What You Need to Know About Making a CTP Insurance Claim in Queensland

Been injured on the road? You may have the right to a CTP claim—even as a passenger or pedestrian.

Accidents can happen in an instant—on wet roads, late at night, or because of someone else’s mistake. If another driver is at fault, even if you were partly to blame, CTP compensation can help you recover. In fact, in 2023–2024, more than 5,100 Queenslanders made a CTP claim.

This guide explains how to claim through Queensland’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme, what documents you need, and how to avoid delays that could cost you thousands.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

What is CTP Insurance in Queensland?

All vehicles registered in Queensland are legally required to have a Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance. Queensland’s CTP scheme is an at-fault system, meaning it only provides compensation to people injured in an accident if someone else was responsible.

If you’re injured, you can claim against the at-fault driver’s CTP insurer to help cover your medical costs, lost income, and other losses.

Who Can Lodge a CTP Insurance Claim?

Driver of the not-at-fault vehicle
Injured passengers in any vehicle involved in the accident
Pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists injured by a motor vehicle
Family members of someone killed in a motor vehicle accident
Witnesses who suffer psychological injury from witnessing the accident

When Should You File a CTP Claim?

Considering lodging a CTP claim if you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident and:

You suffered physical or psychological injuries
The accident involved a vehicle registered in Queensland
Your injuries require medical treatment or time off work
You have ongoing pain, disability, or reduced quality of life
You’ve incurred medical expenses or lost income due to the accident

Types of Injuries Commonly Covered

Physical Injuries include but are not limited to:

Broken bones and fractures
Soft tissue injuries (whiplash, muscle strains)
Head and brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Internal organ damage
Burns and lacerations

Psychological Injuries:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Depression and anxiety
Panic disorders
Adjustment disorders
Nervous shock (for witnesses)

Step-by-Step CTP Claims Process

Here are the basic steps to lodging a successful CTP claim:

Step 1: Report the Accident to Police

Call emergency services on 000 right away if anyone at the scene is hurt.
If you didn’t report it at the time, complete a Report of Traffic Incident to Police Form.
Submit the report at your local police station and get a QP number—this will be required for your claim.

Step 2: Get Medical Attention Promptly

Go to the emergency department for serious injuries.
See your GP, even if your injuries seem minor—some symptoms develop over time.
Keep all medical records, receipts, and appointments.
Follow all medical advice and attend ongoing treatment.

Step 3: Determine the At-Fault Vehicle and Its CTP Insurer

Use the vehicle’s registration number with the MAIC CTP Insurer Lookup Tool.

If the vehicle was uninsured or unidentified (e.g. a hit and run), you may still be eligible to claim through the Nominal Defendant.

Step 4: Collect Evidence Early

Act quickly while details are fresh. Useful evidence includes:

Photos of the accident scene, any damage to vehicles, and bodily injuries
Witness names and contact details
Registration numbers and insurance information for all vehicles in the incident
Weather, road, and lighting conditions

Step 5: Complete the CTP Claim Form

Use the CTP Claims Portal to fill out and submit your claim electronically. Alternatively, you may download the Notice of Accident Claim Form (non-fatal vs fatal), then fill it out and sign it.

Step 6: Prepare and Organise Supporting Documents

To avoid delays, make sure the following documents are included with your claim.

Required for All Claims

Medical Certificate: Completed by your treating doctor.
Claimant Certificate: Completed by you. This declares that all the details you’ve shared in the form are honest and correct.
Certified ID: A copy of your driver’s licence, passport or other valid photo ID, certified by an authorised witness.
Law Practice Certificate: Completed by your solicitor to confirm they are acting on your behalf and outlines any fee arrangements.

Financial Evidence (if claiming income loss or expenses)

Recent pay slips or employment records
Tax returns or bank statements
Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses (e.g. transport, therapy, home care)

We understand that preparing these documents can be daunting. That is why our experienced Road Accident Lawyers will handle this process for you—so you can focus on healing while we manage the paperwork.

