If you've been involved in a car accident in NSW, the CTP (Compulsory Third Party) scheme applies — this is the green slip insurance every registered vehicle must carry. Under the Motor Accidents Injuries Act 2017 (MAIA), you're entitled to statutory benefits regardless of fault, and potentially common law compensation if your injury is serious.

1. Get safe and call 000 if anyone is injured

Move vehicles off the road if safe, turn on hazard lights, and call 000 immediately if anyone is injured, unconscious, or trapped. Do not move injured people unless they are in immediate danger.

While waiting for emergency services, note witness details and photograph the scene, vehicle positions, damage, and road conditions.

2. Exchange details — including the CTP insurer

You are legally required to exchange name, address, licence number, vehicle registration, and CTP insurer details. The CTP insurer is shown on the green slip, usually kept in the glovebox or on the rego papers.

How To Find The CTP Insurer
  • Green slip — certificate identifies the insurer
  • SIRA's website — search by rego at sira.nsw.gov.au
  • Nominal Defendant — if the vehicle was unregistered or the driver fled

3. Report to police

In NSW you must report an accident to police if anyone was injured, a vehicle can't be driven from the scene, there is a liability dispute, or the other driver failed to stop. Even if none apply, a police report creates an independent record that strengthens your claim.

4. See a doctor as soon as possible

Attend a GP or emergency department even for minor pain. Under MAIA, your entitlement to statutory benefits — including treatment funding and income replacement — is linked to your medical treatment. A medical certificate from your treating doctor is required to activate benefits. The earlier you're assessed, the stronger your claim record.

Many injuries, including whiplash and concussion, are not immediately apparent. Delayed treatment gives insurers grounds to dispute causation.

5. Notify the CTP insurer within 28 days

Under MAIA, notify the at-fault driver's CTP insurer as soon as practicable — ideally within 28 days. This is not a hard cutoff for all claims, but notifying early triggers the insurer's obligation to fund treatment, creates a formal record, and avoids disputes about delay.

6. Lodge your claim form within 3 months

  • Accident Notification Form (ANF) — brief initial notification, can be lodged at any stage
  • Personal Injury Claim Form — must be lodged within 3 months of the accident or 3 months after first receiving treatment, whichever is later

Missing the 3-month deadline can cost you early benefits. Extensions exist in genuine cases but don't rely on them.

7. Be careful with early settlement offers

Insurers may offer to fund treatment early — that's appropriate. But be cautious about settling your entire claim before your injuries stabilise. Under MAIA there are two separate pathways: statutory benefits (no-fault, for everyone) and common law damages (fault-based, for non-minor injuries). Settling too early can significantly undervalue your claim.

Michael Singh
Principal · AMK Lawyers