Published: 13 June 2018
Author: Stringer Clark TAC Law team

TAC Extends Benefits Available to Cyclists

Cyclists involved in accidents with stationary vehicles will now be entitled to TAC benefits.

Previously cyclists were only covered by the TAC if they hit or were hit by a moving vehicle, struck an opening car door or they hit a stationary vehicle on their way to or from work.

The changes are retrospective to accidents that occur on or after 9 July 2014. This means that a TAC claim may now be made by any cyclist injured in this way since 9 July 2014.

The TAC has also announced increases in the amount of travel and accommodation expenses that can be paid to family members to attend their loved ones in hospital.

Income support for parents to be at their children’s bedside has been included in the changes.

Earlier this year the TAC announced they were scrapping the medical excess. Previously people injured in transport accidents that had not resulted in a hospital admission were responsible for the first $651 of their medical treatment. For accidents occurring on or after 14 February 2018 the medical excess no longer applies.

As our roads clog up, these changes make it more attractive to consider bike riding as an alternative to getting in the car.

The changes also provide some comfort to the parents of children injured in these types of accidents and ease the financial burden that is so often associated with an injury to a child.