Step 7: Submit Your Claim

If you used the online form, upload your signed claim and supporting documents directly through the CTP Claims Portal.

If you chose the PDF version, send the signed form and documents to the at-fault vehicle’s insurer by email.

Either way, the insurer must acknowledge your claim within 14 business days and confirm whether it meets the legal requirements.

Step 8: Assessment and Resolution

This stage can take a bit of time, depending on your injuries and the complexity of the claim. Here’s what to expect:

The insurer investigates the accident to decide liability. If fault is disputed, the process may take longer.
You’ll attend medical assessments to determine the severity and long-term impact.
The insurer may fund rehab or treatment while the claim is ongoing.
If there’s disagreement over fault or how much your claim is worth, it may need negotiation, mediation, or even court.
Negotiations for compensation usually start once your condition has reached a stable point. If successful, you’ll receive a lump sum for things like pain, lost income, and future care.

Having a lawyer can significantly speed things up, resolve disputes, and maximise your compensation. Don’t hesitate to talk to one of our experienced Compensation Lawyers today.

Critical Timeframes and Deadlines

Remember, it’s best to lodge your claim promptly after the accident. Here are the time limits:

Submission of Notice of Accident Claim Form
- Whichever comes first:
  - Within 9 months of the accident occurring, or
  - Within 1 month of first seeing a lawyer

Court proceedings: Must begin within 3 years of the accident date.

If you missed the deadline, you’ll need to provide a reasonable excuse for the delay. Make an appointment with one of our Compensation Lawyers now to avoid delays.

What if my claim is denied?

CTP claims are usually denied due to missing documents, delays, or disputes about who was at fault. If this happens, our Compensation Lawyers can:

Ask the insurer for a clear explanation of their decision
Gather and submit additional supporting evidence
Arrange independent medical assessments
Assess your situation and advise you on your legal options
Take legal action if the denial is unreasonable

Call us now for expert advice.

What Does CTP Insurance Cover in Queensland?

Queensland CTP insurance can provide compensation for various types of losses and expenses related to your injury:

Medical and Rehabilitation Expenses

Hospital treatment (public and private)
Doctor consultations and specialist appointments
Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation
Psychology and counseling services
Prescription medications
Medical equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.)
Home modifications for disability accommodation

Income Replacement and Economic Loss

Part of your lost wages during recovery period
Reduced earning capacity for permanent impairments
Loss of superannuation contributions
Cost of care (attendant care services)
Transportation costs for medical appointments
Domestic assistance (cleaning, gardening, etc.)

Pain, Suffering and Loss of Enjoyment

General damages for pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Inability to pursue hobbies or sports
Impact on relationships and family life
Disfigurement or scarring

Fatal Injury Compensation

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support for dependants
Loss of domestic services
Grief counseling for family members
Children’s future expenses (education, care)

What CTP Insurance Does NOT Cover

Vehicle damage: repairs to cars, motorcycles, or property
Property damage: damage to buildings, fences, or other property
Items inside the car: For instance, phones, bags, or tools
Rental car costs: temporary transport while your car is being repaired
Minor injuries to at-fault drivers: unless classified as “serious injury”
Single vehicle accidents: where only one vehicle is involved and no third party is injured

Dealing with CTP Insurers: What to Expect

The cold hard truth is that Insurance companies don’t like paying out. You need to be on their back constantly, so knowing what to expect helps you protect your interests.

The CTP Claim Process from the Insurer’s Perspective

Initial Assessment (First 14 Days)

Ensuring your claim meets legal requirements
Confirming coverage was in place
Assignment of a claims officer
May offer to fund immediate treatment

Investigation Phase (1-6 Months)

Identifying who was at fault and to what degree
Gathering evidence from all parties
Independent assessment of your injuries
Collection of Medical records, employment history, etc.

