We’re local.
We’re not an international firm with an online call centre – we’re an Australian firm that has grown to cover New South Wales.
Car Accident Injury Lawyers Coffs Harbour
No Win, No Fee
Local to NSW
40+ Years
A vehicle accident is a traumatic event that can have lasting effects. Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of injury both in our personal lives and work environments.
If you or a family member has been injured in a vehicle accident, it’s always worth getting legal advice to determine if there is an entitlement to compensation. This ranges from weekly payments, to lump sums, to covering medical fees and more. The claim is brought against CTP insurance – this is the insurance all motorists are required to have in Australia by law, also referred to as a “Green Slip”.
You should get advice if you were injured in any incident on the roads, including if you were the driver, a passenger, a pedestrian, and so on, and regardless of whether the mode of transport was a car, truck, motorcycle, scooter, bicycle, E-Bike, on foot, or other.
Whitelaw McDonald has represented injured Australians across Coffs Harbour, surrounding areas and wider NSW for over 40 years. Free advice is available.
- Car Injury Lawyers Sydney
- Car Injury Lawyers Newcastle
- Car Injury Lawyers Central Coast
- Car Injury Lawyers Coffs Harbour
- Car Injury Lawyers Grafton
- Car Injury Lawyers Tamworth
- Car Injury Lawyers Wollongong
- Car Injury Lawyers Port Macquarie
We service NSW-wide, so feel free to get in touch wherever you are located.
Get Free Advice
At Whitelaw McDonald, we believe everyone deserves to know where they stand. Have a quick confidential, no-obligation chat with our legal team at no cost.
There is no payment or commitment needed to speak with our experts.
Am I eligible to make a car accident claim in NSW?
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in NSW, you can generally make a claim regardless of who was at fault. You may be eligible if you were:
- A driver – including if you were partly or wholly at fault
- A passenger in any vehicle involved
- A pedestrian or cyclist hit by a vehicle
- A motorcyclist
- The family member of someone seriously or fatally injured
Every vehicle registered in NSW is covered by Compulsory Third Party (“Green Slip”) insurance, and it’s this policy your claim is made against. Even if the driver responsible was uninsured, can’t be identified, or drove off before you got their details, you’re still able to bring a claim. Hit-and-run and uninsured-vehicle situations are covered through the Nominal Defendant scheme.
Not certain you have a claim? Reach out, or complete our free claim-check form, and we’ll give you an answer either way.
What compensation can I claim after a car accident?
Under the NSW CTP scheme, everyone injured in a motor vehicle accident is entitled to statutory benefits for the first 52 weeks after the accident, regardless of fault. These cover:
- Weekly income payments – for lost earnings while you’re unable to work
- Medical and treatment expenses – doctors, physiotherapy, hospital care, and rehabilitation.
If you were mostly at fault, or your injuries are classed as minor (“threshold”), these statutory benefits generally stop at 52 weeks.
If you weren’t mostly at fault and your injuries are more than minor, your statutory benefits can continue beyond 52 weeks, and you may also be entitled to make a common law damages claim – a lump sum that can cover:
- Pain and suffering (non-economic loss)
- Past and future loss of income and earning capacity
In addition, related medical expenses could also be payable on an ongoing basis.
What you’re entitled to depends heavily on how your injuries are classified and who was responsible. Our lawyers can give you a realistic picture of your position after an initial assessment free of charge.
How much compensation could I get?
It’s impossible to determine how much compensation you can get from a CTP claim in NSW without knowing the details of your situation. What you may be entitled to depends on factors including the nature and severity of your injuries, their impact on your ability to work now and in the future, your ongoing medical and care needs, and how liability for the accident is ultimately assessed.
Because of this, we don’t publish figures or estimates – anyone who does before reviewing your specific circumstances isn’t giving you an accurate picture. A quick call will allow one of our lawyers to walk through your situation and give you a realistic sense of your position. That conversation is free and comes with no obligation.
What is the process for making a claim?
Dealing with a claim on top of recovering from an injury can feel overwhelming, but a lawyer can take most of that burden off your hands, including handling the paperwork, liaising with the insurer, and staying on top of deadlines for you. Below is a general outline of how the process usually unfolds.
1
Report to police
Report the accident within 28 days and get a police event number.
2
Get medical treatment
Ask your doctor for a Certificate of Fitness or Capacity documenting your injuries.
3
Identify the CTP insurer
We can find out who insures the at-fault vehicle if you’re not sure.
