What should I do after a car accident in NSW?
If anyone needs urgent medical assistance, call 000. Report the crash to NSW Police where required and obtain an event number. Arrange an appointment with your GP or treating doctor so your injuries, symptoms and capacity can be assessed and documented.
Application for personal injury benefits in NSW: what to prepare
For crashes in NSW on or after 1 December 2017, you can apply for personal injury benefits online through Service NSW or send the completed application form to the CTP insurer by email or post. For an earlier accident or help identifying the insurer, contact SIRA CTP Assist on 1300 656 919.
Gather the information you have:
- Accident date, time, location and a brief account of what happened
- Details of the vehicles involved, if known
- Your police event number, or other evidence such as photographs or witness statements
- Your doctor’s Certificate of Fitness, plus ambulance or hospital details where relevant
- Information about earlier injuries or illnesses affecting the same areas
- Employment details and evidence of earnings if claiming lost income
- A MyServiceNSW Account for an online application. If bank details are required for your chosen payment method, provide them only through the official Service NSW application or directly to your CTP insurer. Do not send bank details through a COH Rehab enquiry.
Keep medical receipts. Service NSW says you can still submit an application when some details are missing; the insurer can request more information. See the official application checklist.
A police event number identifies the crash recorded by police. Your insurer provides a separate claim number when acknowledging your claim, as SIRA explains. Reporting to police does not submit the CTP application. Read our police event number guide.
Who can make a NSW CTP injury claim?
People injured in a NSW motor vehicle accident may include drivers, passengers, riders and pillion passengers, pedestrians and cyclists. The injury may be physical or psychological. The insurer is responsible for deciding claim eligibility and entitlements.
When should I lodge the CTP claim?
Lodge as soon as possible. The general claim period is three months after the crash. Lodging within 28 days is important if you are seeking weekly-payment backpay from the day after the crash, subject to eligibility.
SIRA’s claim-timing guidance explains that missing the 28-day cut-off does not always rule out backpay. If 28 days or three months have already passed, contact the insurer or CTP Assist promptly about late-claim and backpay requirements. Ask which exceptions may apply to your accident date and circumstances.
What if I need a doctor after the car accident?
Arrange a medical assessment even if you have not yet lodged a claim or received a claim number. When booking, explain that the injuries followed a motor accident and ask about fees and insurer billing. Do not delay emergency care for paperwork.
Follow-up after leaving hospital
If you have been discharged from hospital after a car accident, follow your discharge instructions and arrange any recommended follow-up appointments, including with your GP. Bring your discharge summary and any test results you have to the appointment. If you do not have a regular GP, you can ask COH Rehab about an independent GP connection.
NSW Health: going home from hospital
A registered medical practitioner completes the first Certificate of Fitness during your consultation. The form describes the injuries, proposed care and your ability to manage usual daily tasks and employment. See SIRA’s certificate guidance.
Bring available hospital information and explain your symptoms and any difficulties at home or work. Our Certificate of Fitness appointment guide can help you prepare.
COH Rehab can help clarify the treating-doctor pathway. COH Rehab is not an emergency or medical practice.
If you do not have a regular GP, or your practice does not manage motor accident injuries, you can ask COH Rehab about a doctor connection. Tell us your suburb, whether this is your first appointment and any travel or language needs. The independent medical practice confirms availability and billing.
Already have a GP but need help coordinating recovery?
You do not need to change doctors to ask about rehabilitation. COH Rehab can discuss your recovery needs and, with your consent and the required referral and approval, work alongside your treating team. Read about CTP rehabilitation after a motor accident or tell us what you need help with.
Can a CTP claim help pay for treatment and rehabilitation?
Depending on the claim and the insurer's decision, NSW CTP benefits may include reasonable and necessary medical treatment, rehabilitation, care and income support. This can relate to physical or psychological injuries. COH Rehab commences funded services only after the required referral and insurer approval are in place.
What if I feel anxious, distressed or unable to cope after the crash?
Psychological symptoms after a motor vehicle accident deserve the same attention as physical symptoms. Speak with your GP or another appropriate health professional. Where a psychological injury affects daily activity, community participation or return to work, a coordinated rehabilitation plan may help connect treatment with practical recovery goals.
What if I cannot work after the car accident?
Tell your doctor and insurer how the injury is affecting your work. Depending on eligibility, the CTP scheme may provide income support and vocational rehabilitation while you recover. COH Rehab can support practical recovery and participation goals once the referral and service scope are approved.
Read about CTP vocational assessments and work-related recovery planning.
How can COH Rehab help after a motor vehicle accident?
COH Rehab provides specialist rehabilitation for people with a CTP injury in NSW, including recovery coordination across Sydney and NSW. We help bring together treatment, everyday function, communication and participation goals so the injured person and recovery team have a clearer plan.
- Rehabilitation needs assessment and goal setting
- Treatment and stakeholder coordination
- Support with home, community, study and work participation
- ADL, functional and OT driving assessment pathways where appropriate
- Clear progress reporting for the approved referral scope
Need official help with the claim itself?
Contact SIRA CTP Assist on 1300 656 919. COH Rehab can explain rehabilitation pathways, but we do not determine claim liability, provide legal advice or replace emergency and treating medical care.