Settlement Negotiations (6+ months)

Calculating the value of your claim
Initial offers usually lower than final settlements
Back-and-forth discussions on fair compensation
Agreement on final compensation amount

Communicating Effectively with Insurance Companies

DO’s	DON’Ts
Be polite and professional in all communications	Admit fault or speculate about who caused the accident
Keep detailed records of all phone calls and meetings	Accept the first offer without proper consideration
Respond promptly to reasonable requests for information	Sign anything you don’t fully understand
Describe what happened and your injuries truthfully and accurately.	Overstate the severity of your injuries
Ask for written confirmation of any verbal agreements	Provide recorded statements without legal advice
Request explanations if you don’t understand something	Agree to independent medical examinations without understanding your rights

Should I Get a Personal Injury Lawyer for a CTP Claim?

There is no law requiring you to get a lawyer for a CTP insurance claim in Australia. However, we strongly advise that you get one to significantly improve your outcome. Many people who handle their compensation claims alone settle for less than they’re entitled to or worse, completely sabotage their potential case.

Having accident legal on your team can protect your rights and ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to. You especially need expert legal representation if you have:

Serious or Lasting Injuries: Including spinal damage, brain injury, permanent impairment, PTSD, or need for long-term care.
A Complex Case: Claims involving disputed liability, multiple vehicles, work-related accidents, or unidentified drivers often require legal guidance to navigate properly.
Significant Financial Loss: If you’re unable to work, facing high medical bills, or need home/vehicle modifications, we ensure all entitlements are claimed.
Insurer Issues: If your claim is delayed, denied, or the insurer is acting unfairly, we step in to protect your rights. This includes situations where:
- Liability is denied despite clear fault
- Settlement offers are unreasonably low
- You’re pressured to settle before recovery
- The insurer delays your claim without cause
- They refuse necessary treatment or dispute your injuries without proper medical evidence
- You’re asked to attend unnecessary medical exams

We’ll handle the negotiations and push back—so you don’t have to. Call us now.

Special Circumstances and Complex Claims

Not all motor vehicle accidents are straightforward. Some situations require special consideration and different approaches to ensure you receive fair compensation under Queensland’s CTP system.

Uninsured and Unidentified Vehicles (Nominal Defendant Claims)

When the at-fault driver is uninsured, driving an unregistered vehicle, or cannot be identified (hit-and-run), you can claim against Queensland’s Nominal Defendant.

Key Differences:

Shorter deadline: Only 3 months to file (vs. 3 years for insured vehicles)
Different eligibility criteria: Must prove you weren’t substantially at fault
Government funding: Compensation comes from a government fund
Extension possible: Up to 9 months with valid reasons for delay

Required Evidence:

Police report confirming the vehicle was uninsured/unidentified
Evidence you attempted to identify the vehicle
Proof you weren’t substantially at fault
All standard CTP claim documentation

Nervous Shock Claims (Psychological Injury from Witnessing Accidents)

Queensland law recognises that witnessing a traumatic accident can cause genuine psychological injury, particularly for family members and close friends.

Who Can Claim:

Immediate family members: A partner, child, parent, or sibling
Close friends: In some circumstances
First responders: Police, ambulance, fire officers (in specific situations)

Requirements for Nervous Shock Claims:

Must have seen the crash or arrived just after.
Must have a close relationship with the injured/deceased person
Psychological injury must be diagnosed by a qualified professional
Impact must be significant and ongoing

Commercial Vehicle and Workplace Accidents

Accidents involving commercial vehicles or work-related travel can involve multiple insurance policies and compensation schemes.

Potential Coverage Sources:

CTP insurance: For personal injuries
Workers’ compensation: If you were working at the time
Public liability insurance: For employer or third-party negligence
Professional indemnity: For professional drivers or transport companies

Important Considerations:

May need to choose between CTP and workers’ compensation
Different time limits and processes apply
Coordination between multiple insurers required
Professional legal advice is strongly recommended

Pre-existing Conditions and Aggravation Claims

Even if you had a pre-existing condition, you can still claim if the accident made it worse.

