After 78 weeks from the date of your accident, you can settle your damages claim with the CTP Insurer.
If the CTP Insurer has agreed you are eligible for compensation for your injury, and pain and suffering, then you will receive an offer of settlement for those injuries in addition to any claim you may have for past loss of earnings and future loss of earnings.
If you are not eligible to receive compensation for your injury, then your damages claim will be restricted to compensation for past and future loss of earnings.
If you are self-represented then when you receive the offer of settlement from the CTP Insurer, and you decide to accept the offer, then you should be made aware of the provisions of Section 6.23 of the Motor Accidents Injuries Act 2017 (NSW).
This section provides that a claim for damages by an injured person cannot be settled within two (2) years after the motor accident (unless you are entitled to additional compensation for injury). Furthermore, the claim for damages cannot be settled unless the following occurs:-
- The Claimant is represented in respect of the claim by an Australian legal practitioner, or
- The proposed settlement is approved by the Dispute Resolution Service (DRS).
Furthermore, the DRS is not to approve the settlement of the claim unless satisfied the settlement complied with any applicable requirements of or made under this Act or the Motor Accidents Guidelines.
It is suffice to say you should seek advice from a specialist accredited Sydney personal injury lawyers before accepting settlement of your damages claim.
At BPC Lawyers, we have accredited Sydney personal injury specialists who will advise you as to whether or not the offer of settlement from the CTP Insurer is reasonable and should be accepted by you.
If we are of the opinion the offer should not be accepted by you, then we can assist you in further preparation of your claim for damages to achieve the appropriate amount of compensation.