Why do I have to complete the Notice of Accident form?

It provides vital information about when, where and how the accident happened, who was involved and details of the vehicles involved. This information allows the MAIB to protect you as the motorist. The information on the Notice of Accident form is vital in assisting with any potential legal implications which may arise from the accident.

Should you have any concerns about completion of the Notice of Accident, please contact the MAIB and ask to speak with a claims officer.

Can I claim for the damage to my car, bicycle, clothing, shoes etc?

No, the MAIB is not able to cover the cost of damage to items such as these.

The MAIB can only attend to the payment of benefits as prescribed by the Regulations of the Motor Accidents (Liabilities and Compensation) Act 1973 due to your personal injuries sustained in the motor accident.

I have received an account for treatment. What do I do with it?

If your claim has been accepted by the MAIB, then the account should be forwarded to us for consideration. 

If you have not yet completed the claim documents, they are available in the Resources/Forms section of this site. You can also obtain forms by contacting the MAIB office, a Service Tasmania shop, or limited forms may be available from hospitals or medical providers.

When you have completed the documents, they should be provided together with the accounts to the MAIB without delay.

Once the MAIB has received the required initial claim forms you will not need to continue completing these documents each time you receive an account, but you will need to forward all accounts received to your claims officer.

How long before my claim is processed?

Once all initial claim documentation has been received, your claim will usually be assessed by the MAIB within two (2) working days. You will be notified by mail, email or by telephone as to the status of your claim and whether any further information is required to allow the MAIB to complete the claim assessment.

Will I receive a claim number?

Once we have received claim documents and recorded your claim on the claims system, a claim number is allocated.

That number will be quoted to you on any correspondence that we provide.

Please use this number when contacting the MAIB to assist us in the identification of your claim.

Payment of all benefits are made in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations to the Act. The provision of a claim number does not mean that all costs incurred will be paid, or paid in full by the MAIB.

My claim has been rejected, why?

All claims are assessed in accordance with the provisions of the Motor Accidents (Liabilities and Compensation) Act 1973. If your claim for benefits has been rejected, a letter will be provided to you detailing the reason(s) for the MAIB’s decision.

My claim has been rejected, can I appeal the decision?

If you are aggrieved by the determination of the MAIB to deny your claim for scheduled benefits, the Motor Accidents (Liabilities and Compensation) Act 1973 provides that you may lodge an appeal against the determination with the Motor Accidents Compensation Tribunal.

What happens if my claim is accepted?

If your claim has been lodged, assessed and accepted, you will receive written confirmation that payment of benefits may now be made and contact details of the claims officer who will be managing your claim.

Accounts for medical treatment should be provided to us so that we may consider these costs. Please record the claim number if known on the accounts.

If you have any questions as to benefits payable by the MAIB, please review our brochures that can be found in the Resources/Publications section of this site or contact the MAIB and ask to speak to your claims officer.

What treatment will MAIB cover?

Please refer to the Benefits & Claims section of this site for information on benefits payable or contact the MAIB and ask to speak to your claims officer.

Can I have an account set up for my required medication at a pharmacy?

It is not the MAIB’s current practice to set up an account with a pharmacy so that pharmaceutical costs medically required due to the motor accident injuries can be billed direct to MAIB. If this will cause you financial hardship, you may request in writing that the MAIB consider your individual case.

Pharmaceutical costs will not be covered unless the MAIB is provided with full details from your treating general practitioner or medical specialist as to the medication required, the relationship of that item to your motor accident injuries and confirmation as to the dosage and period for which the item will be medically required.

Can I claim my lost wages?

Once your claim has been assessed and accepted, if you have incurred loss of wages after the first seven days commencing from the day of the motor accident, you may be entitled to claim 80% of your average weekly earnings. 

Documented evidence of your earnings (Employers Confirmation of Loss of Salary or Wages form) together with a copy of the group certificate for the financial year prior to your motor accident will be required from your employer. An Employer’s Confirmation Of Loss Of Salary form can be found in the Resources/Forms section of this site.

