Car Accident Lawyers in Melbourne

Car accident injury claims in Melbourne are in most cases made to the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), which runs Victoria’s transport accident scheme. The TAC says you have 12 months from the date of the accident, or from when an injury first becomes evident, to lodge a claim. It also needs a police report or the details of the officer you reported the accident to.

A car accident lawyer may help when a TAC decision is disputed or when you may be able to claim common law damages from a negligent driver. Every firm in this list says it offers no win, no fee or a similar arrangement, but terms vary, so ask for the agreement in writing.

Burt & Davies
Level 2, 451 Little Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9605 3111

Burt & Davies is a Little Bourke Street firm that says TAC claims are all it does, describing itself as dedicated solely to transport accident claims. Its lawyers act for people hurt in cars, on motorbikes and farm vehicles, and for cyclists and pedestrians struck by vehicles, trams or trains. The work covers lump sum impairment claims as well as serious injury and common law claims, with no win, no fee arrangements explained on its fees page.

Arnold Thomas & Becker
573-577 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9614 1433

The road accident team at Arnold Thomas & Becker handles TAC claims across Victoria for drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists, including accidents involving buses, trams and trains. Claims can include medical expenses and lost wages, lump sum impairment benefits and common law damages where another person was negligent. The firm’s head office is on Lonsdale Street, with suburban offices across Melbourne, and it offers free consultations on a no win, no fee basis.
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Ryan Carlisle Thomas Lawyers
Level 1, 530 Little Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9240 1414

Ryan Carlisle Thomas Lawyers acts in road injury and TAC claims for people hurt in car, truck, motorcycle and public transport accidents, as well as cyclists, pedestrians and people injured in single vehicle crashes caused by road defects. Its lawyers prepare TAC negotiations as if the matter is heading to court, although most matters settle before then. The firm offers free, no obligation consultations and a no win, no fee or expenses policy. Its CBD office is by appointment.
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Maurice Blackburn Lawyers
Level 21, 380 La Trobe Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9605 2700

Maurice Blackburn’s car accident lawyers in Melbourne assist Victorians with TAC claims, starting with eligibility checks for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and dependants, including people with psychological injuries. Claims may cover medical and rehabilitation costs, lost income and lump sum benefits, plus common law damages where another party is at fault. The firm offers a free first appointment and works on a no win, no fee basis from its La Trobe Street office.
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Polaris Lawyers
Level 11, 456 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: 1300 383 825

Polaris Lawyers helps people make TAC claims after incidents involving cars, trucks, buses, motorbikes, trams and trains, as well as farm machinery, cyclists and pedestrians. Benefits may include medical costs and income replacement. Where another party was at fault and the injury is classed as serious, the firm can also pursue compensation for pain and suffering and economic loss. Its office is on Lonsdale Street, and fees are payable only if the claim succeeds.
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Zaparas Lawyers
Shop 5 & 6, 24 Devonshire Road
Sunshine VIC 3020
Tel: (03) 8527 0200

Zaparas Lawyers represents drivers, passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians injured on Victorian roads. The firm pursues TAC benefits, including impairment lump sums, and common law damages where another party was negligent. It works on a no win, no fee basis and offers free claim checks to assess eligibility. Melbourne offices include Sunshine, Oakleigh, Epping and Werribee, with meetings also available at home or in hospital.
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Henry Carus + Associates
Level 3, 607 Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9001 1318

Henry Carus + Associates helps people injured in Victorian road and transport accidents with TAC claims, including advice before they first contact the TAC. The firm pursues scheme benefits such as medical treatment and income support, and seeks common law compensation where another party was at fault. It also offers a free service for disputed decisions and works on a no win, no fee basis from its Bourke Street office and suburban locations.
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Common law claims after a car accident

Beyond scheme benefits, some people may be able to claim common law damages. The TAC’s common law policy says a claimant needs a permanent impairment of at least 30%, or an injury determined to be a serious injury, and must show that the accident was caused by another person’s negligence. Proceedings generally have to start within six years, although a court may allow a later start if it considers that just and reasonable.

The TAC itself recommends getting legal advice about whether negligence can be proved. This is where a lawyer’s experience with Victorian transport accident claims may count.

What to bring to a first meeting

Bring your claim number, if you have one, and any medical records. Photos of the scene and the vehicles, along with witness names, can also help a lawyer assess the claim.

Ask the firm who will run your file and how often you will hear from them while the claim is open. Several firms in this list have suburban offices, which may make meetings easier if you are recovering at home in the outer suburbs.

Other practice areas in Melbourne

Looking outside Melbourne? Browse car accident lawyers in other cities.