Address & Phone Number:
- Carter Capner Law
- Level 18, 150 Charlotte Street
- Brisbane City QLD 4000
- Australia
- Phone:
- 1300 529 529
Motor vehicle accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant—physically, emotionally, and financially. Whether it’s a minor collision or a serious crash, the aftermath often leaves people feeling overwhelmed by medical bills, loss of income, and the uncertainty of what comes next. That’s where motor vehicle accident lawyers in Brisbane, like the team at Carter Capner Law, step in.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and you’re considering making a compensation claim, one of the most common questions is: How long will this take? Understanding the general timeline can ease some of that anxiety and help you plan ahead. Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Step 1: Immediate Aftermath – Seek Medical Treatment & Legal Advice
The first and most important step after any accident is getting medical attention, no matter how minor your injuries may seem. Not only is this crucial for your health, but your medical records will form a core part of your compensation claim.
Once you’ve received treatment, the next best move is to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer. Carter Capner Law offers a free initial consultation to help you understand whether you have a valid claim. At this stage, your lawyer will assess the facts, explain your rights, and outline the next steps without any pressure.
Timeline: Within the first few days to 1–2 weeks after the accident.
Step 2: Lodging the Claim – The Notice of Accident Claim Form
In Queensland, if your injury was caused by another vehicle, you typically lodge a CTP (Compulsory Third Party) claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer. This starts with submitting a Notice of Accident Claim Form to the insurer.
Carter Capner Law assists clients in preparing and lodging this form, ensuring it’s accurate and submitted on time. The law requires this to be done within nine months of the accident, but ideally, it should be done much sooner—within one month if you’ve already consulted a lawyer.
Timeline: 2–4 weeks after initial consultation.
Step 3: Investigation and Liability Decision
Once the insurer receives your claim, they’ll investigate to determine whether their policyholder was at fault.
They may request additional information—like accident reports, witness statements, or further medical evidence.
Carter Capner’s team works closely with clients during this phase to handle communication with the insurer and respond to any inquiries. Typically, the insurer must respond within six months of receiving your claim form.
During this period, your legal team will also start gathering detailed medical evidence, assessing financial losses, and estimating the likely compensation.
Timeline: 2–6 months after claim lodgement.
Step 4: Medical Stabilisation and Independent Assessments
To determine the full extent of your injuries—and the value of your claim—you must reach what’s called medical stabilisation. That means your injuries have either healed or reached a point where their long-term impact is clear.
Once you reach that point, Carter Capner Law may arrange for you to attend independent medical assessments. These assessments help validate your claim’s value and ensure that all physical and psychological impacts are properly documented.
Depending on your recovery time, this could take anywhere from a few months to over a year, especially in more complex cases.
Timeline: 6–12 months or more, depending on injury severity.
Step 5: Negotiation and Settlement
Once your condition has stabilised and all reports are in, your lawyer will prepare a settlement proposal. This includes compensation for pain and suffering, medical costs, rehabilitation, lost wages, and future care needs.
Most claims settle without going to court. Carter Capner Law specialises in negotiating strong outcomes for clients through direct discussions or mediation with the insurer. Their track record shows that early settlements are not just possible—they’re often preferable for both sides.
Timeline: 12–18 months after the accident.
Step 6: Court Proceedings (If Required)
If negotiations don’t lead to a fair offer, the claim may need to proceed to court. However, this is relatively rare.
Carter Capner Law guides clients through litigation only when necessary and only after all settlement avenues have been explored.
Even once court proceedings begin, many claims settle before the trial date, thanks to ongoing negotiations.
Timeline: Court proceedings can add another 6–12 months, but most cases are resolved beforehand.
Patience, Support, and Legal Expertise
While every case is unique, a typical motor vehicle accident claim in Brisbane can take 12 to 24 months from start to finish. It depends heavily on how quickly your injuries stabilise, the insurer’s response, and the complexity of your claim.
What’s important to remember is that you don’t have to go through it alone. Carter Capner Law has decades of experience handling motor vehicle accident claims across Queensland. Their personal, responsive approach means clients always feel supported—never left in the dark.
From helping you gather evidence and dealing with insurers to securing the compensation you deserve, they’ll be in your corner every step of the way.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Brisbane, don’t wait to get the advice you need. The earlier you act, the smoother your claim can be.