If your child was injured in a driveway accident on the Central Coast, preserving evidence is critical for a NSW CTP claim. This article explains which records to keep, how SIRA’s rules apply to child pedestrian injuries, and practical steps to support your claim.
What Evidence to Keep for a Driveway Child Pedestrian Accident
To support a CTP claim after a driveway accident, gather the following evidence:
- Medical records: Document all injuries, treatments, and medical opinions. For example, a broken arm from a driveway collision would require a doctor’s report confirming the injury.
- Accident details: Note the time, location, vehicle type, and any witnesses. Even low-speed driveway accidents must be recorded to show the incident occurred.
- Witness statements: Statements from neighbors, family, or passersby can confirm the child’s location and the accident’s circumstances.
- Photographs: Capture the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. For instance, a child’s scraped knee or bruising should be photographed.
- Insurance information: Obtain the at-fault driver’s insurance details, as CTP claims are handled by insurers under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017.
How SIRA’s Rules Apply to Driveway Child Injuries
SIRA (State Insurance Regulatory Authority) governs CTP claims in NSW. For child pedestrian injuries, SIRA requires evidence of:
- Threshold injuries: Under the Motor Accident Guidelines, injuries like sprains or minor fractures may qualify for benefits. A child’s broken arm from a driveway accident could meet this threshold.
- Weekly benefits: If injuries prevent the child from participating in normal activities for 52 weeks, weekly payments may apply. For example, a child with a sprained ankle requiring 6 weeks of recovery would qualify.
- Treatment and care costs: Keep receipts for medical visits, physiotherapy, or equipment like crutches.
Practical Steps and Time Limits
CTP claims must be submitted within 52 weeks of the accident, unless the injury is notifiable under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017. For example, a child injured in a driveway on 1 January 2026 must lodge a claim by 30 June 2026. If the injury is notifiable (e.g., a broken leg requiring surgery), the 52-week limit does not apply.
Disputes over evidence may arise if insurers challenge the injury’s severity. In such cases, medical reports from registered practitioners are essential. For instance, a child’s bruising from a driveway collision must be documented by a doctor to support a claim.
When to Seek Legal Advice
Contact a solicitor if:
- The insurer denies the claim or disputes the injury’s severity.
- The child’s injuries require long-term care or affect their ability to attend school.
- You need help navigating SIRA’s claims process on the Central Coast.
Next Steps
CTP claims depend on the accident date, injury type, and evidence collected. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.