Published: 17 June 2020
Author: Stringer Clark TAC Law team

Reasons to use a local TAC lawyer if you're injured on the road

Many families in and around Hamilton, Warrnambool, Portland, Colac and Horsham may find themselves caught up in having to deal with the TAC if a member of their family is injured on the road.

Some families, especially when a family member has sustained serious injury, end up in a big Melbourne hospital, where they may find themselves referred to – or even pressured to be represented by – a Melbourne-based lawyer.

It doesn’t make sense. If you live in a regional area and have been injured locally, you don’t need to engage a lawyer who is based in Melbourne. It is best to have representation close to home. Here are some reasons why it's a good idea to engage a local lawyer.

Local knowledge

Severe accident victims would normally be hospitalised in Melbourne, where rehab services are often provided within the hospital. Once initial treatment has finished and the patient is discharged, they will recover at their own home. They will then either be required to travel many kilometers backwards and forwards to Melbourne to continue their rehab, or they will be able to source providers closer to home. Finding the best local support for a potentially life-changing situation can be an incredibly daunting and overwhelming experience.

If you see a local lawyer who understands the local area and what service providers are available, they will work in conjunction with your local physiotherapist, chiropractor, general practitioner and occupational therapist to ensure you get the best medical care available, and by seeing local providers you will have much greater flexibility to see practitioners at a time suitable for you.

A local lawyer is also more likely to have a better understanding of the circumstances that caused your injury. This may include knowledge of any previous accidents at the location, and weather, traffic and road conditions that may have an important bearing on your claim.

Accessibility

A local lawyer will have minimal waiting times and be on call to meet you or your loved one face to face. So why wait weeks to consult with a big city lawyer? Someone local will be able to get on to your case straight away if you need to be reimbursed for medical expenses, or help in claiming income entitlements while off work.

You are also likely to find that it is much easier for you to physically attend local appointments, and will be more comfortable recovering in your own home instead of travelling hundreds of kilometers to attend a short appointment. And although you will usually be able to claim medical and travel expenses if your claim is succesful, these expenses can quickly add up, leaving you out of pocket for a considerable amount until you are reimbursed by the TAC.

Rapport

Because your trusted local lawyer will help you with each step of the process they will be best placed to advise you on how to pursue lump sum compensation. That may include no fault compensation or common law compensation for pain and suffering for economic loss if you have suffered a serous injury.