After a car accident, it is normal to have feelings of anxiety and fear about driving.

If you think you do have anxiety about driving, there are things you can do to overcome it.

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This booklet contains information and suggestions for families of children who've been injured in a transport accident and are about to leave hospital and return home. Topics include: how the TAC can help; adjusting to life at home and overcoming challenges that may arise; community organisations that offer support and counselling; and looking after the welfare of family members.

The TAC scheme is for accidents that happened from 1 January 1987 onward. However, the TAC can pay for medical treatment or surgery related to an earlier accident if:

• Your accident date was between 1 September 1980 and 31 December 1986, and
• You had an accepted claim from the Motor Accidents Board (MAB), and
• You did not receive a common law settlement (pay out) for the accident.

If you are unsure whether you this applies to you, please contact the TAC Policy team by email. In your email please include:

• As much detail about the accident as possible, including the approximate date and, if known, the accident location and vehicles involved
• Your full name at the time the claim was lodged
• Your date of birth 
• Your current contact details
• If you are enquiring on behalf of another person, please enclose a signed Authority to Release (client representative) form or a copy of your guardianship or power of attorney documentation.

For more information, please contact the TAC on 1300 654 329.

Our aim is to work with you and your health professionals in a positive, honest and professional manner. We want to ensure you receive reasonable and appropriate treatment and services for your accident-related injuries.  This document outlines standard of service you can expect from the TAC.

This fact sheet provides instructions on how to complete the TAC's medical excess form.

E-therapy programs are generally free web-based support programs where people can access information and counselling to assist them in managing persistent pain or mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

E-therapy services are for people experiencing persistent pain, distress or mild to moderate symptoms of mental disorders, particularly stress and anxiousness or depressive like symptoms.

You might want to talk with your treating health practitioner or a mental health professional at the same time you're using an e-therapy service, or if you feel that your symptoms are not getting better during or after the service.

Generally most e-therapy programs are free. You should therefore contact the TAC before accessing any e-therapy service that requires payment.

Our attendant care providers support clients to achieve their independence goals in daily living activities, therapy support, personal and domestic skills retraining and community access skills.

When you have an accepted emergency expenses claim, we pay for your ambulance and hospital treatment on the day (and the day after) your accident. If you need more treatment, we will need more information about your accident and your injuries before we can pay.

An impairment is a permanent physical or psychological condition caused by your transport accident injury.  Impairment is measured in medical terms. Clinical tests are conducted to measure how, and to what degree, the injury has affected your body movement or organ function.

This information sheet discusses what the expect at your TAC impairment examination, including: what to bring; who will perform the examination; and how your level of impairment will be assessed. Depending on your level of impairment, which is expressed as a percentage rating, you may be entitled to a lump-sum payment from the TAC.

This booklet provides information about soft tissue injuries (e.g. painful strains, sprains and bruises) and how health care professionals can help you recover faster by getting moving. As well as explaining the types of treatment and services the TAC can fund, there are handy tips about working with your therapy providers, staying motivated and measuring progress.

This information sheet provides practical advice for vulnerable Victorians living in bushfire risk areas about preparing bushfire survival plans and being 'fire-ready'. In some cases, the TAC can consider funding requests for domestic assistance from eligible clients who are unable to undertake bushfire readiness tasks as a result of their accident injuries.

The TAC can pay you loss of earnings benefits while you are unable to return to work due to your accident injuries. Loss of earnings benefits is a temporary income support while you recover enough to return to work.

This booklet provides useful information about the loss of earnings benefits that the TAC can pay self-employed clients who have lost income as a result of their accident injuries. As well as setting out how loss of earnings benefits are calculated and paid, the publication explains ways the TAC can help you return to work.

This information sheet is for clients currently receiving TAC loss of earnings capacity (LOEC) benefits. It explains: how the benefits are calculated; how long, by law, the TAC is able to pay; what documents you need to supply to the TAC to continue receiving LOEC payments; and how the TAC can help you get back to work.

