What to do after a car accident in NSW

1. At the scene

Safety comes first. If anyone is hurt, trapped or in danger, call 000. Move out of traffic if it's safe to do so.

When it's safe, and if you're able to, write down or photograph:

• the names, addresses, phone numbers and licence details of the drivers involved
• the make, model and number plate of every vehicle involved
• the contact details of any witnesses
• the time, the date and the exact place, including the nearest cross streets
• whether police or an ambulance came
• photos of the scene, the vehicles and where they ended up.

You don't need to argue about who was at fault. Swap details, note what happened and leave fault for later. If a driver leaves without giving their details, tell police.

2. Report it to police

For a CTP claim, report the accident to police within 28 days, unless police came to the scene. Call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or go to a police station. In an emergency, call 000.

The road rules also generally require a crash where someone is hurt to be reported as soon as possible, and within 24 hours. So don't wait for the 28 days.

Police give you an event number. You'll need it for your claim. The online crash reporting form isn't for crashes where someone was injured, so call or go to a station instead. More in getting your police event number.

3. See a doctor early

See a GP, or go to hospital if you need to, even if you feel okay. Some injuries show up hours or days later.

Tell the doctor it was a motor accident and mention every symptom, including how you're coping emotionally. Ask for a Certificate of Fitness, preferably on SIRA's form. You need one to lodge your claim. See the Certificate of Fitness.

If your GP isn't familiar with CTP claims, we can introduce you to a doctor experienced with CTP claims if you'd like. It's your choice.

4. Treatment before you lodge

Once you've told the insurer about your injury, it can approve some treatment before you lodge a full claim, usually a GP visit and two further treatment sessions such as physiotherapy. This is at the insurer's discretion and only within the first 28 days after the crash. For more treatment, you need to lodge a claim.

Ambulance and much of your public hospital treatment are covered by the Fund levy paid with every CTP Green Slip, whether or not you make a claim or were at fault. Some public hospital doctors' bills aren't covered. Keep every bill and receipt.

5. Lodge within 28 days if you can

Make your claim as soon as possible. To get weekly payments back-paid to the day after the accident, the insurer generally needs your claim within 28 days of the accident. You can still claim up to 3 months after the accident, but weekly payments may only start from the date of the claim.

You can lodge even if you don't have every document yet. The insurer will ask for what's missing. See how to make a CTP claim, or work out your dates.

We can help you get your claim lodged: start your claim and we'll go through it with you.

6. Start a claim folder

Keep everything about the accident in one place, paper or digital. Keep copies of anything you send.

• photos and any dashcam footage
• witness names and contact details
• the police event number
• hospital, ambulance and discharge papers
• every Certificate of Fitness
• receipts for treatment, medicine and travel to appointments
• payslips or other proof of earnings, if you can't work
• a short diary of your symptoms and how they affect your day
• letters and emails from the insurer, with the date each one arrived.

7. What CTP doesn't cover

CTP covers injuries and deaths only. It doesn't pay to repair or replace vehicles or other property damaged in the crash.

For damage to your vehicle or other property, check whether your own car insurance covers it, or seek to recover the cost from the at-fault driver or their insurer. Get advice if it's disputed. Keep the details of any property damage claim: if you can't give the CTP insurer a police event number, it may ask for them.

8. Look after yourself

A crash can be upsetting even when the injuries seem small. Talk to your GP about how you're feeling, not only about the physical injuries.

For crisis support at any time, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you or someone else is in danger, call 000.

If someone died in the accident, trauma and grief support is available straight away through SIRA's CTP Assist line, 1300 656 919. See after a death.

Other services are listed on our help services page.