Making a TAC claim due to a motor vehicle accident
is a complex and often stressful process that is
best navigated with expert support.
With the experience of our lawyers, you'll be able to
focus on your recovery whilst we take care of the rest.
Driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian - you have rights
A motor vehicle accident means an incident involving the use or operation of a motor vehicle which causes injury or death to a person. This includes injuries that result from:
- The driving of a vehicle
- A collision, or action taken to avoid a collision, with a vehicle
- The vehicle's running out of control
- A dangerous situation caused by the driving of a vehicle
The Victorian Motor Vehicle Accident compensation scheme is governed by the Transport Accident Act 1986 and is managed by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). The TAC scheme provides payment for a range of treatments and benefits to people who sustain injury or illness as a result of a motor vehicle accident.
A motor vehicle is not limited to cars or trucks but also includes motorbikes, trams, trains, buses, dune buggies and tractors.
The scheme also covers cyclists who collide with a stationary motor vehicle, for example, a car door opening into a cyclist’s path or ‘dooring’, and persons injured by public transport doors.
If you've been in an accident on the road or on public transport, our team of lawyers will work with you to ease the burden of making a claim.
What are the next steps?
- The first step in the process is to advise the TAC as soon as you become aware that you have sustained a injury in a motor vehicle accident. All TAC claims should be lodged within 12 months of the date of the accident.
- The TAC may accept a claim up to three years from the date of accident. If you are under 18 at the date of the motor vehicle accident, you have 12 months from the date of your 18th birthday to lodge a claim. The TAC has 21 days from the date it receives your claim to accept or reject it.
- A person has 12 months from the date of receiving any TAC decision to lodge a dispute application. This may include the TAC decision to reject your claim or provide payment for medical treatment or rehabilitation.
- If the matter cannot be resolved with the TAC then you have three months to lodge an Application for Review at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). You should seek legal advice if you have received a decision from the TAC which you disagree with.
You may be entitled to a TAC claim due to a motor vehicle accident. But receiving fair compensation can be complex.
Download our guide that visually describes the process of claiming TAC compensation.
Speak with a senior personal injury lawyer.
Harry Gill.
Founding Principal.
Jeremy King.
Principal.
- Injury Law & Police Misconduct
- 03 9890 3321
- Email Address: j.king@robinsongill.com.au
Lisa Paul.
Principal Lawyer.
Jacinta Richards.
Principal Lawyer.
- Injury Law, Superannuation, TPD & IP
- 03 9890 3321
- Email Address: j.richards@robinsongill.com.au
Additional legal avenues to consider
Making a claim through your Super & TPD insurance
Your superannuation policy may cover injuries as a result of a road accident. As a result, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
Update your will
After a serious injury, it can be wise to make changes to your will (or draft your first will). Our Wills team can offer you a complimentary review of your will. Bring it your first appointment or use our online tool and have it reviewed by a lawyer.
Resources & FAQs
Answers to common questions in
relation to the expertise.
When is an incident a ‘Transport Accident’ – Unpacking Van Der Wolf v TAC [2025] VSCA 24
In 2016, following a drink driving conviction, Mr Van Der Wolf was required to have an alcohol interlock device installed in his vehicle. The interlock was designed to stop a driver from driving the vehicle with alcohol in their system.
Rich v TAC [2025] VCC 1517 – A pragmatic County Court “nervous shock” serious injury decision and the application of Jones v Dunkel in a serious injury context
The decision of the County Court in Rich v TAC [2025] VCC 1517 is an interesting example of a serious injury decision for a psychiatrically injured plaintiff under s.93 of the Transport Accident Act 1986 (the TAA).
What Role Does the TAC Clinical Panel Play in Determining Whether Your Surgery Is Paid For?
If you’ve been injured in a transport accident, you may be surprised to find that the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) don’t automatically agree to pay for all requested treatment.