Injured on the road? Know Your Rights

TAC Lawyers for Road Accident Claims in Melbourne and Victoria

A car accident or motorbike accident can change your life in a second. It shouldn’t ruin your future. Our TAC specialists help you navigate the system to secure the maximum medical, travel and income support you’re entitled to.

  • LIV Accredited Specialist
  • 15 Years Experience
  • English & Hindi Appointments
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100% No Win, No Fee

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Expert guidance to maximise your entitlements

While the TAC system is designed to provide support, accessing your full legal entitlements can be incredibly complicated. Without expert advice, many accident victims unknowingly miss out on crucial compensation for lost wages, ongoing medical expenses, and lump-sum payouts for permanent impairments.

Strict time limits apply to lodging and disputing TAC claims, making early expert legal advice crucial.

We have a proven track record of standing up for road accident victims. From the initial claim lodgement to resolving complex disputes, our legal specialists provide the clear, strategic advice you need to secure your financial future. We know the system inside and out, and we use that knowledge to fight for the best possible outcome for you.

No Win, No Fee Guarantee

We believe everyone deserves access to premium legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That is why we handle all TAC claims on a strict No Win, No Fee basis. This means you will not pay any professional legal fees unless we successfully secure a settlement or compensation for your injuries, giving you peace of mind while you focus on your recovery.

We're Here to Help

Navigating a TAC claim while recovering from an accident can be stressful and confusing. You don’t have to face the process alone. Our dedicated legal team is ready to evaluate your situation, explain your rights, and outline your best path forward. Take the first step toward securing your rightful compensation with our confidential, no-obligation assessment.

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  • Meet your lawyer

    Navigating the legal aftermath of a road accident shouldn't add to your trauma. At Hotchin Gupta Lawyers, we bring elite, specialised expertise directly to your corner.

    As an Accredited Specialist recognised by the Law Institute of Victoria, Sha Hotchin possesses a deep, proven understanding of the intricate laws governing transport accidents in Victoria. Whether we are securing immediate income support, fighting for comprehensive medical funding, or pursuing a common law claim for pain and suffering and/or economic loss, our specialist knowledge ensures your TAC claim is built with absolute precision and unmatched legal strategy.

    Sha is fluent in English and Hindi.

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The TAC Lump Sum Compensation process

  • Free Claim Check & Investigation

    We start with a free, no-obligation consultation to assess your eligibility for a lump sum payout. Once you partner with us, we immediately take the stress off your shoulders by gathering your medical records, police reports, and other vital evidence to build a strong foundation for your case.

  • Injury Stabilisation & Medical Exams

    Before assessing your eligibility for a lump sum, your injuries must be considered permanent and stable (typically around 12 months post-accident). At this point, we will arrange for you to attend Joint Medical Examinations with approved specialists to formally assess the permanent physical or psychological impact of your injuries.

  • Determining Your Entitlements

    Based on your medical assessments, we determine exactly what compensation you can claim. If your permanent impairment is assessed at 11% or more, you are entitled to a no-fault Impairment Benefit. If your injuries are classified as a ‘serious injury,’ we will apply for the necessary certificates to pursue Common Law damages for pain, suffering, and economic loss.

  • Negotiation & Settlement

    Our legal team will fiercely advocate for your maximum entitlements. Following established TAC protocols, we leverage the evidence to negotiate a successful lump sum settlement on your behalf. Our goal is to secure your financial future through mediation or out-of-court settlements whenever possible, minimizing your stress and avoiding trial.

What is the tac? your Frequently asked questions about victorian road accident claims

If you have been injured in a transport accident in Victoria—whether as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, motorcyclist, or cyclist—the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is the government-owned insurer that provides support and compensation.

These points unpack some of the key terms and questions regarding a TAC claim.

0 Months

Failing to lodge your claim within 12 months (or 3 years in special circumstances) can bar you from benefits.

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    Regardless of who caused the accident, the TAC pays for:

    • Medical Treatment: Surgery, hospital stays, GP visits, medication and more.
    • Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and gym/swim programs.
    • Income Support: If you cannot work, the TAC pays 80% of your pre-accident earnings (up to a statutory cap).

    Post-Surgery Support: This includes home help (cleaning), gardening, and specialised nursing care while you recover.

    A major update in 2026 with updated protocols is the shift toward Joint Medical Examinations. In the past, the TAC would send you to their doctor, and your lawyer would send you to another, often leading to conflicting reports and long delays. Under the new 2026 protocols:

    • We aim to agree with the TAC on one independent specialist to assess your injuries.
    • This reduces the number of medical appointments you must attend.
    • It speeds up the decision-making process for your “Serious Injury” application.

    If your accident was caused by another person’s negligence, you can sue for Pain and Suffering and Loss of Earnings. To do this, you must first obtain a Serious Injury Certificate. You qualify if:

    • You have a permanent impairment of 30% or more; OR

    You meet the “Narrative Test”—proving that your injury has a “very considerable” impact on your life, work, or hobbies.

    Note for Surgery Patients: If you have undergone a total joint replacement or a spinal fusion due to your accident, you have a much stronger path to meeting this “Serious Injury” threshold. We specialize in using your surgical history to secure these certificates quickly.

    If you were injured driving to or from work, or while performing work duties in a vehicle, you may be stuck between two systems.

    • In Victoria, most “journey claims” (commuting) fall under the TAC.
    • If you were “on the clock” (e.g., a delivery driver), it is a WorkCover matter. We navigate this boundary to ensure you are receiving the highest possible rate of weekly payments.

    The TAC is a “no-fault” insurer, but they are also an insurer focused on managing costs. Common pitfalls include:

    • The “12-Month” Rule: Failing to lodge your claim within 12 months (or 3 years in special circumstances) can bar you from benefits.
    • Under-Settling: The TAC may offer a small “Impairment Benefit” lump sum. Accepting this without legal advice could prevent you from claiming your full entitlements.
    • Surgery Denials: If the TAC refuses to fund your surgery, we use the 2026 dispute resolution protocols to get an immediate review.

Find Out Where You Stand, Obligation-Free

Speak directly with an Accredited Specialist today to understand your rights, assess your options and take the next step with confidence.

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  • No Win, No Fee

  • Obligation Free

  • English & Hindi

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About The Author

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Sha Hotchin

Principal Lawyer

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Bio:

Sha Hotchin is the Principal Lawyer of Hotchin Gupta Lawyers and a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law. With over 15 years’ experience, she helps injured Victorians with WorkCover, TAC, Super TPD and other personal injury claims.

Sha has served on the Australian Lawyers Alliance committee since 2017 and is also a member of Victorian Women Lawyers.

View Sha’s Doyle’s Guide profile →

View Sha’s Law Institute of Victoria Listing →

LIV Accredited Specialist