If you were injured in a wildlife strike accident in Western Sydney, the NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme may cover your treatment costs. This article explains how the scheme applies to animal strikes, what evidence you need to claim medical expenses, and how SIRA handles such claims differently from standard motor accidents.
How the CTP Scheme Covers Wildlife Strike Injuries
The NSW CTP scheme funds treatment costs for injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents, including collisions with wildlife. Under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017, the scheme covers medical treatment, rehabilitation, and related expenses regardless of fault. This applies even if the accident involved hitting an animal, such as a deer, kangaroo, or bird.
To qualify, the injury must meet the scheme’s threshold for 'treatment and care benefits.' This includes injuries like whiplash, soft tissue damage, or fractures caused by the collision. SIRA assesses claims based on medical evidence, not fault, meaning the accident’s cause (wildlife strike) does not affect your right to claim treatment costs.
Practical Steps to Claim Treatment Costs
After a wildlife strike accident, take these steps to ensure your treatment costs are covered:
- Seek immediate medical attention and document all injuries, as some soft tissue injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
- Report the accident to the relevant authorities, such as the NSW Police or local wildlife services, to confirm the incident.
- Notify your insurer or the at-fault driver’s insurer about the claim. If the accident involved a registered vehicle, the CTP insurer must be informed within 90 days of the incident.
- Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, including invoices, prescriptions, and therapy sessions. These are critical for SIRA to assess your claim.
How SIRA Handles Wildlife Strike Claims
SIRA processes wildlife strike claims under the same rules as other motor accidents. However, there are key distinctions:
- No fault inquiry, SIRA does not investigate who is at fault. The scheme covers injuries caused by motor vehicles, regardless of the accident’s nature (e.g., hitting an animal or another vehicle).
- Threshold injury assessment, SIRA uses the Motor Accident Guidelines to determine if your injury meets the threshold for treatment benefits. For example, a spinal nerve-root injury with neurological signs may qualify, even if it does not meet the 'radiculopathy' criteria.
- Time limits, You must notify the insurer within 90 days of the accident. Delays may affect your ability to claim treatment costs.
Example: A Wildlife Strike Claim in Western Sydney
Consider a scenario where a driver in Western Sydney hits a kangaroo on a rural road. The driver sustains soft tissue injuries and requires physiotherapy. Under the CTP scheme, the insurer would cover the cost of treatment, provided the driver:
- Provided medical evidence confirming the injury.
- Notified the insurer within 90 days of the accident.
- Submitted all relevant documentation, such as a GP report and therapy invoices.
When to Seek Legal Advice
While the CTP scheme covers most treatment costs, disputes can arise. For example, if SIRA denies a claim or disputes the injury’s severity, you may need to:
- Request a review of the decision.
- Seek independent medical opinions to support your case.
- Consult a solicitor if the insurer refuses to pay.
Next Steps
Time limits and procedural requirements apply to wildlife strike claims. To ensure your treatment costs are covered, act quickly and gather all necessary evidence. For personalized advice, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form to request contact about your circumstances.