Traffic in Victoria | Henry Carus + Associates

Share:

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is the only compensation scheme for road accidents in Victoria. If you have been injured in a transport accident, a skilled lawyer can help you lodge a claim with the TAC. Choosing a TAC lawyer can be difficult if this is the first time you’ve been in an accident.

At Henry Carus + Associates, we believe You Deserve More – more care, more connection, more compensation. Our TAC lawyers in Melbourne seek to maximise your compensation while providing you with reliable, timely updates on the status of your claim.

Keep reading to find out what to look for when choosing a TAC lawyer and to see how Henry Carus + Associates can be of service to you. Or, you can call us at 03 9001 1318 today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation at one of our offices in the Melbourne metro area.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a TAC Claim?

The TAC provides certain no-fault benefits to anyone in Victoria who is injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle. Knowing this, you may be wondering why it’s necessary to have a lawyer at all. Not all TAC clients need legal representation, but there are some situations where having a lawyer is essential for success. These include:

You need assistance lodging a TAC claim; the process can be intimidating.
The TAC refuses to pay for reasonable medical expenses and like services, income support, and/or other benefits.
You’ve suffered a serious injury and need help applying for common law compensation.
Fault for the accident is disputed, which can jeopardise your common law claim.
You are unsure whether you’re entitled to an impairment benefit and need help with the process.
A question is referred to a Medical Panel.

Obtaining full benefits and any additional compensation you deserve may come down to the decision to hire a lawyer. Knowledgeable TAC lawyers can handle all of the paperwork and effectively navigate the claims process on your behalf.

What to Look For When Choosing a TAC Lawyer

Some people can go their entire lives without needing a lawyer. Those who do need a lawyer usually don’t know where to begin. Your first instinct might be to pull up your favourite search engine and look for something like ‘car accident lawyer near me’. That’s a good start, but do you know what you’re looking for?

The most important qualities when you’re trying to find a TAC lawyer include:

Knowledge of TAC Claims

The Transport Accident Commission was founded nearly 40 years ago with the passage of the Transport Accident Act 1986. It has undergone numerous changes over the years through actions by the Parliament of Victoria and legal decisions in the courts. Our Henry Carus, prior to founding Henry Carus + Associates, worked as an advisor to the TAC, providing him with an in-depth knowledge of the government agency. Today, TAC claims are complex legal matters requiring extensive knowledge of both the legislation and case law.

When you are choosing a TAC lawyer, make sure the information on their website demonstrates expertise in road accident claims. Another indicator of advanced knowledge is specialist accreditation in Personal Injury Law by Law Institute Victoria (LIV).

A lawyer who is recognised as an LIV Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law—as Henry Carus does—has demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of, and exceptional skill in, personal injury matters. Transport accidents make up a significant share of personal injury claims, but it is important to verify that this is an area of focus for the lawyer or firm.

TAC Experience

Legal experience has two key components. The first is years of experience. LIV Accredited Specialists must have been a practising lawyer for a minimum of 5 years and working in their field of specialisation for at least 3 years. The more years a lawyer has been focussing on TAC claims, the better they should be able to represent you.

The second aspect of experience is practical knowledge of different types of claims. When you’re looking for a TAC lawyer, the one you choose should be well-versed in the type of accident and the injuries you’ve sustained. For example, if you sustained a head injury in a motorcycle crash, you need a motorcycle accident lawyer with an in-depth knowledge of head injuries.

Participation in Common Law Protocols

If there is one situation where having a TAC lawyer is essential, it’s common law claims. Common law compensation includes damages such as:

Loss of earnings
Diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering

You can only make a claim for common law damages if you are seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident. If you meet this threshold, you then need to prove the other party was at fault.

The TAC’s Common Law Protocols create a framework for efficiently resolving common law claims. Lawyers who participate in these protocols know how to work within the TAC system and provide you with effective representation. This typically results in claims getting resolved faster, as well as a greater likelihood of success.

Reviews and Testimonials

The firm’s reputation is one of the most important factors to consider. Every reputable lawyer website should include reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients.

Use your judgement when reading online reviews, as they are not always legitimate. Look for details about the client’s experience with the firm—not just the outcome but how clients were treated and whether they’d recommend them to others.

Read Success Stories from Satisfied TAC Clients

Accessibility

When you hire a lawyer, they should treat you like a person—not a name or file number. Firms that truly care about their clients make themselves available to answer questions and discuss claims, even if it’s outside business hours.