Types of Aggravation Claims:

Physical conditions: Arthritis, previous injuries, chronic pain
Mental health: Depression, anxiety, PTSD
Degenerative conditions: Spine problems, joint disorders

Proving Aggravation:

Detailed medical history before the accident
Expert medical evidence showing deterioration
Comparison of your condition before and after the accident
Evidence of increased treatment needs

Interstate and Cross-Border Accidents

Accidents involving vehicles registered in different states can complicate the claims process, as each state has different CTP laws and procedures.

Key Considerations:

Jurisdiction rules: Usually claim in the state where the accident occurred
Different compensation schemes: NSW, Victoria, and other states have varying benefits
Interstate authorities: May need to contact CTP regulators in other states
Legal representation: Choose lawyers familiar with cross-border claims

Late Claims and Exceptional Circumstances

Sometimes, circumstances prevent you from filing your CTP claim within normal timeframes. Queensland law provides limited options for late claims in exceptional situations.

Grounds for Late Claims:

Delayed injury discovery: Injuries that weren’t apparent immediately
Incapacity: Mental impairment preventing claim filing
Fraudulent concealment: If someone deliberately hid information
Minority: Claims for people under 18 at the time of accident

Application Process:

Submit an application to the Supreme Court of Queensland
Provide a detailed explanation for the delay
Demonstrate the claim has merit
Legal representation is strongly recommended

Frequently Asked Questions About CTP Claims

Can I claim if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Under Queensland’s fault-based scheme, you can still make a claim even if you were partly at fault—your payout may just be reduced. However, your compensation is reduced based on your share of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault, your claim will be reduced by 20%.

Can At-Fault Drivers Make A Car Crash Injury Claim?

If you are at fault, you generally can’t claim CTP compensation for your own injuries. However, you may claim compensation for serious injuries from the NIISQ, as it has a no-fault scheme. You may check your eligibility here.

How much compensation can I receive?

This depends on injury severity, impact on work and life, age and income, and degree of fault. Payouts can range from thousands to millions. The Queensland government shows the following average payouts:

Injury Severity	Average Payout
Minor	$86,300
Serious	$398,500
Critical	$848,300

For a clearer estimate, get a free claim check now.

Can I change lawyers during my claim?

Yes, at any time. But you may need to pay any costs owed to your previous lawyer (check your agreement).

Talk to your current lawyer first to resolve issues if possible.

How long does it take to settle a CTP claim?

The time it takes to resolve a CTP claim depends on several factors, including:

the severity of your injury;
whether fault is disputed;
the extent of medical treatment required;
how cooperative the insurer is; and
whether court action becomes necessary.

Generally, claims involving minor injuries may settle within 6 to 12 months, while serious or complex cases can take 2 to 4 years or longer.

You can access a more detailed claim duration by insurer here.

Secure the Help You Deserve Today

The Queensland CTP scheme is designed to compensate people injured in road accidents caused by someone else. This can include medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation, and support for long-term care. But undeniably, navigating the claims process can be overwhelming while you’re recovering.

If you’ve been injured in a road accident, our expert Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers are here to help. We’ll handle the stress and fight for what you’re owed. At accident legal, we provide:

✅ Free Claim Review: We’ll provide a reasonable estimate of your claim’s worth based on past cases and current Queensland payouts.

✅ Strong Evidence: We’ll collect medical reports, financial records, and expert opinions to back up your case.

✅ Skilled Negotiation: Insurers often try to pay as little as possible. Our Personal Injury Lawyers know how to push back and negotiate a fair deal.

✅ Legal Knowledge: We understand the ins and outs of Queensland’s motor vehicle accident injury claims laws and how to use them in your favour.

✅ Fair Treatment: Insurers respond more fairly when you have a Personal Injury Lawyer

✅ No Win, No Fee: You don’t pay a cent unless your claim is successful.

✅ We’ll come to you: If you’re unable to visit us due to your injury, we’re happy to meet you at your home or in hospital—wherever is most convenient to you.

Book your free consultation today and start moving forward. Better days ahead!