If you have suffered an injury as a result of a car, motorcycle, bus, train or tram accident, you may be eligible for a Transport Accident Commission (TAC) claim and the associated benefits. The TAC is the government body responsible for providing benefits to those injured in the above circumstances.

What does a TAC lawyer do?

A TAC lawyer can assist you in navigating the often complex TAC scheme.

Firstly, a TAC lawyer can assist with determining your eligibility for a claim, as well as assist in claim lodgement. Often times it can be a daunting experience to begin making your claim, and a TAC lawyer can guide you through the processes/procedures, timelines and documents, and assist in your overall prospects of success.

In the event that your TAC claim is rejected, a TAC lawyer can support you in disputing the TAC’s decision.

Where your claim is accepted, there are several potential entitlements available to you, including:

• medical and like expenses
• loss of earnings/loss of earning capacity benefits
• Impairment Benefit (no fault) claim
• Serious Injury/Common Law (fault) claim.

A TAC lawyer can explain these entitlements, as well as guide you through the appropriate steps to receive those entitlements. TAC lawyers are well versed in the law and can map out your claim for you.

To support your claim, TAC lawyers will take your instructions, provide you with oral and written advice, obtain updates from you on your medical condition, request material from your treating practitioners, make requests for and follow up on your appropriate benefits, and communicate with the TAC as well as other people/bodies (including medical and liability experts, barristers and courts) in order to further your claim.

Where the TAC makes a decision you do not agree with, a lawyer can assist you to dispute that decision in a timely manner.

What are the benefits of using a lawyer for a TAC claim?

A TAC lawyer can take a lot of the guess work out of your TAC claim.

If you are unsure of your entitlements or if you disagree with a decision, a TAC lawyer can save you from feeling uncertain and can take you through the entitlements or procedures step by step.

Having an experienced lawyer assist you in navigating the TAC scheme can help take the guesswork out of your claim.

How can I find a lawyer for a TAC claim?

It is essential that you have a strong, trusting relationship with your TAC lawyer. It is important that you have a lawyer that is an expert, provides clear and concise information (in plain language) and is ultimately understanding of you and your claim.

At the end of the day, your TAC claim is your claim. A TAC lawyer is simply your advocate.

Having a TAC lawyer that participates in the Protocols will be beneficial to you. The Protocols are an agreement between the TAC, the Australian Lawyers Alliance and the Law Institute of Victoria, which aims to provide timely and effective resolution of disputes to those injured on Victorian roads.

We are a Protocols firm with over 50 years’ experience in personal injury claims. We have a long-standing history with helping injured people in a client-focused and collaborative manner.

If you have questions about your TAC claim or if you would just like to chat about your potential entitlements, we invite you to contact us to arrange an appointment with no obligations.