Hurt in a Car Accident? The #1 Mistake That Could Cost You Thousands in SA

April 2, 2025

Hurt in a Car Accident? The #1 Mistake That Could Cost You Thousands in SA

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in South Australia, one simple mistake could dramatically reduce your payout — or even see your claim denied altogether.

That mistake?

Trusting the insurer to look after you.

Insurers are businesses. Their goal is to settle fast and settle low — not to maximise what you receive.

What Most People Don’t Realise After a Crash

Whether you were the driver, a passenger, pedestrian or cyclist — if someone else was at fault, you may be eligible for compensation under South Australia’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme.

But here’s what the insurers often won’t tell you:

  • You don’t have to accept their first offer.
  • You may be entitled to more than just your immediate medical bills.
  • Saying "I'm fine" at the scene can be used against you later.

What You May Be Entitled To

If you’ve been injured, you could be eligible for:

  • ✅ Medical expenses (now and future)
  • ✅ Lost income and superannuation
  • ✅ Pain and suffering (non-economic loss)
  • ✅ Home care and support services
  • ✅ Lump sum payouts for serious or permanent injuries

Even mild injuries can lead to long-term impacts — don’t brush them off or wait too long.

The Cost of Going It Alone

Every week, we speak to South Australians who:

  • Accepted a quick payout... only to discover the injury worsened.
  • Had their claim delayed or underpaid due to missing evidence.
  • Didn’t realise how much they were truly entitled to.

And most importantly — they waited too long to speak with a lawyer.

Why Mahony’s Lawyers?

We’ve helped thousands of South Australians get fair compensation after road accidents — and we do it with zero pressure and real answers.

Our first consultation is completely free, and we’ll tell you exactly:

  • Whether you have a claim,
  • What compensation you might be entitled to,
  • And what to do next to protect it.

Get Advice Before You Talk to the Insurer

You don’t need to face this alone — and you don’t need to accept whatever’s offered.

👉 Speak to a lawyer for free today

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a claim if the accident was partly my fault?
Yes. South Australian law allows claims even in shared fault situations. Your entitlement may be reduced, but it won’t disappear.

How long do I have to make a claim after a car accident in SA?
Generally, you have 3 years from the date of injury — but the sooner you get advice, the better. Some claims have earlier deadlines.

What does the insurer cover?
The CTP insurer may cover medical costs, lost income, home support, and more — but only if you prove your entitlement.

Do I need to go to court to get compensation?
Not usually. Many claims are settled out of court, but having a lawyer ensures you’re negotiating from a position of strength.

Ready to Find Out Where You Stand?

Mahony’s Lawyers offers free initial consultations to help you understand your options with no obligation.

👉 Book your free consultation now

Let’s Get in Touch

Book Your Free, consultation.

No Obligations.

Let’s get started! Submit your details for an initial consultation, and we’ll reach out to discuss how we can assist with your legal needs.

Our friendly staff will promptly assist you in arranging a consultation at a time that works best for you.