Some lawyers give clients their personal mobile number and encourage them to call at any time. Others have dedicated staff who can be reached 24/7.

Contact Henry Carus + Associates Today

Large law firms tend to offer bog-standard service, dealing more in the volume of claims rather than offering personalised representation. At Henry Carus + Associates, we pride ourselves on offering 5-star care throughout the entirety of each claim. Clients of the TAC may need legal support throughout their lives, which is why we make building positive relationships a priority and provide a FREE Medical + Like Services Guarantee for life to all TAC clients, regardless of past representation.

Efficiency & Results

Confidence is key when choosing a TAC lawyer. Reading about other claims they’ve handled is a good start, but the only real way to get a sense of whether your claim may be resolved favourably and in a timely manner is to meet with the lawyer and discuss the details.

No two TAC claims are exactly alike, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. However, hiring a skilled TAC lawyer with a proven track record in transport accident claims should instil confidence in their ability to obtain the result you deserve.

No Win, No Fee

It is vital to confirm upfront what you will be expected to pay and when for TAC legal services. Most TAC lawyers in Melbourne use conditional costs agreements for road accidents and other personal injury matters.

All information about legal fees should be provided to you upfront and thoroughly explained before you hire the firm. Experienced TAC lawyers may be able to provide a fairly accurate estimate of how much you may have to pay in legal fees. This estimate is based on the lawyer’s experience, the complexity of the claim, and the compensation you are due.

Henry Carus + Associates represent clients in TAC claims on a No Win – No Fee basis. Your initial consultation is 100% FREE. Many firms require clients to pay disbursements regardless of the outcome, but you only pay us legal costs (plus an uplift fee) if and when we are successful for you.

Personal Connection

Qualifications and experience are important, but sometimes the vibes are just off. You need a lawyer who is compassionate, listens to your story, and puts you at ease. If you find them to be stiff or high-handed, or the staff just don’t seem to care about you, it is best to follow your instincts and look elsewhere.

A positive relationship with your lawyer is crucial for achieving a successful outcome. Don’t be afraid to meet with multiple lawyers until you find one with whom you feel comfortable.

Questions to Ask a TAC Lawyer

Most people don’t know how to find a TAC lawyer after being injured in an accident. Fortunately, a few simple questions can help you assess a lawyer’s credentials and whether they may be a good fit for your needs:

How long have you been practising law?
Do you focus on TAC claims?
Have you taken on claims like mine?
Do you participate in the TAC Common Law Protocols?
Are you an LIV Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law?
What entitlements from the TAC do I have?
How long before I get my benefits?
Am I entitled to any other compensation?
Do I have a common law compensation claim?
What is the process for making a TAC claim? Do I need to do anything?
Do you have a ‘No Win – No Fee’ policy?
What do you expect my legal fees will be?
Am I responsible for any costs until the claim is settled?
Will you be handling my claim personally?
If anyone else is working on my claim, can I meet them?
When can I contact you with questions or concerns?
How often will you provide me with updates on my case?

Legal advice can be beneficial for anyone making a TAC claim. These questions can help you find the right lawyer who will advocate for the full benefits and other compensation you are due following a road accident.

Need Help Choosing a TAC Lawyer?

There are a number of TAC lawyers in Melbourne to choose from. Henry Carus + Associates are distinguished by the following:

Our principal and founder, Henry Carus, is an LIV Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law. He has maintained this status for nearly 30 years.
We offer a unique Medical + Like Services Guarantee. If the TAC refuses to pay for needed medical treatment or supports, our lawyers will fight to have the decision reversed. This service is available FREE to all clients of the TAC—whether you’ve used our firm in the past or not.
You Deserve More. That’s the motto of our firm, and it reflects our philosophy of seeking maximum compensation while providing individualised legal service.

Our knowledge of TAC legislation is unmatched, and we have extensive experience managing accident claims involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, pedestrians, bicycles, and more.

Henry Carus + Associates Can Help

Choosing a TAC lawyer doesn’t have to be difficult. With offices in Melbourne, other metro communities, and the ability to connect online, we provide legal services to accident victims throughout Victoria. Our lawyers specialise in all aspects of the TAC claims process. We have helped numerous clients obtain common law compensation for serious injuries.

Call 03 9001 1318 for immediate assistance with a TAC matter. Your consultation is FREE, and you don’t pay anything until we obtain a favourable outcome.