If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in South Australia, you may be entitled to compensation under the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme.

But, many people don’t realise how compensation is calculated – or how much they could actually receive.

CTP claims cover a range of damages, including:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Ongoing care and support

Here’s what each of these include.

Pain and suffering compensates you for the physical and psychological effects of your injuries. The amount you receive depends on how severe your injury is and how much it impacts your day-to-day life.

Severe injuries like spinal damage, chronic pain or permanent disability typically attract much higher amounts than minor injuries, like soft tissue injury.

In South Australia, pain and suffering payouts can be up to $360,000 in some cases. To receive a payment for pain and suffering you need to have an injury scale value (ISV) assessment of 11 points or more. The Civil Liability Regulations 2013 (SA) provide guidance as to the assessment of ISV points.

If your injury affects your ability to work (either now or in the future), you may be entitled to compensation for lost earnings.

This includes:

• Wages lost while recovering
• Superannuation contributions you would have received
• Future earning capacity if you can’t return to your old job or employment duties

In serious cases, this part of the claim can reach over $1 million depending on your age, job and prognosis.

There are no thresholds for loss of earnings up to the date your claim is finalised. To receive a payment for future loss of earnings, you need to have an ISV assessment of 8 points or more.

CTP claims can cover more than just the initial hospital visit. You may be entitled to:

• Physiotherapy
• Medication
• Surgery or rehabilitation
• Travel costs for medical appointments
• Home modifications
• Paid help around the house

Even if family members are providing unpaid care, the court can award compensation for that assistance if thresholds are met.

The severity of your injury is the biggest factor, but liability also matters. If you were partially at fault, your payout may be reduced under South Australian law.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t make a claim. Getting legal advice from a personal injury lawyer will put you in the best possible position to receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Insurance companies may:

• Minimise the seriousness of your injuries
• Delay or deny medical assessments
• Try to settle quickly for less than your claim is worth

Don’t accept the first offer.

We regularly see clients who were offered $10,000 upfront – and walked away with 20 times that after we stepped in.

In most cases, your lawyer will wait until you reach MMI – that is, when your condition has stabilised and won’t improve further.

This gives us the clearest picture of your long-term needs and losses so we can calculate your compensation properly.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Adelaide or anywhere in SA, don’t underestimate your rights.

Compensation can cover far more than your hospital bills – and a good legal team can make a life-changing difference.

Get in touch with MKF Lawyers for a free claim check and expert legal advice.

Our expert lawyers will explain your options and help you get what you’re entitled to.