This information sheet explains what to expect at TAC medical examinations that clients claiming support services are required to attend. You will also find details of what you need to bring and reimbursements (e.g. for travel or work absence related to your examination appointment) that you may be eligible to claim.

The minor’s additional benefit is a weekly benefit that helps with the extra cost of looking after your injured child.

We pay the benefit to the parents or guardians of a child whose impairment is 11% or more.

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This information sheet explains how network occupational therapists (OTs), who have been authorised by the TAC to work with TAC clients, can help maximise your participation and independence in doing everyday activities at home, work or school and in the community. It also details the skills and experience that providers need to demonstrate in order to be classified as a network OT.

This information sheet discusses how Network Pain Management Programs can help TAC clients manage musculoskeletal injuries and persistent pain to improve enjoyment of life and increase independence at home, work and in the community. The programs focus on developing strategies to return to work, reduce dependence on medication and improve mental health.

This document lists the TAC's Network Pain Management providers and includes location and contact details.  You will need a referral from your GP to access these services.

Our attendant care providers support clients to achieve their independence goals in daily living activities, therapy support, personal and domestic skills retraining and community access skills.

The Outreach Service (OS) supports clients with psychosocial or mental health issues, behaviours of concern and other support needs. This list of registered outreach providers includes contact details and the regions they service.

A Pain Management Program (PMP) can help if you have an injury and experience pain that:

• Affects your physical and mental health,
• Affects your ability to do the things that are important to you,
• Leads to you taking medicines that cloud your head and give you side effects.

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Peer support is when people share and receive practical information, experiences, emotional support with someone else on a similar journey. 

Peer support options are generally free, person centred and aimed at helping people cope with a variety of health and social conditions.

While the TAC recognises that peer support programs can be a valuable support for our clients and encourages clients to participate, any costs related to a peer support program are payable by the client, including but not restricted to, attendance, access and transport. 

Principles of peer support as outlined by the Department of Human Services are generally accepted as a guideline for things for users to look for when sourcing a peer support.

Our attendant care providers support clients to achieve their independence goals in daily living activities, therapy support, personal and domestic skills retraining and community access skills.

This document sets out the TAC's privacy policy, including how the organisation protects clients' personal, health and claim information.

The TAC regularly conducts client research and you might be asked to participate. We want to continue to improve our service, so we need to know what you think about the way we do things. We greatly value all the feedback you provide.

This booklet explains how TAC clients can work positively with their employer, health professionals and the TAC to coordinate a safe and smooth return to work. It outlines the TAC services and benefits, such as workplace assessments and modifications, that are available to assist return to work. There's also a useful planner tool and answers to frequently asked questions about return to work programs.

This information sheet outlines when the TAC will contribute towards the cost of a standard mattress, and how much we will pay up to.

This leaflet provides an overview of the treatment and support services available to you to help you get your life back on track after a transport accident.

• Supporting you after a transport accident - PDF 0.32 MB
• Supporting you after a transport accident - MS Word 1.15MB
• Supporting you after an accident (webpage)

This information sheet explains the home services (i.e. household tasks you would normally perform, but can't because of your accident injuries) that the TAC may be able to temporarily pay an agency worker to provide. It outlines how to claim home services and the types of household tasks the TAC can and can't fund.

This document provides telephone numbers to speak with the TAC in your own language. 

The TAC's vocational services panel members are experts in helping people get back to work and will focus on getting the best outcomes for you. You can choose any provider from the list below. More information is available in the TAC Vocational Providers booklet and at each provider's website.

List of vocational services providers

Acumen

Provider statement

It’s all about you. At Acumen we recognise that your recovery should encompass everything that you want to achieve or regain in your life.

http://generationhealth.com.au/acumen-health-management/

http://generationhealth.com.au/locations/

Advanced Personal Management (APM)

Provider statement

At APM we know how challenging and emotional it can be to recover from a motor vehicle accident.

http://apm.net.au/

http://apm.net.au/find-an-apm-location/our-locations/

Altius Rehabilitation Services

Provider statement

Altius Rehabilitation Services is an industry leading provider of vocational rehabilitation.

http://www.rehabservices.com.au/

http://www.rehabservices.com.au/service-locations/

IPAR

Provider statement

Since partnering with the TAC in 2011, IPAR has helped more than 2,400 people to recover from a transport accident and return to health.

https://ipar.com.au/

https://ipar.com.au/locations/

Procare

Provider statement

Procare is a leading provider of wellness, recovery and return to work services. We're here to help.

