Handling Car Accident Claims in Bendigo, Melbourne & All of VIC
Were you injured in a car accident in Victoria? Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers (ADM) can help you lodge a claim with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). Our car accident lawyers can seek compensation whether you were injured whilst driving or riding in a vehicle, as a pedestrian or cyclist or as a passenger on public transport.
ADM has decades of experience with car accident claims and other TAC matters. We provide individualised guidance and compassionate assistance amidst the extraordinary challenges you are facing. Our offices across Victoria, from Melbourne to Bendigo and beyond, enable us to serve clients throughout the state.
Car Accident Lawyer FAQs
The TAC is required to pay for medical and like services after a car accident, provided they are necessary and reasonable. No cap is applied to these benefits. If you suffer an injury requiring lifelong care, the TAC should pay the reasonable costs of treating it and providing you with appropriate support and services.
Income support payments through the TAC comprise 80% of your pre-accident weekly earnings. As of FY 2025–2026, you are entitled to a minimum of $845 and a maximum of $1,690 per week. Payments for income support are available for up to 18 months after the accident.
You may be entitled to a lump sum impairment benefit if you suffer a car accident injury resulting in permanent impairment of 11% or more. The benefit amount depends on the percentage of impairment, ranging from $9,580 (11%) to $437,830 (100%) as of 1 July 2025.
Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers will identify all of your entitlements and calculate the compensation you may be due. You can count on each car accident lawyer at our firm to listen to your story and ensure that you get everything you’re owed.
When people talk about ‘suing’ for a car accident, what they’re really talking about is lodging a claim for common law compensation. Common law damages include loss of past and future earnings (known as pecuniary loss), as well as pain and suffering. For FY 2025–2026, the maximum you can claim for pecuniary loss is $1,530,470 while pain and suffering damages are limited to $680,160.
The TAC has specific protocols for claiming common law damages. First, you need a Serious Injury Certificate. This document establishes that your injury (or combination of injuries) from the accident meets the definition of serious injury used by the TAC.
Second, the accident must have been the fault of someone other than you. This requires strong proof of negligence on the part of a motorist or another party.
Car accident lawyers at ADM have extensive experience with the Common Law Protocols. This enables us to navigate the claims process efficiently and maximise your common law compensation. We are generally able to obtain a positive outcome without proceeding to Court.
The car accident solicitors at Arnold Dallas McPherson take your claim on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. It is 100% FREE to call and meet with us about your case. You also pay nothing upfront.
As No Win, No Fee lawyers, we only charge if the matter is successful. You would then be responsible for paying professional costs for the legal services provided, as well as disbursements. We will explain these costs and how they’re billed before you sign on as a client.
Our No Win, No Fee arrangement is highly beneficial for clients. It allows you to have legal representation in your car accident claim without having to worry about the effect on your finances, which may already be stretched thin by the costs associated with the crash.
If you are injured in a car accident, your safety is priority #1. Try to get out of the way of traffic and check yourself for injuries. Your next priority should be gathering information so you can make a TAC claim.
The 5 steps to follow ASAP after a crash are:
- Call 000 if you are hurt. First responders can assess your injuries and determine if you need to be transported to hospital.
- Exchange information with the other driver. If it’s safe for you to stay on the scene, you need to exchange information with anyone involved in the accident. This includes names, addresses, vehicle registration numbers and the name of the vehicle owner (if different from the driver).
- Report the accident to the police. If the police haven’t attended the scene, you will need to report the accident to the nearest police station. Victoria Police has a helpful online tool for finding the closest station.
- Collect evidence. Take photos of the scene and the vehicles involved, speak to witnesses and make notes about what happened. You should also look for cameras in the vicinity that may have caught the accident.
- Contact a car accident solicitor. You should seek legal guidance straight away if you have been injured or a member of your family was hurt or killed.
Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers can help you protect your rights and explore your entitlements through the TAC. We can also investigate to determine if the negligence of another party caused the crash, potentially entitling you to additional compensation.
The TAC has very strict deadlines for car accident claims. You generally have just 12 months from the date of the crash to lodge a claim, unless an injury doesn’t become apparent until a later date.
When you hire ADM, we take immediate action to protect your rights. This is critical not only for initiating your claim for no-fault benefits on time, but preserving evidence for common law compensation claims. Additional time is granted for these claims (up to 6 years), but the seeds of success are sown by getting preparations underway shortly after the accident occurs.
Car accident solicitors at ADM are distinguished by expertise in TAC claims and the human warmth we bring to every interaction. You have enough worries after an accident without having to be concerned about being treated like a number rather than a human being.
Every member of our team is invested in your wellbeing, your peace of mind and the outcome of your claim. We are sensitive to your needs and concerns, and manage your claim in accordance with your unique situation.
For a FREE consultation with ADM, call 1800 242 588 today. Our car accident lawyers serve clients in Melbourne, Bendigo and all of Victoria.
Injured in Victoria?
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What to Look For in a Car Accident Lawyer
A simple internet search will turn up no shortage of car accident injury lawyers. The key is to find the law firm that can represent you best.
