The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has simplified and streamlined the process for victims of the Bourke Street tragedy to access assistance. As the car involved was registered in Victoria, the TAC automatically became the insurer responsible for personal injuries, including shock and distress.
Victims seeking to lodge a TAC claim can do so on 1300 654 329. There is an option for people calling about Bourke Street to press 5.
Assistance is available to anyone physically injured or involved in the immediate aftermath if they have sought medical treatment. There is also assistance available for the families of those killed. A person who wants to make a claim is not required to make an independent police report before a claim is accepted. They only need to prove how they were affected by the Bourke Street tragedy or that they were close to a person who died.
Once your claim is accepted, you can call designated Bourke Street case managers: Natalie on (03) 5225 7027, Helen on (03) 5225 6866 or Chelsea on (03) 5225 7043.
The TAC has also waived the medical excess for Bourke Street victims. Ordinarily, the TAC would not pay the first $629 of medical expenses for a person who was not admitted as an inpatient. Bourke Street victims can receive financial assistance for medical treatment immediately and do not have to worry about the excess. If your doctor recommends treatment which is reasonable and related to the Bourke Street tragedy, the TAC should pay for that treatment.
If the TAC is withholding reasonable assistance, we can help you dispute their decisions. If there is any possibility the psychological or physical injuries of Bourke Street will be long lasting, we recommend you seek legal advice and have a lawyer guide you through the process.
Redlich's Work Injury Lawyers act No-Win, No-Fee, No uplift fee - so if we do not recover compensation for you, we will not charge for our time. To speak directly to a lawyer, call (03) 9321 9988.