What Injuries Are Covered by TAC After a Car Accident in Victoria?
First-person introduction:
I remember the first time someone asked me, “Does the TAC actually cover my kind of injury?” They were dealing with neck pain, headaches, anxiety, and a few cuts from a crash—nothing that looked dramatic from the outside. But what most people don’t realise is that TAC covers far more injuries than they expect. Even the ones that don’t require immediate hospitalisation can still have long-term impacts.
After working with clients and hearing countless real-life stories, I’ve realised just how broad TAC coverage truly is. Whether your injuries are visible, invisible, mild, severe, temporary, or permanent, this article will give you a complete breakdown of the types of injuries TAC recognises and supports after a motor vehicle accident in Victoria.
Table of Contents
- What the TAC Actually Covers
- Physical Injuries Covered by TAC
- Psychological & Emotional Injuries
- Common Car Accident Injuries
- Minor Injuries Still Covered
- Severe & Long-Term Injuries
- Catastrophic Injuries
- Injuries That Develop Later
- What TAC Pays for After an Injury
- When You Should Speak to a Lawyer
- Final Thoughts
What the TAC Actually Covers
The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) covers any injury caused by a transport accident involving:
- Cars
- Motorbikes
- Trucks
- Buses
- Bicycles
- Pedestrians
- Public transport
The injury must arise directly or indirectly from the accident—but it does not need to be dramatic for you to qualify. TAC’s “no fault” system means they will fund medical treatment, rehabilitation, and other benefits for most injuries, regardless of who caused the accident.
This includes injuries that appear immediately, worsen over time, or only become noticeable days or weeks later.
Physical Injuries Covered by TAC
Physical injuries are the most commonly recognised category. TAC covers everything from soft tissue injuries to life-threatening conditions.
Soft Tissue Injuries
These are injuries to muscles, ligaments, or tendons. They are extremely common in rear-end collisions or sudden impacts.
- Whiplash
- Neck strain
- Lower back pain
- Shoulder and arm strains
- Muscle spasms
Fractures & Broken Bones
- Arm or wrist fractures
- Rib fractures
- Leg or ankle fractures
- Pelvic fractures
Head & Brain Injuries
Even mild head trauma can lead to long-term effects.
- Concussion
- Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
- Post-concussion syndrome
- Moderate to severe brain injuries
Spinal Injuries
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Spinal fractures
- Nerve compression
- Chronic back pain
Internal Injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Lung injuries
Lacerations, Burns & Bruising
- Seatbelt bruising
- Burns from airbags or road contact
- Cuts from shattered glass
Psychological & Emotional Injuries
Psychological injuries can be just as debilitating as physical ones—and TAC acknowledges this.
TAC covers conditions such as:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety as a result of the accident
- Depression
- Adjustment disorders
- Driving anxiety or phobias
- Emotional distress
Many people don’t realise psychological injuries often appear days, weeks, or months later. The moment you recognise symptoms, you should speak to your GP and link the injury to the accident.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Some injuries are so common they’ve become almost expected after collisions. The TAC routinely acknowledges and pays for treatment of:
- Whiplash and neck strain
- Lower back pain
- Seatbelt injuries
- Concussions
- Knee injuries from dashboard impact
- Shoulder injuries from seatbelt force
- Headaches following trauma
- Soft tissue pain that worsens over time
These might be labelled as “minor,” but they can significantly affect your daily life and your ability to work.
Minor Injuries That Are Still Covered
Some people hesitate to lodge a TAC claim because they believe their injuries are “not bad enough.” But TAC covers:
- Bruises
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Mild headaches
- Soft tissue pain
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety or shock
Why? Because even small injuries can get worse or turn into chronic problems.
Severe & Long-Term Injuries
More serious injuries may entitle you not only to ongoing medical support but also to potential compensation through a serious injury or common law claim.
- Multiple fractures
- Crush injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Long-term psychological trauma
- Major internal injuries
- Permanent impairment
- Chronic pain conditions
These injuries often require long-term rehabilitation, specialist treatment, and life adjustments—which TAC also supports.
Catastrophic Injuries
In the most devastating accidents, injuries may lead to lifelong care needs. TAC provides extensive support for:
- Quadriplegia
- Paraplegia
- Severe brain injury requiring 24/7 care
- Major burns
- Amputations
- Permanent blindness
TAC may fund home modifications, long-term carers, equipment, and financial support to maintain quality of life.
Injuries That Take Time to Appear
Many injuries don’t show symptoms immediately after the accident. Adrenaline is powerful—it masks pain.
Common delayed injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Concussion symptoms
- Headaches
- Internal injuries
- Back pain that worsens days later
- Psychological trauma that appears weeks later
TAC still covers these, as long as you link them to the accident through your GP or specialist.
What TAC Pays for After an Injury
Medical Treatment
- GP visits
- Specialists (neurologists, orthopaedic surgeons, psychologists)
- Medication
- Hospital treatment
Rehabilitation
- Physiotherapy
- Chiropractic treatment
- Occupational therapy
- Exercise physiology
- Pain management programs
Home & Lifestyle Support
- Home help
- Attendant care services
- Equipment (wheelchairs, braces, supports)
- Home modifications
Income Support
If your injuries affect your ability to work, TAC may pay income support benefits for loss of earnings.
Travel Expenses
You may also be reimbursed for travel to and from medical appointments.
When You Should Speak to a Lawyer
While TAC provides essential support, the system can be confusing—especially when injuries worsen, claims are disputed, or long-term impacts appear.
A lawyer can help when:
- You believe your injuries are serious or permanent
- You are unsure of your entitlements
- TAC has rejected or limited your claim
- You need to apply for a Serious Injury Certificate
- You may be entitled to a lump-sum common law claim
Many people don’t realise how much they may be entitled to until they get proper legal advice.
Final Thoughts
Almost every injury from a transport accident—big or small—is covered by the TAC. Whether you’re dealing with physical pain, psychological trauma, or long-term complications, the system is designed to help you recover, rebuild, and move forward.
If you’re unsure whether your injury is covered or you want to maximise your entitlements, expert legal guidance can make a huge difference.
For professional TAC advice, contact Hymans Legal or call 1300 667 116. Their experienced team can help you understand your rights and secure the support you deserve.