If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Western Australia the steps you take immediately after the crash, and in the weeks that follow, can make a significant difference to your compensation claim. From gathering evidence at the scene to speaking with a personal injury lawyer, knowing what to do is important.
At Lian Hall Injury Law we’ve put together this comprehensive guide and claim checklist to help you protect your rights, maximise your compensation, and avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re dealing with physical injuries, time off work, or getting your treatment paid for, this guide is designed for you.
At the Scene of the Accident: First Steps Matter
Your actions at the accident scene lays the foundation for your claim. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Prioritise Safety and Call Emergency Services
If anyone is seriously injured or if vehicles are obstructing traffic, dial 000 immediately to call the Police or Ambulance.
2. Collect Essential Evidence
Use your phone to take clear photos of:
- The other driver’s licence
- Registration numbers of all vehicles involved
- Visible damage to each vehicle
- The position of the vehicles on the road before they are moved
- Any relevant traffic signs and lane markings or light poles
3. Check for Dash Cam Footage
Ask the other driver or any witnesses if a dash cam was recording. Dash cam footage can be important evidence to support your version of how the accident happened.
4. Write Down Key Information
Don’t rely on memory. Record the:
- Names and contact details of all drivers involved
- Names and phone numbers of witnesses (no statement is required at this stage, just names and phone numbers)
- Exact location of the accident, including:
- Road name
- Direction of travel
- Lane positions
- Intersection or traffic light details
5. Organise a Tow Truck
If your vehicle is not drivable, contact your insurance company to arrange for a tow. This ensures you don’t get caught in predatory tow truck schemes and that all costs are properly managed.
Once You’re at Home: Secure Your Evidence
Don’t wait to get organised. Your photos and notes should be backed up immediately. Many people lose vital information by changing phones, their device breaks, or they forget to save information.
Make sure to:
• Save your photos to the cloud, email, thumb drive or another device
• Keep a written log or digital file with all the collected info
If your vehicle was damaged, telephone your insurance company right away. Note down your claim reference number and your claims handler’s name and direct number for future use.
If you were hospitalised, ask for a copy of your hospital discharge summary. This will support your medical treatment timeline and diagnosis of your injuries.
In the Days Following the Accident: Medical Evidence is Key
1. See Your GP or Local Doctor
Even if you feel that you are okay, symptoms can emerge in the days following and accident. Don’t assume that you will just get over it. Make an appointment with your general practitioner and explain:
- That you were in a car accident
- All your injuries, symptoms, pain, and discomfort (no matter how minor)
2. Get a Medical Certificate
If your injuries prevent you from getting back to work, ask your doctor for a Medical Certificate. The Medical Certificate will state what’s wrong and how long you’ll be off work or any restrictions on work such as lifting, carrying, sitting, standing, or flying to site. This certificate is necessary to support any claim for loss of earnings.
If you are not able to get back to your usual job or hours, keep a copy of your payslips. Your payslips will show the effect of your lost time from work on your earnings.
3. Keep All Receipts
If you’ve paid out-of-pocket for physiotherapy, GP visits, medications or other medical treatment, store all receipts safely. These expenses can be reimbursed as part of your personal injury claim.
Complete Your Online Crash Report
In WA the law requires that every car accident be reported to the Insurance Commission via the Online Crash Report Form at: https://www.crashreport.com.au/ocrf/
You’ll need the following:
- Your driver’s licence number
- Your vehicle registration number
- Registration and contact details of the other vehicles and drivers involved in the accident
- Exact date, time and location of the accident
- A brief description of how the accident happened
This crash report form is a core part of your compensation claim file.
In the Weeks Following: Seek Legal Advice Early
One of the most important steps after a car accident injury is getting advice from a personal injury lawyer in Perth. You don’t need to wait until your claim is fully developed, early guidance helps avoid delays and ensures your rights are protected.
At Lian Hall Injury Law, we recommend reaching out within the first few weeks after your crash.
Why Speak to a Lawyer Early?
- You must notify the Insurance Commission of your intention to claim as soon as reasonably possible
- There are time limits in WA for lodging compensation claims
- A lawyer will help you assess your entitlements, gather evidence, and avoid costly mistakes
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, so there’s no risk in reaching out early.
What Can You Claim After a Car Accident in WA?
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to claim for:
Medical Expenses
- GP, specialist, physio, and hospital costs
- Future treatment costs
- Travel costs for medical appointments
Loss of Income
- Time off work (past and future)
- Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to the same job or can’t work the same hours
Pain and Suffering
- Also known as general damages, this compensates you for the pain that your injury caused and the loss of enjoyment of how you usually lived, and for reduced quality of life, emotional distress, and long-term limitations
Care and Assistance
- Help from family or friends or other service providers if you need assistance with daily tasks
Each claim is unique, and compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, how they impact your daily life and employment, and how clearly liability is established.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve seen many clients come to us too late or after making mistakes that were avoidable. Some common mistakes to avoid:
❌ Not collecting sufficient evidence at the scene
❌ Not reporting the crash online
❌Delaying reporting your claim for too long
❌ Delaying medical treatment
❌Not telling your GP about all of your injuries
❌ Failing to keep receipts or records
❌Not getting Medical Certificates from your GP for the time you needed off from work
❌Not having any proof of lost earnings
❌ Waiting too long to speak to a lawyer
Early action equals stronger claims.
How Lian Hall Injury Law Can Help
We specialise in helping people in Western Australians who are injured in car accidents to get the compensation they deserve. Here’s why clients choose us:
- Over 20 years of personal injury law experience
- A Perth-based team who understands WA legislation
- Compassionate, clear, and straight-talking legal advice
- No win, no fee
Whether your crash happened on a suburban road in Perth or on a highway, we’ll handle your claim with care, urgency, and precision.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Need help after a car accident in Western Australia? Don’t face the legal process alone. Call Lian Hall Injury Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
