I was a pedestrian hit by a car, what should I do?

What to do

In NSW, pedestrians can claim compensation under the Motor Accident Injuries Act NSW 2017, if they are hit by a car and sustain injury.

If you have been hit by a car as a pedestrian here is what you should do.

1.     You need to call the Police and report the accident immediately. You should obtain a Police event number.

2.     You should go to the hospital or your general practitioner and obtain treatment for any injuries you have sustained.

3.     Make sure your GP or the hospital records how your accident occurred and records all the injuries you have sustained, even those injuries that might seem minor at the time.

If because of the car accident you need time off work or payment for medical treatment, you should submit an Application for Personal Injury Benefits through SIRA.

You will need the details of the vehicle that hit you to identify the CTP insurer, the Police event number and a medical certificate from your GP. You can complete the application form here.

You must submit your pedestrian accident claim within 28 days of the accident to be able to claim loss of income and payment of medical expenses.

If your injuries are serious, you may also be entitled to make a claim for common law damages. This claim is made, usually, around 20 months following the motor vehicle accident.

If you would like any legal advice in relation to injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident, please call Garling & Co Lawyers on 02 8515 1120 or email us at info@garlingandco.com.au.