Been injured on the road? Here's what happens when you make a CTP claim with a lawyer vs on your own
TL;DR: Recent MAIC data shows that people who self-manage their CTP claims often receive significantly lower settlements, averaging just $18,000 last year. People who used a lawyer however received an average settlement amount of $147,000. We break down why having an experienced CTP lawyer makes all the difference.
What is CTP insurance?
Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance is designed to cover you if you’re injured in a road accident caused by someone else. This includes medical treatment, rehabilitation, loss of income, and in some cases, future care expenses. While this may sound straightforward, the reality is that navigating a CTP claim can become complex quickly, especially when insurers are involved.
The risks of handling your CTP claim alone
Although managing a claim on your own might seem simpler, it can often leave you vulnerable to delays, lowball offers, and unnecessary stress. On average, those who make a claim themselves receive just $18,000, compared with $147,000 for those with legal representation, according to the MAIC.
This is more than eight times higher, raising concerns that injured people without legal representation may be accepting settlement offers they shouldn’t.
Why expert legal support makes a difference
CTP insurance claims that appear simple can often involve ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or long-term care. Failing to properly account for these needs can significantly reduce the compensation you receive. Insurers sometimes undervalue claims or delay the process, leaving claimants uncertain and out of pocket.
As one MAIC survey respondent put it bluntly:
“The system is not working. The only way I can obtain the funds I need to rehab is by getting a lawyer of my own.”
This experience reflects a common reality that many claimants face: repeated delays, confusing paperwork, and undervalued offers.
When you’re injured, the last thing you need is to fight with an insurer. Yet many people who go it alone find themselves stressed, undercompensated, and uncertain about their future.
By engaging an experienced road injury lawyer early, you can:
- avoid unnecessary delays and undervalued offers
- ensure your claim is properly assessed for all entitlements
- have a dedicated advocate fighting for your recovery
Complex claims, particularly those involving chronic injuries, future losses, or long-term impairment, require careful legal advocacy. While self-represented claims might settle faster for minor cases, speed doesn’t always mean better outcomes.
Cindy’s story
Cindy* was injured when she was hit by a car while crossing at a roundabout. Initially, her insurer agreed to fund her rehabilitation and began doing so. However, they later denied her CTP claim entirely and offered her just $1,000 to settle the matter.
Understandably, Cindy was left confused and frustrated by the insurer’s conflicting decisions - which led her to seek legal advice.
With our support, we were able to:
- Challenge the insurer’s position on liability, securing an acknowledgment that responsibility was more likely to be shared equally - not solely Cindy’s, as they had originally claimed.
- Hold the insurer accountable for continuing to fund her rehabilitation, given their initial agreement to do so.
At mediation, the insurer offered $30,000. We knew Cindy deserved more and successfully negotiated a settlement of $100,000.
This outcome has allowed Cindy to focus on her recovery. She’s now using her voice to advocate for improved pedestrian safety at the roundabout where she was injured, working with her local council to help protect others in her community.
Speak to the CTP claim experts
If you’ve been injured in a road accident, the last thing you need is to battle with an insurer. Engaging a lawyer isn’t just about paperwork, it’s about securing the compensation you need to recover, rebuild, and move forward with your life.
If your injury has impacted your daily life, your health, or your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation. Our team of experienced CTP lawyers will guide you through every step of the process, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Contact our CTP lawyers today for a free initial consultation and find out how much compensation you are really entitled to.
*Name has been changed.
Posted Nov 5, 2025, 1:53 AM UTC · locked