If you were involved in a wildlife animal strike accident in Auburn, NSW, you may be eligible for compensation under the NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme. This article explains how wildlife collisions are treated under the scheme, what evidence is needed, and how to determine if you qualify for benefits.
Are Wildlife Animal Collisions Covered Under NSW CTP Scheme Eligibility?
Under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017, the NSW CTP scheme covers injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents, including collisions with animals. However, the accident must involve a motor vehicle. For example, if you hit a kangaroo while driving, you may qualify, but a collision with an animal on footpath or bike path may not be covered unless the vehicle was involved.
SIRA (State Insurance Regulatory Authority) assesses claims based on the Motor Accident Guidelines, which define injuries as either 'threshold injuries' (soft tissue injuries) or more severe impairments. Wildlife strikes are treated like any other motor accident, but the injury must meet the scheme’s criteria. For instance, a minor collision with no visible injury may not qualify, but a crash causing bruising or whiplash might.
What Documentation is Needed for Wildlife Strike Claims?
To support a claim, you’ll need:
- A police report documenting the accident (even if not required for minor incidents)
- Medical records proving injuries (e.g., X-rays, doctor notes)
- Evidence of the wildlife strike (e.g., photos of the animal, witness statements)
- Proof of vehicle registration and insurance details
- Income records if you’re claiming weekly payments
SIRA requires these documents to assess whether the injury meets the 'threshold injury' definition. For example, if you hit a deer and suffered a sprained wrist, you’d need medical evidence to show the injury was caused by the collision.
How Does SIRA Assess Wildlife-Related Claims in Auburn?
SIRA evaluates claims based on the nature of the injury, not the cause. If the accident involved a motor vehicle and resulted in a threshold injury (e.g., soft tissue damage), you may be eligible for:
- Treatment and care benefits
- Weekly income payments (if you’re off work)
- Lump sum compensation for permanent impairments
However, if the injury is minor and doesn’t meet the threshold, benefits may not apply. For example, a collision with a bird causing no visible injury would likely be excluded. SIRA also considers the date of the accident, rules for 'only injuries' apply if the claimant’s only injuries are threshold injuries.
Time Limits and When to Seek Advice
You have 52 weeks from the accident date to claim benefits for threshold injuries. If your injury is more severe, you may have longer to pursue compensation, but time limits depend on the injury type. For example, if you suffered a spinal nerve-root injury (a type of threshold injury), you must notify SIRA within 52 weeks to claim weekly payments.
If you’re unsure whether your wildlife strike qualifies, contact a legal professional. SIRA’s guidelines can be complex, and claims involving animals may require specific evidence to prove the connection between the collision and your injuries.
Next Steps for Wildlife Strike Claimants
If you’ve been involved in a wildlife strike accident, start by:
- Seeking medical attention to document injuries
- Reporting the incident to police or the relevant authority
- Collecting evidence of the collision
- Contacting SIRA to discuss your claim
Time limits apply, so act promptly. For personalized advice, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form to request contact about your circumstances.