Where a person's only injuries resulting from the accident are threshold injuries, weekly benefits and treatment and care generally cease after 52 weeks (ss 3.11 and 3.28).
Defence personnel injured in NSW road accidents may claim treatment costs through the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme. Under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 (MAIA), CTP insurers fund medical treatment, rehabilitation and related expenses for eligible injuries. This article explains how military personnel on the Central Coast can access funding for treatment costs, the evidence required and practical steps to take.
How CTP Covers Treatment Costs for Defence Personnel
NSW CTP insurers must fund treatment costs for injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents, including soft tissue injuries and more serious conditions. The Scheme for the Injured Road Accident Victims (SIRA) administers claims under the MAIA. Defence personnel must demonstrate a direct link between the accident and their injuries to qualify. For example, a service member with a spinal nerve-root injury meeting the soft tissue threshold under the Motor Accident Guidelines may claim physiotherapy costs.
Treatment costs include medical consultations, scans, medications, therapy sessions and transportation to appointments. CTP insurers also cover specialist care, such as orthopaedic or neurological assessments, if required. Funding is available for both immediate and long-term treatment needs, provided the injury is directly related to the accident.
Evidence Required for CTP Claims Involving Defence Personnel
To claim treatment costs, you must provide:
- Medical records confirming the injury and treatment
- Accident reports from NSW Police or the Transport for NSW incident database
- Proof of military service (e.g., service number, rank, unit details)
- Evidence of treatment costs (invoices, receipts, or itemised bills)
- Witness statements or police reports linking the injury to the accident
Defence personnel should ensure all documentation clearly connects the injury to the accident. For instance, a soldier injured in a collision at a Central Coast car park must show the accident caused the injury, not a pre-existing condition.
Time Limits and Dispute Resolution
CTP claims must be submitted within 52 weeks of the accident for treatment costs. However, claims for permanent impairment or long-term care may have extended deadlines. If your claim is disputed, you can request a review by SIRA or seek independent medical assessment. Defence personnel should act quickly to preserve evidence and meet deadlines.
When to Seek Legal Advice
Military personnel should consult a solicitor if:
- The insurer refuses to fund necessary treatment
- There is a dispute over the injury's connection to the accident
- You need assistance navigating SIRA's claims process
- You have overlapping claims with workers' compensation or other schemes
A lawyer can help ensure all evidence is properly submitted and that your rights under the MAIA are protected.
Practical Example
Consider a Defence Force member injured in a collision on the Central Coast. Their medical records show a soft tissue injury meeting the spinal nerve-root threshold. The accident report confirms the collision occurred at a specific location. The injured person submits treatment invoices for physiotherapy and scans. SIRA approves the claim, covering 100% of the treatment costs under the CTP scheme.
Next Steps
CTP entitlements depend on the accident date, injury type and claim history. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.