What to do first

1. First steps

If there's just been an crash, the first priorities are to ensure that:

• those at the crash scene are safe from further injury. No one seriously injured should be moved before an ambulance arrives unless there is an urgent need (eg potential fire)
• anybody who has been injured receives first aid and if necessary medical attention
• the police are notified immediately if it is a serious crash
• you do not drive your vehicle unless it is safe to do so. This will only be when the vehicle is in safe condition and you do not have an injury that could interfere with your ability to drive.

2. Report the crash to police

Depending on the nature of the crash the police may attend the scene. Generally, if the crash has been serious enough that there's been an injury, police will attend.

If police do attend, the police will speak to those at the scene for information about what happened and who was involved and record this information in an 'event report'. Ask for the report's reference number because you need it to make a CTP claim.

If you can't get it at the time, you can obtain this information later from the Police Assistance Line on 13 14 44.

If the police don't attend the scene you should report the crash to police as soon as you are able to and obtain an event number.

3. Seek medical help

If you've been injured it's important to see a GP (or other medical practitioner) as soon as possible (if you think you need to).

Ambulance and much of your public hospital treatment costs are covered by the ‘Fund levy’ (which is funded by CTP premiums). You don’t need to make a claim for these costs to be covered by the Fund levy. Public hospital patients should read this important information.

Your GP will assess your injury, prescribe treatment and make referrals, advise you on your best path to recovery and expected timeframes for returning to your pre-crash activities.

You should also ask that they complete a medical certificate demonstrating your fitness for work. There is a preferred form of certificate called a SIRA certificate of fitness.

You will need a medical certificate like the certificate of fitness if you want to make a CTP claim.

Most medical practitioners will be familiar with the certificate of fitness but if yours is not they can find the information they need on the Certificate of fitness / capacity webpage.

Remember to keep any receipts for your medical treatment.

4. What information would be helpful to record after the crash?

When investigating a claim the insurer will want as much information as possible about the crash. So it's helpful to note down as much information as possible, as soon as possible.

Information like:

• the name, address, phone number and licence details of any drivers involved in the crash
• the make, model and number plate of any cars involved in the crash
• the contact details of anyone who witnessed the crash
• the time, date and location of the crash including the nearest cross street of the crash
• whether police and or ambulance attended the crash scene

If possible, take photos of the crash scene including the location and save them for use with your claim.

Don’t worry if you are not able to collect all the details at the time; you can still start your claim with the insurer and add more information later.

5. Contact the insurer or CTP Assist

If you are injured in the crash you need to notify the insurer of the at-fault vehicle. If you know who the at-fault insurer is you can contact them directly.

If you don’t know who they are, we can find out for you. Go to Who do I claim with? and fill out the online form or call CTP Assist on: 1300 656 919.

The insurer can approve payment of some medical expenses even if you do not proceed to a claim.

The CTP Assist Team can also help with other questions you might have such as what you can potentially claim for and step you through the claims process.