What Does TAC Pay For After A Car Accident In Victoria?
Being injured in a car accident is stressful — physically, emotionally and financially. In Victoria, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC)
exists to help people injured in transport accidents access treatment, rehabilitation, income support and more. But understanding exactly
what TAC pays for — and how to maximise your entitlements — can feel overwhelming.
This guide breaks down TAC benefits in a clear, practical way: what is covered, what isn’t, how to make a claim, key deadlines,
and when you might have other compensation options. The focus is on real-world Melbourne/Victoria situations, with actionable information
you can use right now.
TAC Overview: What the Scheme Is and Why It Matters
The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is Victoria’s statutory insurer for transport accidents. Its main purpose is to reduce the
financial, emotional and social impact of injuries arising from transport accidents — including car accidents, motorcycle crashes,
pedestrian injuries, and cyclist collisions. TAC is funded by vehicle registration charges paid by Victorian drivers.
One of the most important aspects of TAC is that many of its core benefits are provided on a “no-fault” basis. That means you
don’t necessarily have to prove someone else was to blame for your accident — you need only demonstrate that your injury was caused
by a transport accident. This structure is designed to get people treated and rehabilitated as quickly as possible.
The flip side is that TAC has specific rules about what it will pay for, what documentation you need,
and strict deadlines for lodging claims. Understanding these details early can make the difference between a smooth recovery and
avoidable administrative headaches.
No-Fault Benefits: Understanding TAC’s Core Support
“No-fault benefits” are the foundation of TAC support after a car accident in Victoria. These benefits are designed to provide
immediate assistance without needing to wait for fault to be determined in a legal sense. They typically cover:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
- Income support if you cannot work
- Support services to help with daily life
- Travel and transportation to treatment
- Longer-term needs related to impairment
Most people who experience car accidents and serious injuries find that accessing TAC benefits early can help stabilise their
recovery and reduce stress. But it’s also critical to understand that not every cost associated with a crash is covered.
Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation
One of the first categories most people think about is medical treatment. TAC typically pays for treatment related directly to
your transport injuries, provided it is considered reasonable and necessary.
Hospital and Emergency Care
If you are taken to hospital after a car accident — whether by ambulance, friend or by yourself — TAC usually covers your
emergency treatment and any hospital care that relates to your injury. This includes scans, surgeries, specialist consultations,
and acute care.
GP and Specialist Visits
TAC also funds GP and specialist appointments where these are relevant to treating your injury. A strong medical record that
connects your treatment to the accident can make it easier to get these costs approved.
Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, and Other Allied Health
Rehabilitation services like physiotherapy, chiropractic care, occupational therapy, and exercise physiology are commonly covered.
These are often crucial components of recovery, especially for soft tissue injuries, back pain, neck pain, and mobility issues.
Psychological Support
Many people underestimate the psychological impact of a transport accident. If you experience anxiety, post-traumatic stress,
depression or other mental health symptoms after a crash, TAC may fund psychological treatment with a registered professional.
Income Support and Loss of Earnings
If your injuries prevent you from returning to work — either fully or partially — TAC may provide weekly income support.
Eligibility for Income Support
To qualify, you need medical certification that you are unable to work or work at full capacity. TAC calculates weekly payments
based on your pre-accident earnings, and documentation such as payslips, tax returns or employer records often helps support
the claim process.
Types of Workers Covered
TAC covers a wide range of employment types: full-time, part-time, casual, contract and self-employed workers may all be eligible
for income support, as long as they can demonstrate pre-accident earnings and that their injury directly affects their ability
to work.
Partial Work Capacity
If you can return to work in a limited capacity, income support might still be available to cover the difference between your
pre-accident earnings and your post-injury income. This is especially relevant for people returning to part-time or modified duties.
Support Services for Home and Daily Life
Severe injuries can make everyday tasks difficult. TAC recognises this and in appropriate cases may fund support services to make day-to-day life manageable.
Home Assistance
If you have trouble managing your home environment after a crash — lifting groceries, cleaning, meal preparation — TAC may pay
for home services or help you organise informal support where appropriate.
Personal and Care Needs
In more serious cases, TAC may fund personal care services, help with bathing or dressing, or equipment that assists with mobility.
Childcare or Dependents Support
Injuries that affect your ability to look after children or dependents may attract funding for additional support or services
while you recover.
Travel and Transport Costs
Getting to medical appointments can be costly, especially if you cannot drive temporarily or treatment locations are far from home.
TAC often funds reasonable transport to and from medical appointments, rehabilitation sessions, or supported activities directly
related to your ongoing recovery.
Impairment Benefits: Permanent Injuries
If your injuries result in long-term or permanent impairment, TAC has specific provisions that may apply, including impairment
lump-sum benefits. These are assessed based on formal criteria and relate to the degree of permanent disability caused by the accident.
What TAC Usually Does Not Cover
It’s important to understand what TAC generally does not pay for:
- Damage to your vehicle or property
- Car repairs, towing or hire car costs
- Lost personal items like phones, laptops or bikes
- Non-injury related expenses that TAC considers unreasonable
Common Law Compensation: When Additional Claims May Apply
In more serious cases — especially where another party was clearly negligent — you may be able to pursue common law compensation
in addition to TAC benefits. This is typically relevant when you have a “serious injury” by legal definition and there is evidence
of fault on the part of another driver.
Common law compensation can include amounts for pain and suffering, future economic loss, and other damages not covered by standard TAC entitlements.
Common law claims are complex and usually require legal advice.
How to Lodge a TAC Claim (Step-by-Step)
- Seek medical treatment and get records of your injuries.
- Collect accident details: crash location, time, witness contacts, police event number if available.
- Gather employment and income documents if you are claiming loss of earnings.
- Lodge your claim with TAC within the relevant time limit (usually 12 months).
- Respond promptly to any TAC requests for further information.
Evidence Tips to Strengthen Your Claim
- Medical documentation linking your injuries to the transport accident
- Photos or CCTV of the scene
- Witness statements
- Work records, payslips, income documentation
- Receipts for treatment, travel, and other TAC-related expenses
FAQ’s
Does TAC cover my car repairs?
No — TAC focuses on injury-related benefits and does not pay for vehicle damage or repairs.
Can TAC pay for my income if I cannot work?
Yes — if your injuries affect your ability to work and you meet eligibility criteria, TAC may pay weekly income support.
What if I was partly at fault?
TAC benefits are often available regardless of fault for many supports (no-fault basis), but common law claims may be affected by fault.
Final Thoughts + Melbourne Recommendation
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but understanding what TAC pays for is a powerful first step toward recovery.
From medical treatment to income support and rehabilitation services, TAC provides a range of supports designed to help you move forward.
If your injuries are serious or you have questions about complex issues like common law compensation, it’s sensible to speak with professionals
who understand Victoria’s system.
Melbourne Recommendation: Hymans Legal
For personalised guidance through your TAC claim — especially if there are disputes, serious injury concerns or common law elements —
consider contacting Hymans Legal.
Phone: 1300 667 116
Website: https://hymanslegal.com.au/