Knowing what to look for can help you find the right lawyer following a car accident in Victoria. Some of the virtues that separate ADM from the rest include:
- Experience: Arnold Dallas McPherson was founded in 1994. Over the past 30+ years, we have built a reputation as elite experts in car accident claims and other Victorian personal injury matters.
- Anti-corporate approach: Many of the prominent personal injury firms in Victoria are large corporate operations. Their priority is to drive a high volume of cases, and they tend to favour quick settlements. At ADM, we avoid corporate jargon and bureaucratic stiffness. We prioritise doing what’s right for our clients, which includes treating you like a person and pursuing the optimal outcome for you — no matter the time or work involved.
- Legal service in your area: We have car accident lawyers in Melbourne, Bendigo and nearly a dozen communities in Victoria. Our firm is truly statewide, with offices strategically located in multiple metropolitan and rural areas.
- Direct access to lawyers: You will meet with a car accident lawyer at your first appointment and work with them directly throughout the course of your claim. Making ourselves approachable is key for making sure you feel heard, providing you with support and obtaining the best result.
- Real expertise: Many of the lawyers on our team are Accredited Specialists in Personal Injury Law. This recognition from the Law Institute of Victoria (LVI) signals a high degree of expertise and professional excellence in our chosen field of law.
ADM is the only firm in Victoria to combine all of these qualities while also achieving some of the largest recoveries in TAC matters. Numerous 5-star client reviews are a testament to our skill in helping the victims of car accidents achieve monetary compensation and take back their lives.
TAC Information Guide
Download a PDF copy of our full information guide to help you navigate what to do after an accident.
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Making Your Car Accident Claim
You can reach out to Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers any time after a car accident. The ideal time to do so is before you even lodge a claim with the TAC. Our car accident injury lawyers can assist with all aspects of the claims process.
The steps involved in making a TAC after a car crash include:
1. Collecting Required Information
You will need to submit a lot of information to the TAC so they can make a decision about your entitlements. It’s a lot to take on for someone who has been injured. Fortunately, ADM can collect the following information on your behalf:
- The date, location and circumstances of the road accident
- Names and contact information for the parties involved
- Witness information
- Vehicle registration numbers and other details about the vehicles involved
- Police report number
OR - Incident report number for a public transport accident
- Documentation of your car accident injuries
- The name of your doctor and any other medical professionals caring for you
- Employment, income and banking information
2. Lodging the Claim
TAC claims can be lodged online or by phone at 1300 654 329. If you are concerned about lodging the claim yourself or simply don’t feel up to it, ADM can take care of it for you.
3. Reviewing the TAC’s Decision
If the TAC decides to accept your claim, your car accident lawyer can review the benefits to make sure all payments are made. This includes medical and like services, income support and rehabilitation support for return to work. We can also evaluate your eligibility for further compensation, such as an impairment benefit and common law damages.
You have the right to request a review of the decision if the TAC does not accept your claim. Lawyers at ADM are often able to have adverse decisions overturned via the TAC’s informal review process, dispute resolution process or by applying to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
4. Pursuing Lump Sum Payments
Both the impairment benefit and common law compensation are paid as one-off lump sums. Our car accident lawyers can assess your entitlement to these payments.
You will need to undergo specialised medical assessments to find out if you are entitled to additional TAC compensation. To qualify for the impairment benefit, an injury needs to result in permanent impairment of 11% or more. For common law claims, the threshold is 30% permanent impairment or one of the following:
- Serious long-term impairment or loss of a bodily function
- Permanent serious disfigurement
- Severe psychological or behavioural disturbance
- Loss of a foetus
In addition, common law damages are only available if your injuries are the result of someone else’s negligence (such as the other driver’s). Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers specialises in accident investigations, and we can gather proof of negligence to assert your right to added compensation.
Your car accident solicitor will negotiate with the TAC to obtain a favourable settlement. ADM has a 30+ year history of achieving record payouts.
Client Testimonials
At ADM, we are real people helping Victorians find justice. You don’t have to take our word for it; we have received hundreds of 5-star reviews from real clients who entrusted their legal matter to ADM. See for yourself what to expect from Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers, both as solicitors and as human beings.
Michelle & R.
Kelsey and the team at ADM Bendigo were very understanding and caring in relation to our case. We were treated with respect and everything was done to get the best possible outcome under the circumstances. We would highly recommend.
Peter R.
My dealings with staff at ADMcP were at all times supportive, professional, and above all successful. They’re a great group and I recommend anyone to them for any industrial/workplace injury issues.
Milian T.
Thanks a lot Shaun and whole team, you done great job! Highly recommended this expert. All the best my friend!
Common Car Accident Injuries
Any injury can have a major impact on the victim’s life. We have an in-depth understanding of the difficulties clients face following an accident. This includes the physical pain and incapacity caused by the injury, as well as the psychological toll and financial stress.
Our car accident injury lawyers can help if you suffer any of the following in a crash:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries, including trauma to the neck and back
- Bone fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Burn injuries
- Nerve injuries
- Mental injuries, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.
You need to get medical attention promptly if you are involved in a car accident. Timely diagnosis can get your recovery underway ASAP. ADM will thoroughly review your medical records and speak with your doctors so we can advocate for all TAC benefits and other compensation you may be due.
