CTP or Compulsory Third Party insurance is an important safety net to help support drivers in case of an accident. While other insurance covers things like property damage, CTP insurance is designed specifically for covering personal injury for drivers, passengers, motorcycle riders, cyclists and pedestrians.
What are the main factors that impact your CTP benefits?
The two main factors that impact your CTP claim are whether you were at fault for the accident and the extent of your injuries.
- Fault: If you were found not at fault for the accident, you will be eligible to claim for CTP benefits under the other driver’s CTP insurance and be eligible for full support depending on the extent of your injuries. If you were found at fault for the accident you will still be eligible to claim under your own insurance for medical and treatment expenses, care expenses and income support payments, however, the benefits will be capped at six months after the accident.
- Minor vs Non-Minor Injuries: Individuals who have experienced a minor injury (e.g. soft tissue damage or minor psychological injury) then they are generally eligible for up to 6 months of medical, home care and income support. Individuals with non-minor injuries such as fractures, nerve damage or organ damage are generally eligible for up to 24 months of medical, home care and income support, as well as potentially a lump sum compensation payment for loss of past and future income.
What personal injury benefits can you claim on your CTP insurance?
Personal injury benefits focus on three main areas of financial support to assist with recovery from the injury, this includes medical and treatment expenses, care expenses and income support payments.
- Medical and Treatment Expenses: Medical and treatment benefits are capped depending on the severity of your injuries but they will generally cover all the treatment and care expenses required to help you recover from your injury.
- Care Expenses: If the injury has left you unable to care for yourself then some people will be eligible for care expense benefits, which may include personal care or home support.
- Income Support Payments: If you are unable to work due to your injury then CTP benefits can be claimed for income support based on your earnings before the accident. Up to week 13 you may be eligible for up to 95% of your earnings, after which this changes to 85% up to week 26.
What lump sum compensation can you claim on your CTP insurance?
If you weren’t the driver at fault and your injury was deemed non-minor then you may be eligible to receive a lump sum compensation payout to help support you financially. Non-minor injuries include serious physical conditions like broken bones or diagnosed psychological injuries such as PTSD or depression. If you believe you have a non-minor injury from a car accident then reach out to a trained compensation lawyer to help guide you in the best way to approach your CTP claim.