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).
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident on the Central Coast and the at-fault driver cannot be identified, you may still be eligible for treatment funding through NSW’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme. The State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) administers these claims, ensuring injured parties can access medical care even when the responsible vehicle is unknown. This article explains how SIRA covers treatment costs, what evidence is needed, and practical steps for claimants on the Central Coast.
How SIRA Funds Treatment Costs for Hit-and-Run Claims
Under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017, SIRA provides funding for medical treatment and related expenses when a motor accident involves an unidentified vehicle. This applies even if the driver fled the scene or could not be located. SIRA covers costs such as hospital visits, specialist consultations, physiotherapy, and medications directly related to the injury.
To qualify, the claimant must demonstrate a connection between the treatment and the accident. For example, if a pedestrian was hit by a car and later required surgery for soft-tissue injuries, SIRA would fund the treatment costs. However, claims for unrelated expenses, like dental work not caused by the accident, will not be covered.
Evidence Required for Treatment Cost Claims
SIRA requires specific evidence to support treatment cost claims. Key documents include:
- Medical records confirming the injury and its link to the accident
- Receipts or invoices for treatment expenses
- A completed SIRA claim form (available on the SIRA website)
- Police reports or witness statements detailing the accident
Claimants should also preserve any evidence of the accident scene, such as photographs of damage or traffic camera footage. These can help establish the incident’s circumstances and support the claim.
Practical Steps for Central Coast Claimants
If you were injured in a hit-and-run on the Central Coast, follow these steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention and document all treatment received
- Report the accident to local police and obtain a report
- Contact SIRA to start a claim, using the online portal or by mail
- Submit all required evidence promptly to avoid delays
- Keep copies of all correspondence with SIRA and healthcare providers
SIRA typically processes claims within 30 days of submission, but delays can occur if evidence is incomplete. Claimants should also be aware that SIRA may request additional information during the review process.
Time Limits and Dispute Resolution
There is no specific time limit for claiming treatment costs under the CTP scheme, but delays can affect the outcome. For example, if a claim is submitted after 52 weeks from the accident date, SIRA may limit benefits for threshold injuries (see Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 s 4.4). Claimants should act quickly to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria.
If SIRA denies a claim, the decision can be reviewed by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). Claimants should seek legal advice if they believe the denial was incorrect or if they need assistance navigating the process.
Example Scenario
Consider a cyclist on the Central Coast who was hit by a car and fled the scene. The cyclist later required physiotherapy for soft-tissue injuries. SIRA would fund the physiotherapy costs, as the treatment is directly related to the accident. However, if the cyclist also sought treatment for a pre-existing knee condition, SIRA would not cover those expenses.
When to Seek Legal Advice
While SIRA provides a clear pathway for treatment funding, claimants may need legal assistance in complex cases. For example, if the accident involved multiple vehicles, or if there are disputes over fault, a solicitor can help ensure all claims are properly pursued. Legal advice is also recommended if SIRA denies a claim and the claimant believes the decision was incorrect.
Next Steps
Understanding how SIRA funds treatment costs after a hit-and-run accident is essential for claimants on the Central Coast. By gathering the right evidence and submitting claims promptly, injured parties can access the medical support they need. If you have questions about your specific situation, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form to request contact about your circumstances.