4
Lodge your claim
Lodge for statutory benefits, ideally within 28 days to protect backdated payments.
5
Receive statutory benefits
Weekly income support and medical expenses while your claim progresses.
6
Assess your options
Once injuries stabilise, we assess whether a common law claim is available.
7
Negotiate or resolve
Most matters settle with the insurer or through the Personal Injury Commission – without going to court.
“[…] Once my legal team became involved, a large burden was lifted. They managed all communication with the insurer and assessors, explained each step clearly, and ensured my focus remained on recovery rather than administrative stress.
Overall, while the aftermath of the crash was one of the hardest times in my life, I would strongly recommend that anyone going through a similar CTP process seek professional legal guidance early — it makes a significant difference both practically and emotionally.”
— Aaron
Not Sure if You Have a Claim?
Not a problem – get in touch with our team, or use our free claim check tool.
Our Car Accident Injury Lawyers
Craig Stewart
Associate Director – Accredited Specialist Personal Injury
Mario Bechelli
Senior Associate – Personal Injury Law
Time limits after a car accident – don’t wait
Motor vehicle accident claims in NSW run on strict timeframes, and missing them can cost you money you’re otherwise entitled to.
- Report to police within 28 days – you’ll need a police event number for your claim, even for a minor accident.
- Notify the CTP insurer within 28 days if you want your statutory benefits backdated to the day after the accident. You can still lodge later, but you may lose entitlement to backdated weekly payments.
- Lodge your claim within 3 months of the accident at the latest – after that, you’ll need to provide a full and satisfactory explanation for the delay, and the insurer may refuse to accept it.
The earlier you get advice, the more of your entitlement you protect. If you’re reading this some time after your accident, don’t assume it’s too late – get in touch and we’ll tell you exactly where you stand.
Not sure who was at fault? You may still be able to claim.
If your situation doesn’t sound like a “typical” car accident, don’t assume that rules you out. Get in touch and we’ll tell you plainly whether you have a claim.
Fault isn’t always obvious straight after an accident, and sometimes it’s genuinely unclear who was responsible – or the accident happened without any clear “at-fault” party at all, like a single-vehicle accident caused by road conditions. You don’t need to have this sorted out before you contact us.
Everyone injured in a motor vehicle accident in NSW is entitled to statutory benefits for the first 52 weeks regardless of fault, while the question of liability is worked through. If fault is disputed or unclear, that’s part of what we help untangle – including gathering evidence, reviewing the police report, and dealing with the insurer’s investigation on your behalf. Don’t let uncertainty about blame stop you from getting in touch.
What kind of car accidents do we help with?
No two accidents are the same, and you don’t need a straightforward case to have a claim. We regularly help people who were injured:
- As the driver or a passenger in a collision with another vehicle
- As a motorcycle, scooter, eBike or other rider in a collision with another vehicle
- As a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a car, ute, truck or motorcycle
- In a single-vehicle accident – for example, losing control on a wet road or hitting a stationary object
- On a country road, the highway, or in stop-start city traffic
- As a passenger in a rideshare, taxi, or someone else’s car
- In an accident involving a work vehicle, whether or not it happened during work hours
What our clients say
“Thank you to the team at Whitelaw McDonald Lawyers for the great assistance with my personal injury claim. The service from Katina and Barry was excellent and resulted in my claim being quickly closed out. Thank you.”
— Gerard M.
“Very capable firm with a knowledgeable team.”
— Naomi S.
“Every step of the process was handled efficiently and with great attention to detail, making the experience completely seamless. Her communication was excellent — always responsive, clear, and proactive in keeping me informed. I truly felt like everything was taken case of, and I had complete confidence in her work throughout.
If you’re looking for a solicitor who is reliable and genuinely cares about getting things done right, look no further.”
— Kiani D.
Why Australians choose Whitelaw Mcdonald
Over 40 years of runs on the board.
Ross Whitelaw and John McDonald founded this firm in 1987. Since then, our team has recovered tens of millions of dollars for local people and their families. We handle motor vehicle accident claims of every kind – from minor soft tissue injuries to catastrophic, life-changing harm.
No Win, No Fee.
You don’t pay us unless we win your claim. We’ll explain exactly how costs work for your specific situation during your free first conversation, so there are no surprises.
A free, no-obligation first conversation.
