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).
Reversing vehicle accidents in NSW can result in injuries requiring documentation for CTP claims. The NSW Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 and SIRA guidelines set the standards for evidence. This article explains what documentation is needed, how SIRA applies to reversing accidents, and steps to prepare a claim.
Key Evidence for Reversing Accident Claims
Under NSW CTP rules, claimants must provide evidence of injuries caused by reversing vehicles. This includes:
- Medical records showing injury diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis
- Accident reports from police or witnesses detailing the reversing incident
- Photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injury signs
- Witness statements from individuals who saw the reversing vehicle
- Medical practitioner notes confirming injury link to the accident
SIRA requires documentation to prove the injury meets the threshold for CTP benefits. For example, a pedestrian injured in a driveway must show the accident caused their injuries, not pre-existing conditions.
SIRA Documentation Standards for Reversing Accidents
SIRA's guidelines apply to all motor accidents, including reversing incidents. Claimants should:
- Record the accident date, time, and location (including suburb names like Wollongong or Jervis Bay)
- Obtain medical attention immediately to document injuries
- Preserve vehicle and scene evidence (e.g., skid marks, damaged property)
- Notify the at-fault driver's insurer within 52 weeks of the accident
A hypothetical example: A cyclist injured in a car park reversing incident must show the accident caused neck strain. Medical records showing radiculopathy symptoms and a police report of the reversing vehicle would support the claim.
Time Limits and Dispute Resolution
CTP claims must be submitted within 52 weeks of the accident. After this period, benefits for threshold injuries (like soft tissue damage) generally stop, though long-term impairment claims may continue. If a claim is disputed, SIRA provides a review process to reassess evidence.
Claimants should seek legal advice if:
- Injuries require complex medical treatment
- The accident involved multiple vehicles
- There are disputes about fault or insurance coverage
Next Steps for Claimants
Prepare documentation showing the reversing accident caused your injuries. Contact SIRA directly or use the quick, no obligation enquiry form to discuss your case. Time limits apply, so prompt action is essential for Illawarra and South Coast residents.