My TAC claim was rejected... what now?

TL;DR: A rejected claim isn't always the end of the road. You can lodge a dispute under the TAC's No-Fault Dispute Resolution Protocols, and if that doesn't work, escalate to VCAT. Just watch the deadlines. You generally get 12 months to challenge a decision.

A TAC claim rejection means the Transport Accident Commission has decided you're not eligible for compensation. It's a stressful spot to be in, but it doesn't mean your entitlements are gone for good.

Common reasons claims get rejected:

• Not meeting the eligibility definition of a road accident, or not being covered under the scheme
• Missing time limits (normally 12 months from the accident, though TAC can extend to 3 years in certain circumstances - different rules apply for children)
• Insufficient medical evidence linking injuries to the accident
• Incomplete or inconsistent information in the application

The rejection letter should explain the actual reason, which matters for planning next steps.

The immediate impact of a rejection: no more paid treatment/rehab, weekly income payments may stop, and support like home help or travel reimbursements may end.

Options to challenge it:

• Lodge a dispute application under the No-Fault Dispute Resolution Protocols — this allows new evidence like updated medical reports, witness statements, or extra accident details.
• If unresolved, escalate to VCAT (a more formal, independent tribunal).

Before challenging again, it helps to gather: medical evidence linking injuries to the accident, police/witness statements, photos or video of the scene/damage, and a clear timeline of symptoms and treatment. Accuracy and consistency matter; small gaps can weaken an otherwise strong case.

Strict deadlines apply at every stage, so act quickly if you're planning to dispute.

How a TAC claim lawyer can help

While some reviews are straightforward, many benefit from expert guidance. Consider speaking to a TAC claim lawyer if:

• your injuries are permanent or worsening
• you’ve lost income or can’t return to work
• the TAC disputes your TAC claim eligibility
• you feel overwhelmed or unsure about the process

At Maurice Blackburn, we focus on reducing the burden by handling the process so you can focus on recovery.

Our No Win, No Fee approach means you won’t pay legal fees unless your claim succeeds.

Get in touch.