What is a long term injury from a motor vehicle accident?

For some, the sad reality is that injuries caused by a car accident can have long-lasting consequences.

With long term conditions like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or chronic pain, there may come a time where your doctor informs you that further treatment is unlikely to result in significant improvement, and that your condition is likely to be permanent.

At Maliganis Edwards Johnson, we regularly meet with clients suffering from long-term injuries. We understand that living with pain can be life-altering, and impairment caused by permanent injuries can impact the way you spend time with your friends or family, or how you carry out hobbies, work, or other aspects of your life.

If you sustain a permanent impairment in a motor vehicle accident, you should seek legal advice. Under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2019 (ACT), claiming compensation for loss of quality of life and permanent impairment can be daunting and confusing.

At MEJ we have the experience to help you though this process. 

In short, if you have sustained permanent injuries in a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to lodge an application for Quality of Life benefits with your insurer. The application can be made between 6 months and 4 years and 6 months after the date of the accident, and only after your injuries have stabilised.

If the insurer agrees that your injuries are permanent and stable, you will be referred for assessment by an independent doctor. The independent doctor will consider your injuries and the impact they have had on your life before providing the insurer with a figure representing your level of ‘Whole Person Impairment’ (WPI).

If you are assessed at 5% or more WPI, you will be entitled to a one-off payment. If you are assessed at 10% or more WPI, you may be entitled to pursue a claim for damages, typically covering future treatment, income loss, and commercial domestic care needs, as well as your loss of quality of life.

The specialist team at MEJ have been supporting Canberrans injured in car crashes for decades.

We will listen to your needs, advise you of your rights, and help to navigate the often complex claims process – if you are concerned about the long-term impacts of your accident-related injuries, don’t delay and contact MEJ today.