What to do after a car accident QLD if you’ve just been in a crash, your first instinct might be to call your insurer and explain everything. But hold off. What you say (and what you sign) in the early hours after a collision could seriously affect your right to compensation.
Before you speak to any insurer or sign a single document, here’s what to do after a car accident in QLD, according to top personal injury lawyers who’ve seen too many clients lose out due to avoidable mistakes.
1. Prioritise Safety, Then Document the Scene
After ensuring everyone is safe and calling emergency services if needed, gather as much evidence as possible while you’re still at the scene.
✔ Exchange details with all drivers involved
✔ Take clear photos of all vehicles, number plates, injuries, and road conditions
✔ Note the time, weather, and location
✔ Get the contact details of any witnesses
This evidence could be vital later if your version of events is disputed or if you’re injured and need to claim compensation.
2. See a Doctor—Even If You Feel “Fine”
One of the most common mistakes in Queensland car accident claims is delaying medical attention. Some injuries (like whiplash, soft tissue damage, or spinal trauma) may not show symptoms immediately, but insurers can use that delay to argue your injuries weren’t related to the crash.
Top legal advice:
Visit a GP within 24–48 hours, explain you were in a motor vehicle accident, and request documentation of any symptoms, even if they seem minor.
3. Don’t Speak to Insurers Before Understanding Your Rights
It’s tempting to just “get it over with” and call your insurer, especially if they reach out first. But what you say on that call can be recorded, and anything you admit may be used to minimise your claim, especially if the fault is disputed or if you’re seeking compensation through Queensland’s CTP scheme.
✔ Don’t accept blame or apologise
✔ Don’t agree to early settlements
✔ Don’t sign medical release forms without legal advice
What to do instead? Speak to a personal injury lawyer first. They’ll help you understand your entitlements and make sure you don’t accidentally waive your rights.
4. Understand the CTP Claim Process in QLD
If you’ve been injured in a crash in Queensland, you may be eligible to lodge a Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance claim, even if the at-fault driver was someone you know or you were a passenger.
CTP compensation may cover:
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Medical and rehabilitation expenses
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Loss of income
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Pain and suffering (in serious cases)
But be aware—there are strict timeframes. In most cases, you must lodge a Notice of Accident Claim Form within 9 months of the accident (or 1 month from consulting a lawyer).
5. Don’t Settle Before You Know the Long-Term Impact
Insurers may offer quick settlements to “help you move on.” But spinal injuries, whiplash, and psychological trauma often take months to fully develop. Signing too early means you can’t go back for more compensation later, even if your condition worsens.
Top legal tip:
Wait until your injuries have been fully assessed by medical professionals and you’ve had legal guidance on the long-term costs involved.
What Do I Do After a Car Crash?
Being in a car accident can be a distressing experience, regardless of whether significant damage or injuries occur. The situation can become even more overwhelming if the necessary steps aren’t taken immediately to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being. If you find yourself in a car accident in Townsville, what actions should you take?
Immediate Steps After a Car Accident
The first thing to do is remain as calm as possible and check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If no one requires urgent medical assistance and it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights. The next important step is to gather key information from all parties involved in the accident.
Essential Information to Collect
After a crash, it’s crucial to document key details, including:
- The date, time, and location of the accident.
- The names and contact information of all drivers and passengers involved.
- The insurance provider of each driver (just the insurer’s name is typically sufficient).
- The make, model, and registration number of all vehicles involved.
Should You Get Witness Details?
If there were bystanders who saw the accident, their accounts could be valuable in determining what happened and who may be at fault. If possible, collect the following from any witnesses:
- Their full name.
- Contact details (phone number or email).
- Their perspective on what they saw and whether they were a pedestrian, another driver, or inside a nearby building.
Independent witnesses can provide unbiased insights into how the crash occurred, making their statements especially useful when dealing with insurers or authorities.
Is It Necessary to Take Photos?
Photographic evidence can be incredibly helpful in providing a clear record of the accident, particularly when filing an insurance claim. If it’s safe to do so, take pictures of:
- The overall accident scene.
- Skid marks or any debris from the vehicles.
- Damage to your vehicle and any other cars involved.
- Any property that sustained damage, whether public or private.
- Any visible injuries sustained by you or your passengers.
- Road signs, traffic signals, or conditions that may have contributed to the crash.
Try to take photos from multiple angles to ensure a comprehensive visual record.
Should You Contact the Police?
Law enforcement may need to be involved in certain situations. The police should be notified if:
- Someone has been injured or killed in the accident.
- A driver appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Property damage has occurred.
- Any party involved fails to stop or refuses to share their information.
Immediately assess yourself and others for injuries. If medical attention is needed, call emergency services at Triple Zero (000). If it’s safe, move vehicles out of traffic and activate hazard lights.
If none of these factors are present, police attendance may not be required at the scene.
When Should You Notify Your Insurance Provider?
Regardless of the severity of the crash, it’s essential to inform your insurer as soon as possible. Provide them with all the details you gathered from the other driver(s), along with any photos or videos you took at the scene.
If you incur expenses such as medical bills or vehicle repair costs, keep all receipts. These may be reimbursed by your insurer or the insurance provider of the other party.
If you’ve been in a car accident and need guidance on what to do next, our car accident lawyers in Townsville are here to help.