CTP claim checklist: first 30 days

The first month after a car accident is when the groundwork for your CTP claim gets laid — medically and administratively. You do not need to get everything perfect, but a few practical steps in this window make the rest of the claim considerably easier.

In the first few days

• See a doctor as soon as practical, even if you think your injuries are minor — some symptoms take days to appear.
• Report the accident to police where required, and keep any event number.
• Note down what happened while it is fresh: date, time, location, vehicles involved, and any witnesses.
• Photograph visible injuries and vehicle damage if it is safe to do so.
• Exchange details with the other driver, including their registration and insurer if known.

Starting your medical record

Your first medical consultation matters more than it might seem — it becomes the earliest entry in a record the insurer will rely on throughout your claim. Describe your symptoms specifically, including anything that feels minor, since some injuries, particularly psychological ones, can take time to fully present.

The first Certificate of Fitness after your accident must be completed by a medical practitioner. This sets the clinical baseline for the whole claim, so book this appointment early rather than waiting to see if symptoms settle on their own.

Understanding the 28-day window

There are time limits for lodging a CTP claim. A claim served within 28 days of the accident can have benefits backdated to the accident date. If you are unsure which insurer to lodge with, or the other vehicle is unidentified or uninsured, different pathways may apply — check SIRA's guidance or speak to a lawyer sooner rather than later if you are approaching this window.

Getting the application together

• Personal details, including bank details for any payments.
• Accident details, including the police event number if one exists.
• Injury details, described specifically rather than generally.
• Employment information if you are seeking weekly payments.
• Your first Certificate of Fitness and any early medical records.

What to keep track of from day one

• Every letter or email from the insurer, with dates.
• Copies of every certificate and referral.
• A simple list of appointments attended, with dates.
• Your claim number, once it is issued.

How CTP Doctor fits into the first 30 days

We handle the medical side: a proper first assessment, an accurate Certificate of Fitness, and a clear record from day one. Appointments run by telehealth across NSW, or in person where appropriate — your doctor confirms which suits your injury, and first assessments generally need an examination.

Certain defined benefits may be available depending on your circumstances — for the specifics of your entitlements, check SIRA's guidance or speak to a lawyer.

Looking after yourself, not just the paperwork

It is easy to focus entirely on forms and deadlines in the first month and forget that recovering from an accident, physically and mentally, is the actual priority. Rest when you need to, follow the treatment plan your doctor sets out, and flag anything that feels off — including sleep, mood, or anxiety about driving — even if it seems unrelated to a visible injury.

A calmer, well-documented start tends to make the following months easier, both for your recovery and for the claim itself. There is no need to have every detail perfect in the first 30 days — just accurate and moving in the right direction.

A simple week-by-week guide

• Week 1: see a doctor, report to police if required, start keeping records.
• Week 2: book your first Certificate of Fitness appointment if you have not already, and begin gathering identification and accident details.
• Weeks 3 to 4: complete and lodge the application for personal injury benefits, attaching what documents you have, noting what is still being gathered.
• Ongoing: keep certificates current, respond to insurer requests promptly, and keep your own simple file of everything sent and received.

If your situation is more complicated

Not every accident fits neatly into a simple checklist. If liability is disputed, the other vehicle is unidentified, your injuries are significant, or more than one insurer might be involved, the first 30 days can look busier and less predictable than described here.

In those situations, the same basics still apply — see a doctor promptly, keep records, and lodge within the relevant time limits — but it is also worth getting advice earlier rather than later. Your treating doctor can focus on getting the medical picture right while you work out the rest, including whether a solicitor should be involved. CTP Doctor is a medical service, not a law firm, and this page is general information rather than legal advice.