🚗 What You Should Do Right After a Car Accident in Queensland (From a Personal Injury Lawyer)

Getting into a car accident in Queensland — even a minor one — can be shocking and stressful. 😨 Whether you're in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or anywhere in QLD, what you do in the first 30 minutes can make a big difference to your health, your insurance, and your legal claim.

This ADHD-friendly guide (with emojis ✅ and steps 🪜) will walk you through what to do right after a car accident, with tips from a Queensland personal injury lawyer.

🛑 Step 1: Stay Calm and Check for Injuries

🚨 First priority: Safety.

• Are you or anyone else hurt? 🩹

• If someone is seriously injured, call 000 immediately.

• Move to a safe spot if the cars are creating danger (e.g., middle of a highway).

💡 If the accident causes injury, death or over $3,000 damage, you must report it to Queensland Police.

📸 Step 2: Gather Evidence Like a Lawyer

Start thinking like a personal injury lawyer: document everything. 📷

Take clear photos of:

• 🚗 Vehicle damage (all angles)

• 🧍 People involved

• 🚦 Road signs, traffic lights

• 💥 Skid marks or broken glass

Also record:

• Date, time, and location (use Google Maps pin if needed)

• Weather and road conditions ☁️🌧️

• Witness names and phone numbers 📞👀

🧠 Memory fades quickly — evidence doesn’t. These photos can make or break your personal injury claim.

🗣️ Step 3: Exchange Details (But Be Careful What You Say)

By Queensland law, you must share:

• Full name

• Contact details

• Driver’s licence number

• Registration number

• Insurance company info

⚠️ Don’t say “I’m sorry” or admit fault. It could be used against you later.

📞 Step 4: Report the Accident

🚓 To Police:

You must report it online or by calling Policelink (131 444) if:

• Someone is hurt or has died

• There was damage over $3,000

• The other driver didn’t give their info

• The crash was caused by a dangerous driver

✅ Use the Queensland Police Online Crash Report

🧾 Step 5: See a Doctor (Even If You Feel "Fine")

Many injuries (like whiplash, concussion, or spinal damage) don’t show up right away. 🧠

• Visit a GP within 24-72 hours

• Get everything documented in writing 📝

• Tell your doctor exactly what happened

📚 These records are crucial if you want to make a personal injury claim under Queensland’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme.

🛡️ Step 6: Notify Your CTP Insurer

In Queensland, all registered cars have CTP insurance. If you were injured and the other driver is at fault, you may be able to claim.

What to do:

• Find out the at-fault driver’s insurer (check MAIC QLD's CTP Insurer Lookup)

• Submit a Notice of Accident Claim Form within 9 months (or within 1 month of seeing a lawyer)

You can download the form from the MAIC website.

⚖️ Step 7: Contact a Queensland Personal Injury Lawyer 👩‍⚖️

Even if you’re unsure about making a claim, talking to a lawyer early can save you stress later.

A good personal injury lawyer in Queensland can help you:

• Understand your rights

• Handle insurer paperwork 🧾

• Maximise your compensation 💰

• Pay nothing upfront with No Win, No Fee

✨ Tip: Look for a law firm that specialises in motor vehicle accidents and has experience with QLD law.

⏳ Bonus: Time Limits You Need to Know

• ✅ 1 month from seeing a lawyer to notify insurer

• ✅ 9 months from the accident to lodge a CTP claim

• ✅ 3 years to start court proceedings (if needed)

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Queensland’s time limits are strict — and missing one can ruin your case.

🧠 Summary Cheat Sheet (Save or Screenshot!) 🖼️

✅ To-Do After a QLD Car Accident	Why It Matters
Check injuries, call 000 if needed 🚑	Your safety + legal duty
Take photos and notes 📷📝	Builds strong legal evidence
Swap info, but don’t admit fault ⚠️	Protects your legal position
Report to police if required 👮‍♂️	Fulfills legal obligations
See a doctor even if you feel okay 🩺	Creates medical proof for your claim
Notify CTP insurer 📩	Starts your injury claim process
Talk to a QLD injury lawyer 👩‍⚖️	Get help, protect your rights

💬 Final Thoughts

Accidents are scary — but being prepared helps. Whether it’s whiplash, back pain, or long-term trauma, you deserve support and fair compensation.

A personal injury lawyer in Queensland can take the stress off your shoulders and fight to get you what you're owed. Don’t leave it to chance. 💼💪

📍 Need Help from a Personal Injury Lawyer in Queensland?

We’re here to guide you — with free consultations, no-win-no-fee options, and friendly support. Contact us today to protect your rights and get your life back on track. 👇

📞 Call [(07) 5689 3773] | 📍 Offices in Brisbane & Gold Coast