Services: https://www.procaregroup.com.au/wellness-injury-management/

Locations: https://www.procaregroup.com.au/return-to-work-injury-management-wellness/

Rehab Management

Provider statement

Rehab Management is an award-winning, nationally accredited vocational rehabilitation provider.

http://www.rehabmanagement.com.au/

http://www.rehabmanagement.com.au/rehab-management-locations

WorkFocus Australia

Provider statement

WorkFocus Australia coaches you through your recovery to meet your health, work, well-being and life goals.

http://www.workfocus.com/

http://www.workfocus.com/contact/locations.aspx

The TAC respects your privacy and treats this issue very seriously. We are committed to strengthening our existing organisational culture to ensure your privacy is valued and safeguarded in accordance with the relevant legislation.

This booklet explains how Individualised Funding works and provides detailed information about setting up your bank account, budgeting your finances and paying for your services.

Our attendant care providers support clients to achieve their independence goals in daily living activities, therapy support, personal and domestic skills retraining and community access skills.

A list of the TAC's registered providers for case management services.

This useful contact list provides details of various community services organisations (outside of the TAC) that provide advocacy, information, support, counselling and opportunities for people who have been injured or affected - directly or indirectly - by road trauma.

Our attendant care providers support clients to achieve their independence goals in daily living activities, therapy support, personal and domestic skills retraining and community access skills.

This booklet provides useful information for relatives of people who have been injured in a transport accident and are being treated at an emergency hospital. Topics include: the role of the TAC Early Support Coordinator; benefits and services that the TAC can pay for; looking after yourself; and what will happen next when your family member moves to a rehabilitation hospital.

This brochure describes the process for project managed home modification. It also lists the roles and responsibilities of the people involved.

This booklet provides information and ideas for people with major injuries about adjusting to life at home and in the community. It explains how the TAC can help as well as some of the services and opportunities available from public organisations to improve independence, social interaction and enjoyment in life.

Individualised Funding is a way for people with a severe injury to be in charge of the services they need because of their transport accident. It recognises a person's right to make decisions about their services, including changing their services if they want to.

The Outreach Service (OS) supports clients with psychosocial or mental health issues, behaviours of concern and other support needs. This list of registered outreach providers includes contact details and the regions they service.

This booklet provides information and assurance for clients moving into a rehabilitation facility about what to expect and how the TAC can assist. Topics include: how your rehabilitation program will help improve your ability to do things and increase independence; and preparing your Independence Plan of individual goals you want to achieve in the short and long term.

This booklet provides information and assurance for people with major injuries who are preparing to leave the rehabilitation hospital and return home. It explains the next stage of your rehabilitation and Independence Plan as well the support services that the TAC can fund to help with day-to-day tasks.

This information sheet sets out the rights and responsibilities of people with disabilities when choosing and living in shared supported accommodation (i.e. houses that have paid carers to provide personal care, nursing, rehabilitation, meal and housekeeping services).

This information sheet provides advice for clients who the TAC has agreed to pay supported accommodation services. It explains the different supported accommodation options available and provides guidance on how to choose an arrangement that will best suit your specific needs.

Our attendant care providers support clients to achieve their independence goals in daily living activities, therapy support, personal and domestic skills retraining and community access skills.

This information sheet describes the therapy support available to help clients achieve rehabilitation goals or develop day-to-day living skills. The therapy support is provided by an Allied Health Assistant (AHA) under the direction of your treating health professionals.

If you need to use a modified vehicle as a result of your transport accident injuries, you may be exempt from paying some normal costs associated with purchasing and owning the vehicle.