If you are self employed, personal and business tax returns, and/or proof of payments made to another person to ensure your business is carried on, will need to be provided.

Also required are appropriate medical certificates and a Tax File Number Declaration. The medical certificate for your treating general practitioner or medical specialist to complete can be found in the Resources/Forms section of this site.

When will I receive my first wages payment?

Following acceptance of your claim and once all required documentation has been provided, MAIB will assess your entitlement in accordance with the Regulations to the Act. Any payments will be made as quickly as possible.

If payments continue, they will be made to you on a fortnightly basis upon the provision of appropriate medical certification.

Please note that lost wages for the first 7 days commencing from the day of the accident are excluded from payment.

When will I receive my first housekeeping payment?

The first 7 days commencing on the day of the accident are excluded from payment.   

Reimbursement of costs incurred will be considered based on appropriate medical certification and documentation indicating proof of payment and the duties being undertaken. Housekeeping receipts for completion can be found in the Resources/Forms section of this site.

For further information regarding the housekeeping allowance please refer to the Claims Procedures & Scheduled Benefits Payable brochure available in the Resources/Publications section of this site.

Can I claim my travel costs?

Reasonable travel expenses can be claimed for the purpose of attending medical treatment, provided that the distance travelled is greater than 20 kilometres one way. 

In some instances costs of travel to medical treatment by taxi can be reimbursed/paid by the MAIB in the initial 39 weeks from the date of the motor accident, even if the distance travelled is less than 20 kilometres. It is suggested that you contact the MAIB to speak with your managing claims officer to obtain futher details should your treating general practitioner or medical specialist suggest that taxi transportation is appropriate. 

The Travelling Expenses Declaration form can be found in the Resources/Forms section of this site.

Will a rehabilitation provider be allocated to my claim?

Rehabilitation is the process of achieving maximum function after suffering a personal injury in a motor accident.

Your claim, if appropriate, will be referred by the MAIB to a professional rehabilitation provider who will assist you with the process of returning to your pre-injury activities at home, in the community and at work or study.

You have rejected payment of some or all of my treatments. Do I have grounds to appeal the decision?

Yes, the Motor Accident (Liabilities and Compensation) Act 1973 provides that where the MAIB has refused or failed to make a payment by way of a scheduled benefit, you may refer the matter to the Motor Accident Compensation Tribunal.

If a payment of a scheduled benefit is to be ceased or denied, the MAIB will advise you of this in writing and will provide you with advice as to your right of appeal against the determination. 

Am I entitled to compensation?

Scheduled Benefits - Generally, if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, you are entitled to claim scheduled benefits, regardless of fault. If your claim is accepted, scheduled benefits will be paid. These benefits cover approved medical costs, though other financial assistance may also be provided. 

If you have any questions in relation to benefits payable, please refer to our brochure in the Resources/Publications section of this site, or to the section on Benefits and Claims, for more information. Alternatively, please contact the MAIB and ask to speak with your claims officer. 

Common Law - If you believe you have a claim against a negligent person, you may be entitled to common law damages. To clarify your entitlement in this regard, we recommend you seek your own legal advice. This should be done as soon as possible, as strict time limits apply to making claims of this kind.  

I have been involved in a motor vehicle accident; what do I do?

If you have been in a motor vehicle accident and you have been injured, you must lodge a claim with MAIB by completing both the Notice of Accident form (if you were an owner, driver or motorcyclist) and the Claim for Scheduled Benefits form. In order for your claim to be considered you will need to consult with a medical practioner as soon as possible. 

If you have been in a motor vehicle accident and have not been injured, you should still complete the Notice of Accident form, if applicable and the Claim for Scheduled Benefits form, and lodge with us. 

Where do I get the MAIB claim forms from?

Forms can be downloaded from our website (the Resources/Forms section of this site), and/or collected from any Tasmanian hospital or Service Tasmania outlet. They can also be requested from MAIB directly, and we will mail them to you.