When you are injured in a car accident, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be overwhelming. Many people do not realise how complex these claims can be — and how often insurers minimise the true impact of the injury.
At Lopes Legal, we recently achieved a significant victory for an injured worker whose life changed after a motor vehicle accident caused by a driver who ran a red light. Although the insurer initially treated the case as “minor”, we proved otherwise. The Personal Injury Commission ultimately awarded $549,059.60 in compensation.
This case is a strong example of how legal expertise in CTP car accident claims can completely change the outcome.
The Car Accident That Changed Everything
In September 2021, our client was riding her electric scooter across a green pedestrian light in Woolloomooloo when a driver in a 4WD failed to stop at a red light and collided with her. The force of the impact threw her onto the roadway.
She suffered several injuries — the most serious being a fractured wrist on her dominant hand, an injury that would later affect her ability to work and to care for her young child. Evidence in her statement shows how the pain, stiffness, and reduced strength affected her day-to-day life.
2023-01-11 Statement of Claudia…
This was not just an injury. It was a complete disruption to her livelihood.
Why the Insurer Thought the Case Was Worth Very Little
Under the NSW CTP scheme, compensation for pain and suffering is only available if an injured person exceeds 10% Whole Person Impairment (WPI). Because her WPI was below the threshold:
- She was not eligible for pain and suffering
- The insurer labelled the case “low-value”
- They made a very small offer
But many injured people are unaware that you can still receive substantial compensation for lost wages and loss of future earning capacity, even when you do not meet the pain-and-suffering threshold.
This is where having a specialist in car accident claims makes all the difference.
Building a Strong Car Accident Case
We refused to accept the insurer’s assessment and instead gathered every piece of evidence needed to show the full impact of the car accident:
Witness statements, including from her employer
These confirmed she lost a real opportunity for promotion, strengthening the claim for future economic loss.
Medical evidence from treating doctors and specialists
Reports confirmed ongoing pain, stiffness, and long-term functional limitations in her dominant hand.
Vocational and financial evidence
Her work as a cleaner and supervisor required repetitive, heavy use of her hands. After the accident, she struggled to return to the same level of duties and income. Her statement made this starkly clear.
2023-01-11 Statement of Claudia…
Evidence of long-term impact
We demonstrated that the accident had changed her entire earning trajectory — from potential promotions to future full-time stability.
Because of this work, we were confident to take the case to a full hearing before PIC Member Terrence Broomfield.
The Result: Over Half a Million Dollars Secured
The Personal Injury Commission awarded:
- $501,252
- plus $47,807.60
Totaling $549,059.60.
This award recognised:
- Her past lost wages
- Her substantial future loss of earning capacity
- The long-term consequences of the car accident on her working life
This outcome was far beyond what the insurer initially offered.
Why This Matters for Anyone Injured in a Car Accident
This win highlights several important truths:
1. Car accident injuries can be life-changing — even if they seem “minor” at first.
A fracture to the dominant hand can affect your ability to work, earn, and live independently.
2. You do NOT need to exceed 10% WPI to receive significant compensation.
Economic loss claims can be extremely valuable when properly prepared.
3. Specialist legal representation transforms outcomes.
Without strong advocacy, insurers often offer far less than a claim is worth.
4. Taking a claim to hearing can deliver justice.
We regularly take matters before the Personal Injury Commission when necessary — and we know how to win them.
If You Were Injured in a Car Accident, We Can Help
Whether you were a pedestrian, cyclist, scooter rider, passenger, or driver — if you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation even if the insurer says the case is small.
This result shows what is possible with the right legal team behind you.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, contact Lopes Legal today for a confidential consultation.
We fight for fair outcomes — especially when the insurer says your case is worth little.