This information sheet outlines who can apply for TAC-funded vehicle modifications to ensure safety, accessibility and independence as a driver or passenger. It also explains the assessment and approval process, examples of vehicle modifications (e.g. hand controls to operate the accelerator and brake) and the legal contracts involved.

This information sheet lets you know about your rights and responsibilities as a TAC client and the rights and responsibilities of anyone you have authorised to act on your behalf.

It also sets out the rights and responsibilities of our staff.

You have the right to be safe and to be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

The TAC takes the care, safety and wellbeing of our clients very seriously.

This document will help you decide if the care and support you receive is fair and appropriate.

This form seeks confirmation about the school, university or tertiary institution enrolment of the deceased person's dependant children who are claiming TAC benefits (via their surviving parent/guardian).

This form seeks confirmation about the deceased person's spouse/partner and children who were reliant on their economic support at the time of their death. It also requires details of the deceased person's spouse's/partner's gross weekly income as well as the weekly contribution that the deceased provided.

This form needs for be completed and returned to the TAC to claim funeral expenses and/or dependency benefits after a person has died as a result of a transport accident. The introduction section sets out what information and official documents need to be provided regarding the deceased person's spouse, partner and dependant children.

This brochure is helpful for people whose loved one has died in a transport accident in explaining what benefits and services the TAC can provide, including payment of burial or cremation costs and income support.

The TAC recognises that returning to work is an important part of an injured person's rehabilitation after a transport accident. The TAC's first step is to contact the injured person's employer. However, in some instances the TAC client is unable to return to their pre-accident employer and/or their pre-accident role.

Where the pre-accident role is not suitable and the pre-accident employer does not have any other roles to offer, the TAC can assist our clients to find new employment.

As part of the return to work process, the TAC can provide a package of incentives to support an employer while they help a TAC client return to employment.

You have an important part to play in your employee's successful return to work. A timely return to work can help your employee's overall rehabilitation after an accident.

The TAC will work with you and the injured employee to get them back to work as soon as possible. If you have any questions about an injured employee returning to work, call the TAC on 1300 654 329.

The Common Law Protocols are an agreement that outlines how the TAC and your personal injury lawyer work together during your common law compensation claim.

The Protocols were developed by the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV), the Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA) and the TAC to make the legal process faster and easier. Most lawyers who are members of the LIV or the ALA follow them.

Engaging a lawyer who specialises in TAC claims and follows the Protocols will generally result in a faster and easier outcome for your claim. It is also likely to resolve without the need for your case to go to Court. This may also mean less legal costs for you.

If you have a successful common law claim, we may pay some of your legal costs directly to your lawyer.

You are entitled to ask a lawyer if they operate within the Protocols before engaging them.

The below documents summarise the Protocols. These have been agreed by the TAC, LIV and ALA. They cover common law entitlements, assessment procedures, information exchange and settlement.

This document summarises the TAC's protocols regarding legal costs recovery where clients have been involved in court proceedings.

These documents summarise the Protocols agreed by the TAC, Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) and Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA) to achieve dispute resolution regarding no-fault claims.

Please note: The 2016 Protocols are not applicable until 1 July 2016 and should not be used until this time.

This document outlines the circumstances in which the TAC may agree to fund a client's legal costs (in the event of a 'test case') and the relevant procedures that need to be followed.

These documents summarise the protocols agreed by the TAC, Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) and Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA) regarding impairment entitlements, assessment procedures, information exchange and delivery of payments for seriously injured clients.

Please note: The 2016 Protocols are not applicable until 1 July 2016 and should not be used until this time.

These documents outline the legal costs payable for matters resolved under the TAC Protocols.

This document summarises the protocols associated with pre-hearings of TAC clients' serious injury applications as part of the litigation process.

This document provides a detailed description of the transport accident charges (according to vehicle type, capacity and location) Victorian motorists pay when registering their vehicles with VicRoads each year. Funding from the charge enables the TAC to pay for treatment and support services for people injured in transport accidents as well as promoting road safety.