Motor accidents

Accessing physiotherapy after a NSW motor vehicle accident

Published Reviewed 5 min read

In plain language

If you've been injured in a NSW motor vehicle accident since 1 December 2017, the Motor Accident Injuries Act gives you access to funded physiotherapy — usually within days of lodging.

  • Lodge a Personal Injury Claim within 3 months (28 days for statutory benefits from day one).
  • Get a medical certificate and start physiotherapy — no fault needs to be established.
  • Treatment is paid by the CTP insurer at SIRA fees; no gap at approved providers.

The scheme in plain language

NSW's Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 provides statutory benefits — including weekly payments and treatment — regardless of who caused the accident, for up to 52 weeks. Serious injuries can continue on statutory benefits or move to a common-law claim.

Steps to start treatment

1. See a GP within days of the accident and ask for a Certificate of Fitness for CTP.

2. Lodge a Personal Injury Claim through your CTP insurer or via the SIRA claims portal.

3. Book a physiotherapy assessment — bring your claim number and certificate.

4. Your physiotherapist will submit treatment requests to the insurer, typically approved within 10 working days.

Next steps

References

  1. SIRA — After a motor accident — SIRA NSW
  2. Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 — NSW Legislation