Injured in a car accident?

If you have sustained injuries in a motor accident, the most important thing to do is seek medical attention, no matter how minor you initially think the injuries may be.

Make sure you obtain the details of the driver at fault and any witnesses at the scene.

If the driver has fled the scene of the accident, write down anything you can remember about the vehicle (for example: colour, make, model, shape, any of the letters or numbers on the number plate). You can do this quickly and easily in the notes app of your mobile phone when it is safe to do so.

If police did not attend the accident scene, you should report the accident to the police and obtain a report number (usually called a QP reference). The report to the police is an essential part of the claims process and will protect your legal rights and entitlements. If you haven’t reported the accident to police, we can help with this.

In Queensland, there is generally a three-year time limit from the date of the accident to start court proceedings. However, important notice and lodgement steps must be taken much earlier, and the timeframes can be shorter depending on the circumstances of the accident. Getting advice early can help you understand which deadlines apply to you and ensure your position is protected.

You may still be able to make a claim even if the at-fault driver is uninsured, unregistered, or cannot be identified, such as in a hit-and-run or where false number plates are involved. In those situations, claims are generally made through the Nominal Defendant, which operates as the insurer of last resort. Much shorter timeframes apply to these claims, so getting advice early can help clarify what steps are required and when.

You may still be able to claim compensation. In Queensland, being partly at fault does not automatically prevent a claim. If responsibility is shared, any compensation may be reduced to reflect your level of fault. Each case is different. Getting clear advice early can help you understand where you stand and what you may still be entitled to.

You can represent yourself, and insurers are required to tell you that. But it’s important to understand the benefits and risks of this, and what is right for your circumstances.
Recent data published by the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) and its actuaries shows that, on average, legally represented claimants receive significantly higher compensation than those who self-represent, often seven to eight times more for comparable injuries. The same data shows that self-represented claimants receive substantially less funding for treatment and rehabilitation, which can directly affect recovery outcomes

That doesn’t mean legal representation is right for everyone. Our role is to give you clear, upfront advice about whether legal assistance is likely to improve your outcome and to tell you honestly when the cost of representation would outweigh the benefit to you.

Most motor vehicle accident claims are resolved within 14 to 24 months. The timeframe depends on the seriousness of your injuries, how your recovery progresses, and whether the insurer accepts responsibility. Claims can take longer where injuries are complex or an insurer takes a narrow view of liability. We focus on progressing your claim efficiently, and without rushing a settlement before your full losses are clear.

There is no fixed amount for a personal injury claim in Queensland. Compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, your financial losses, and how the injury has affected your daily life, work, and future. We work with medical and financial experts and where appropriate, those who know you best, to ensure your claim accurately reflects your complete and ongoing losses.

Yes. Most claims resolve through negotiation or mediation, without the need for a court hearing.

In some cases, however, a trial may be the right option. We are always upfront about the risks, costs, and benefits of going to court and we will tell you if the cost of litigation is likely to outweigh the benefit to you. Our focus is on achieving the best outcome for you, not pursuing a trial unless it genuinely serves your interests.

We act on a No Win, No Fee basis meaning you only pay our legal fees if your common law claim succeeds, and we provide a clear costs agreement upfront.

Queensland also has important consumer protections around legal fees. The “50/50 rule” places a cap on professional fees in personal injury matters. This is a safeguard, not a default fee or pricing model. If it doesn’t apply, a lawyer cannot simply recover “half” of your compensation; the legal fees must reflect the work performed.

Our point of difference is how we apply this in practice. We charge fair, proportionate fees and our approach helps keep overall costs down, which is why the 50/50 rule rarely comes into play.

Additionally, for motor vehicle accident claims, the law also includes regulated cost thresholds that may allow a contribution to your legal costs from the insurer.
By way of example only, for injuries occurring between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, no legal costs are recoverable below $58,090.00 in damages. Capped regulation costs may apply between damages of $58,090.00 and $96,870.00. If damages are paid above the threshold (over $96,781.00 in this example), standard costs may be paid by the insurer. It is important to note that these limits are indexed and depend on both the date of injury and the outcome of the claim.