Before anything else, we’ll sit down with you – in person, over the phone, or at your home or hospital bed if that’s easier – and talk honestly about whether you have a claim, and what your options are. We explain the process so you understand what’s involved. No pressure, no charge.
We help with the practical stuff too.
A car accident doesn’t just affect your legal position – it affects your whole life. We help clients deal with the CTP insurer, coordinate medical assessments, and chase up paperwork so you’re not left fighting on two fronts while you recover.
Most claims resolve without ever going to court.
The vast majority of motor vehicle accident matters are settled through negotiation with the CTP insurer, or resolved through the Personal Injury Commission – not in a courtroom. We prepare every case as if it might go the distance, which is exactly why most don’t need to.
Get in touch today
You don’t need to have all the answers before you call us. Whether you’re not sure if you have a claim, you’re partway through a claim already and want a second opinion, or your claim has been disputed, get in touch for a free, no-obligation conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible to make a car accident compensation claim in NSW?
In most cases, yes. If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident in NSW – whether you were driving, a passenger, walking, cycling or riding a motorcycle – you’re generally able to make a claim, and this applies regardless of who caused the accident. If a family member was seriously injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident, you may also be able to bring a claim on their behalf or in your own right. Because eligibility is based on the specifics of what happened, the best way to know where you stand is to get in touch for a free assessment of your situation.
What compensation can I claim after a car accident?
Regardless of fault, anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident is generally entitled to statutory benefits for the first 52 weeks. These cover things like lost income, medical and treatment costs, and the cost of care and support while you recover. If you weren’t mostly at fault for the accident and your injuries are assessed as more than minor, you may also be able to bring a common law damages claim on top of your statutory benefits – this can cover pain and suffering, as well as past and future loss of earning capacity. Whether a common law claim is available to you depends on your individual circumstances, so it’s worth getting advice specific to your situation.
Is there a time limit for making a car accident claim in NSW?
Yes, and it’s important to move quickly. Generally, you’ll need to report the accident to police within 28 days. You should also notify the CTP insurer within 28 days if you want your statutory benefits backdated to the date of the accident, and lodge your formal claim within 3 months. If you miss the 3-month mark, you’ll generally need to provide the insurer with a satisfactory explanation for the delay before your claim can proceed. Given how quickly these windows close, it’s best to seek advice as early as possible after the accident.
Can I still claim if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Generally, yes. Statutory benefits for the first 52 weeks are available to everyone injured in a motor vehicle accident regardless of fault, so being partly responsible doesn’t shut that door. Whether you can go further and bring a common law damages claim depends on factors like the degree of fault involved and how serious your injuries are.
What happens if the at-fault driver is uninsured or can’t be identified?
You can still make a claim. NSW’s Nominal Defendant scheme covers accidents involving uninsured or unidentified vehicles, including hit-and-run accidents. We can guide you through this process.
Can pedestrians or cyclists claim compensation after being hit by a car?
Yes. Pedestrians and cyclists injured by a motor vehicle in NSW are covered under the same CTP scheme as drivers and passengers, and are entitled to statutory benefits and, where appropriate, a common law claim.
Do I have to report the accident to police to make a claim?
Yes, in all cases. You need to report the accident to NSW Police within 28 days and obtain a police event number, which is required for your CTP claim.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
We act on a No Win, No Fee basis for motor vehicle accident claims. You don’t pay us unless we win your claim. We’ll explain exactly how costs work for your situation during your free initial consultation.
How long does a car accident compensation claim take?
It depends on the complexity of your injuries and whether liability is disputed. Straightforward statutory benefits claims can be resolved within months; common law damages claims involving more serious injuries typically take longer, and most are resolved through negotiation rather than court.
What if my injuries get worse after my claim is settled?
This is something to discuss with us directly and as early as possible – the position depends on your specific claim type and settlement terms. Keep your treating doctors and our team updated on your condition throughout the process.
How does a car accident claims lawyer help with my claim?
Personal injury lawyers can assist by overseeing the following:
- Explaining the CTP scheme in plain English, so you understand your rights and obligations from day one
- Identifying the at-fault driver and the correct CTP insurer for your claim
- Preparing and lodging your claim forms accurately, so nothing holds up your payments
- Claiming medical, treatment, and rehabilitation expenses on your behalf
- Pursuing weekly income payments and, where appropriate, a common law damages claim
- Handling all communication with the insurer, so you’re not fighting that battle on your own
- Advising on next steps if your claim is disputed or delayed
