TAC’s latest campaign to focus on easier access to compensation

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has launched a new campaign this week focusing on helping Victorians access the support they need to get their lives back on track after a transport accident, Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips said today.

The campaign highlights the TAC’s role as a provider of support and compensation for crash survivors, encouraging them to access these benefits

to assist with their recovery.

“The campaign is in addition to the well-received road safety education campaigns that have been synonymous with the TAC since its inception, and informs Victorians of the services the TAC offers,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

“All Victorians are familiar with the TAC’s role in accident prevention education and we want to ensure that Victorians are also aware of the TAC’s

role in helping them get their lives back on track if they are injured on the roads.

“Road safety continues to be a major focus for the TAC but this latest campaign is about promoting the organisation’s other primary function as a

compensation provider.”

The campaign, to air on television and radio from this week, encourages anyone injured in a transport accident to find out about their entitlements

by contacting the TAC.

“Initiating a claim is as simple as picking up the phone and calling the TAC, in much the same way that people call their vehicle insurer if their

car has sustained damage,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

“The claims process is easy and more than 90 per cent of all claims lodged over the phone are accepted within five days, more than half are approved on the same day as lodgment, and the average call duration is 13 minutes.”

The TAC last year delivered $1.08 billion in support services and benefits to 45,038 people affected by transport accidents in Victoria.

The TAC scheme is funded by a premium included in vehicle registration fees. It covers all reasonable medical, rehabilitation and out-of-pocket

expenses relating to injuries sustained in an accident directly caused by the driving of a car, motorcycle, bus, train or tram. Other benefits

include income support, childcare and home modifications.

“The TAC is there to assist Victorians after an accident, and the benefits they may be entitled to under the scheme can be important in helping them make the best possible recovery,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

TAC Chief Executive Officer Janet Dore said the organisation had recently streamlined its claims process, resulting in an even faster and less

complex client experience.

“It is important that all Victorians understand the benefits they may be entitled to after an accident and the ease with which they can access that

support, simply by picking up the phone and following the claims process,” Ms Dore said.

“For some Victorians who unfortunately experience serious long term injuries, they may require the support of the TAC well into the future.

“The key goal of the TAC is to help these Victorians to get back on track, to an independent lifestyle as quickly as possible and it is important that

these Victorians know that the TAC is always available to assist.”

Anyone injured in a transport accident should call 1300 654 329 or visit www.tac.vic.gov.au