Your Entitlements for a Car Accident in Victoria
The benefits available for a motor vehicle collision are specified in the Transport Accident Act 1986. Victims of car accidents often benefit from our exhaustive knowledge of this legislation, as well as our commitment to get each client everything they are due from the TAC.
Potential entitlements in your Victoria car accident claim include:
- Medical and like services: The TAC is obliged to pay for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses after a road accident, including doctors’ appointments, hospital fees, allied health and physiotherapy treatment, scans, medications and more.
- Income support: You are entitled to fortnightly income support payments if you cannot work or your ability to work is impeded after a car accident.
- Return to work: The TAC can support your return to work by connecting you with a work specialist, developing a plan for returning to work, obtaining equipment to accommodate disability, etc.
- Impairment benefit: Were you disabled as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident? ADM can help you apply for a permanent impairment benefit and undergo the specialised medical exams needed to prove that you are entitled to a lump sum.
- Support for family members: Parents can claim for time off work if their child is injured in a car accident. The TAC can also pay for travel and accommodation for family members who live more than 100km away to visit hospitalised loved ones. If your loved one is tragically killed, car accident lawyers at ADM can help you claim TAC benefits such as funeral and monument expenses, counselling and support for dependants.
You may also be entitled to a separate lump sum payment for common law damages if you were severely injured. This form of compensation is not automatic; car accident solicitors at Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers will prove that the accident was caused by another’s negligence.
Were You at Fault?
Fault can be a complicated issue in car accident claims. Drivers, passengers and witnesses may offer conflicting accounts, making it hard to get at the truth of the matter and determine who is responsible.
The good news is that the TAC operates on a no-fault scheme. You are entitled to immediate benefits like coverage of medical expenses and income support regardless of who caused the accident.
Where partial fault can make a difference is in the calculation of common law compensation. If you are found to be partly at fault, your entitlement to common law damages will be reduced. This is a concept known as contributory negligence.
As long as you are not 100% to blame for the accident, you may still be entitled to some amount of compensation for serious injuries. Furthermore, insurers often get fault determinations wrong. ADM’s principled advocacy and detailed claims preparation are essential for fighting back if you are wrongly blamed or your compensation is unjustly reduced.
No Win, No Fee
At Arnold Dallas McPherson, we firmly believe that financial constraints should never stand in the way of justice. Our ‘No Win, No Fee’ policy on most personal injury claims ensures that everyone has the opportunity to seek the compensation they rightfully deserve without the burden of upfront legal fees.
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Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer at ADM?
Recovering from a crash can be a painful and emotional process. While you need to make recuperation your priority, you can’t afford to lose sight of your car accident claim. The TAC can help pay for many different facets of your recovery, in addition to offering avenues for additional compensation.
Our car accident lawyers in Melbourne, Bendigo and elsewhere in Victoria can act as your guide. Making a claim on your own can be overwhelming and lead to mistakes. When you hire ADM, you will have a dedicated advocate ready to support you and provide expert advice.
Important reasons to choose Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers include:
- 30+ years of experience navigating the TAC
- Core values centred on honesty, integrity and compassion
- Personalised legal services
- Immediate access to skilled solicitors
- Commitment to maximising your compensation
- Steady advice and coolheadedness in stressful moments
ADM meets every deadline and completes every step in your car accident claim. We also answer any questions you may have and help you make educated decisions when it comes to entitlements. This is particularly important in compensation matters, when choices about disputing a TAC decision or going to Court may arise.
Why Choose Arnold Dallas McPherson?
ADM offers a client experience unlike any other. Our lawyers and staff speak plainly, listen deeply, and stay steady in the most stressful moments. This approach is critical not only for obtaining the best outcomes for our clients, but reassuring them when things get tough.
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Our understanding team
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We are an excellent specialist injuries firm
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Truly local services
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Our clear advice
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Our independence
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Our experience
Our understanding team
We are an excellent specialist injuries firm
Truly local services
Our clear advice
Our independence
Our experience
Our No Win, No Fee Policy
Don’t let financial constraints keep you from seeking legal representation. ADM accepts all car accident claims on a No Win, No Fee basis.
You don’t have to pay anything upfront. If we achieve a favourable outcome, only then will you be responsible for paying our professional costs. We believe in fair pricing and transparency. All of this will be reviewed at your initial consultation so you can move forward with confidence.
Contact a Victoria Car Accident Lawyer Today
Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers are here to help if you were hurt in an accident with another vehicle. We recognise the significant challenges you may be facing, such as recovering from serious injuries and lodging a claim with the TAC. Our firm has the expertise to help with your claim and the caring attitude to support you in your time of need.
Don’t wait to seek legal guidance after a car crash. ADM is available 24/7 to take your call and provide expert advice. We act immediately to protect your rights, drawing on decades of experience and a history of winning for clients in similar circumstances.
Call ADM at 1800 242 588 today for a FREE consultation with a car accident lawyer in Bendigo, Melbourne or another of our Victoria offices. We provide high-quality advocacy for clients statewide across a number of different communities.
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