move it safely to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic.
Collect witness details: Speak to anyone who saw the crash. Get their name and contact information. If possible, ask them to give a short written or recorded statement — it could be key to supporting your claim.
Take plenty of photos: Use your phone to document the scene — damage to all vehicles, skid marks, road signs, injuries, traffic lights, and any other details that help show what happened.
Exchange information: Get other driver’s name, address, phone number, vehicle registration, and insurance (both CTP and property damage). If they’re not the car’s owner, be sure to get the owner’s details too. You’re only required to share this basic information — so if the other person asks for extra details, you don’t have to provide them.
Report the crash to police: In NSW, you have 28 days to report an accident, but it’s best to do it as soon as possible, especially if there are injuries or serious damage. Ask for the police event number for your records.

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Steps to take soon after the car accident

Get medical care: Even if your injuries seem minor, see your GP as soon as you can. Ask for a written report of your injuries and a medical certificate if you need time off work. These are key pieces of evidence for any claim.
Finalise your police report: If you didn’t report the crash at the scene, make sure you do it now. And if you already have, request a copy of the police report for your records.
Lodge a CTP claim: CTP (Compulsory Third Party) claims cover injuries in NSW. If someone else caused the accident, you can make a claim through their CTP insurer. If you’re at fault for the car accident, you’re still entitled to basic compensation in NSW.
Lodge your property damage claim: Property insurance is an optional type of cover you can buy alongside your CTP insurance. If you have property insurance and were at fault, your insurance will cover the cost of repairs to the other vehicle. If you weren’t at fault for the crash, you can file a property damage claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer.

How long do I have to lodge a CTP car accident claim?

In NSW, you have 28 days to report a car accident to police, and three months to submit an Application for Personal Injury Benefits to the Personal Injury Commission.

If you’ve missed the deadline, don’t panic — you may still be able to claim. Our expert car accident lawyers understand the exceptions to time limits and can apply for an extension on your behalf. We’ve helped many people successfully resolve delayed claims and secure the compensation they deserve.

Important: Don’t fall for these three common insurer traps

Even if the insurer seems helpful, they are ultimately looking for ways to limit their liability. Be on the lookout for these common pitfalls:

Accepting a 'threshold' injury label: If your injury is classified as threshold and you accept this without a fight, your benefits will likely stop after 52 weeks, and you’ll be barred from a lump sum common law claim. Never accept this label until a specialist lawyer has reviewed your medical evidence.
Giving an early recorded statement: An insurer may ask you for a recorded statement shortly after the crash. Make sure to get legal advice before giving a formal statement: what you say when you're in shock or pain can be used later to argue you were at fault or that your injuries aren't as serious as you say.
Taking a 'full and final' offer: If an insurer offers you a quick lump sum payout early on, they usually want to settle the claim before the full extent of your injuries is known. Get a lawyer to review the offer before accepting. Once you sign a 'full and final' release, you can never ask for more, even if your condition gets worse.

When should I speak to a lawyer?

If you were responsible for the accident and live in a state that allows at-fault claims, you can lodge a CTP claim directly with your insurer for basic benefits. But if your injuries are serious or long-lasting, it’s best to speak with a car accident lawyer. A specialist lawyer will help you understand your rights and get the compensation you’re entitled to.

Our expert car accident lawyers handle everything for you:

Free case check: We’ll assess your situation and explain your options, free of charge.
Medical records and referrals: If your scans don’t explain your pain, we’ll help you get a second opinion and ensure everything is properly documented.
Calculating your full entitlements: From lost wages to future treatment, we make sure your claim includes every type of compensation you’re eligible for.
Handling the insurer: We manage all correspondence, disputes, and negotiations with the insurer, saving you time and stress.
Finding extra benefits: Beyond your car accident claim, we’ll look into your eligibility for extra claims like income protection or TPD (Total and Permanent Disability). This ensures you’re getting the maximum possible compensation for your injury.