How CTP Covers Treatment Costs After Car Park Accidents
If you've been injured in a low-speed collision in a car park or private property access way in regional NSW, the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme may cover your treatment costs. Under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017, CTP provides funding for medical treatment, therapy and other necessary care, regardless of who was at fault. This article explains how CTP treatment benefits work, what evidence you need to claim them, and when to seek legal advice.
NSW CTP Rules for Funding Treatment Costs
CTP treatment benefits are available for injuries caused by a motor vehicle accident, including low-speed collisions in car parks. The New South Wales Motor Accident Guidelines define 'treatment and care benefits' to include:
- Medical treatment (e.g. X-rays, scans, specialist consultations)
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Medication and medical devices
- Travel expenses related to treatment
These benefits are paid by the CTP insurer of the at-fault driver, even if the accident occurred in a car park or private property. The injured person does not need to prove fault to claim treatment costs. However, the injury must meet the 'threshold injury' definition under the Motor Accident Guidelines to qualify.
Practical Steps to Secure CTP Funding for Treatment
To claim treatment costs under CTP, you must:
- Seek immediate medical attention - Document all treatment records, including dates, diagnoses and treatment plans. A medical report from a registered medical practitioner is essential.
- Preserve accident evidence - Gather details of the accident, including:
- Witness statements
- Photographs of the scene and vehicle damage
- Police reports (if available)
- CCTV footage from nearby areas
- Notify the CTP insurer - Contact the insurer of the at-fault driver to formally request treatment funding. You can find the insurer's contact details through the NSW Government's CTP insurer directory.
- Submit a claim form - Complete the CTP claim form available on the SIRA website. Include all medical records and evidence of the accident.
Time Limits and Dispute Resolution
CTP treatment benefits are subject to time limits. If your injury is classified as a 'threshold injury' (e.g. soft tissue injury with no permanent impairment), benefits are generally limited to 52 weeks after the accident. After this period, you may need to pursue a separate claim for ongoing treatment costs.
If your claim is denied or you disagree with the assessment, you can request a review by the NSW Motor Accident Claims Authority. You may also seek independent medical opinion to support your case.
When to Seek Legal Advice
CTP claims can be complex, especially in regional NSW where access to legal services may be limited. Consider consulting a solicitor if:
- Your injury involves long-term treatment or rehabilitation
- You're unsure whether your injury meets the threshold injury definition
- The CTP insurer refuses to pay for necessary treatment
- You need help navigating the claims process in a rural area
Example: CTP Funding for a Soft Tissue Injury
Consider a scenario where a pedestrian is injured in a car park collision. The injured person receives a diagnosis of a soft tissue injury (e.g. whiplash) and requires physiotherapy. Under CTP, the insurer would cover the cost of the physiotherapy sessions, provided the injury meets the threshold injury criteria. If the injury results in permanent impairment, additional benefits may be available.
Next Steps
CTP treatment benefits are an important part of recovery after a car park accident. However, each claim depends on its own facts. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.