Car Accident Lawyers in Canberra

Car accident claims in Canberra are handled under the ACT Motor Accident Injuries (MAI) scheme. Under this scheme, injured people can apply for defined benefits such as treatment costs and lost income, whoever caused the crash. Separate rules may apply to common law claims, and a lawyer can explain whether one is open to you.

The MAI Commission says anyone injured in a motor accident in the ACT can make a Personal Injuries Application, and that benefits can include treatment, care and income replacement for up to five years. You may also be eligible for a quality of life payment where an injury is significant and permanent. A lawyer can help you work out what you may be entitled to.

Maliganis Edwards Johnson (MEJ)
Level 8, 60 Marcus Clarke Street
Canberra City ACT 2601
Tel: (02) 6257 2999

MEJ helps drivers, motorcyclists, passengers and pedestrians injured in motor vehicle accidents in the ACT. Its motor vehicle page explains the Motor Accident Injuries Scheme for accidents from 1 February 2020, including personal injury benefits, the quality of life benefit and the separate common law pathway for serious injuries. The team gathers evidence, deals with insurers and can take a matter to court. A free consultation is offered.

BAL Lawyers
9th Floor, Canberra House, 40 Marcus Clarke Street
Canberra City ACT 2601
Tel: (02) 6274 0999

Road injury claims are one part of the claimant practice at BAL Lawyers, covering accidents involving cars, buses, trucks, trains, trams, motorcycles, scooters and bicycles. The firm points out that strict time limits apply and recommends getting advice early. Enquiries are considered confidentially at no cost. BAL also acts for insurers in some injury matters, and its injury team handles work, medical and public liability claims.
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BDN Lawyers
Level 1, 1 Farrell Place
Canberra City ACT 2601
Tel: (02) 6230 1999

Motor vehicle and cycling accidents are among the injury claims handled by BDN Lawyers from its Canberra City and Queanbeyan offices. Its injury team also acts in workplace injury, public liability and medical negligence claims and in claims for compensation to relatives. The firm says it puts its effort into preparing each claim properly and keeping fees reasonable and proportionate to the result.
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Turner Freeman Lawyers
Suite 6B, Level 2, 28 Ainslie Place
Canberra ACT 2601
Tel: (02) 6152 9800

Turner Freeman Lawyers has a Canberra office on Ainslie Place and a team that handles car accident claims in the ACT. It acts for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists hit by a vehicle, and for some dependants of people killed in a crash. The team negotiates with insurers and pursues medical and rehabilitation costs, lost income and future needs. Home and hospital visits can be arranged, and a free case assessment is offered.
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Elringtons Lawyers
6A Thesiger Court
Deakin ACT 2600
Tel: (02) 6206 1300

Elringtons Lawyers lists motor vehicle accidents among its injury services and publishes a guide to ACT motor vehicle accident compensation. Its injury team, which includes an accredited specialist in personal injury law, also acts in workers compensation, Comcare, public liability and medical negligence claims. The firm serves Canberra, Queanbeyan and South East NSW from offices in Deakin and Queanbeyan.
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Ken Cush & Associates
Level 1, ARTE Building, 10-12 Lonsdale Street
Braddon ACT 2612
Tel: (02) 6257 9922

Ken Cush & Associates is a compensation firm in Braddon. Its personal injury page features a matter in which a teenager suffered a serious head injury in a motor vehicle crash, along with workplace injury work. The practice also lists medical and coronial inquest, human rights and child abuse matters. The firm can be reached by phone, email or WhatsApp.
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Deadlines after a crash

A motor vehicle accident factsheet from Legal Aid ACT says that for accidents on or after 1 February 2020, the accident should be reported to police within 24 hours. Within 13 weeks you must submit your completed application, with the MAI Medical Report, to the MAI insurer of the vehicle most at fault.

The factsheet also notes that a review of an insurer’s decision can be sought within 28 days of the decision. Missing these dates may affect your claim, so keep copies of everything you lodge.

Choosing a car accident lawyer

Look for a firm that handles ACT motor accident claims often, rather than mainly workplace or public liability matters. Some firms also act on NSW claims, which can help if your accident happened over the border. Ask how fees are worked out and what you would owe if the claim does not succeed.

Keep a record of medical appointments, receipts and time off work from the start. Photos of the scene, the other driver’s details and the police event number are also useful when you first speak with a lawyer.

Other practice areas in Canberra

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