Life can change in an instant. One moment you’re on the road, heading home, and the next, everything you know is turned upside down. For one of our clients in Western Australia, a motor vehicle accident caused catastrophic injuries that will last a lifetime. What followed was a complex legal journey, one that highlighted not only the devastating impact of road accidents but also the importance of having the right motor vehicle accident lawyer in Perth to fight for justice.
When looking at the statistics in 2024 alone, 188 people died on WA roads (114 in regional areas and 74 in the Perth metropolitan area). In that same year, 1,600 people were killed or seriously injured across 1,381 crashes. This is a sobering reminder that road trauma remains one of the most severe threats to life and well-being in our communities.
At Withstand Lawyers, we strive to secure justice for those who are injured on our roads. And for our client in WA, we secured a $6.3 million motor vehicle accident compensation settlement, a result that ensures he has the financial security and support needed to manage lifelong care. This outcome is not just about numbers; it was about dignity, stability, and ensuring that every entitlement available under the law was maximised.
Read on to discover the story behind our client’s case, the challenges navigated, and how having the right lawyer can make all the difference in your WA motor vehicle accident settlement.
What Car Accident Compensation is Available After a Motor Vehicle Accident in WA?
When making a car accident compensation claim in Perth, you may be entitled to claim for:
ambulance transport, hospital, nursing and medical services, scans, medication, equipment hire or purchase, dental services, medical aids, rehabilitation services and other medical expenses
to travel to/from medical appointments relating to your motor vehicle accident;
to assist you with the completion of domestic duties after the car accident
compensation to take into account your reduced future earning capacity as a result of the car accident
If you have suffered injuries in a car accident in Perth, you may also be able to claim compensation for pain and suffering if you meet a minimum threshold. For more information regarding your entitlements, speak with our experienced car accident lawyers in Perth for a free claim assessment. Contact us today to get started.
Our Client's Life-Changing Motor Vehicle Accident in WA
The circumstances of his accident
It was an ordinary day in Western Australia when our client set out on his scooter. Like so many road users, he had no reason to expect that within moments his life would be irreversibly altered. While travelling along Johnston Street in Somerville WA, another driver failed to notice the give way sign at an intersection and turned directly into his path. The impact was devastating, leaving our client with injuries that would not only end his working career but also dramatically alter his daily life.
Sadly, collisions like this are not rare. The statistics show that a significant portion of motor vehicle accidents in WA happen at intersections, where a split-second error can have dramatic consequences. For our client, this crash marked the beginning of a long and difficult road to recovery.
The catastrophic injuries sustained
The accident left our client with a severe spinal cord injury that resulted in paraplegia. He went from being independent and active to relying on a wheelchair for mobility and daily care support.
Beyond the physical impact, the injuries carried emotional and psychological challenges. He now faces struggles with pain, fatigue, and the profound adjustment to a new way of life.
Medical specialists described the injury as “catastrophic,” meaning it would require lifelong treatment, care, and assistance with even the most basic activities. His condition also brought ongoing risks of complications such as infections, respiratory issues, and pressure sores, making the need for proper compensation absolutely critical.
In Western Australia, a catastrophic injury has a specific legal definition under the Motor Vehicle and Workplace Accidents (Catastrophic Injuries) Regulations 2016 (WA). This category includes the most severe, life-altering injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, amputations and severe burns.
Why does this matter? Because once an injury meets the catastrophic threshold:
The injured person is automatically eligible for lifetime treatment, care, and support funded by the Insurance Commission of WA (ICWA).
Compensation amounts are significantly higher, as they must cover lifelong medical needs, loss of income, home modifications, and personal care services.
Proving that an injury is catastrophic gives lawyers stronger leverage in negotiations, making it harder for insurers to downplay the long-term costs.
For our client, this classification was pivotal. His spinal cord injury clearly met the catastrophic criteria, and it played a central role in securing his $6.3 million motor vehicle accident settlement.
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Contact our experienced car accident lawyers today for a free claim assessment to find out what your claim could be worth.
The Legal Journey to Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation
The legal complexities of motor vehicle accident claims
Motor vehicle accident claims are rarely straightforward, especially when they involve catastrophic injuries. In Western Australia, compensation is overseen by the Insurance Commission of WA (ICWA), which acts as the compulsory third-party insurer. While the system is designed to provide support, navigating it can be overwhelming for injured individuals and their families during such difficult times.
Every detail, from medical evidence and expert reports to lifetime care needs and loss of future earnings calculations, must be carefully assessed and presented. The insurer can often challenge the extent of injuries, the projected costs of care, or the capacity to return to work. So without a skilled legal team, many people risk accepting settlements that fall far short of what is required for lifelong security.
How Withstand Lawyers fought for maximum entitlements
At Withstand Lawyers, we knew that this case required more than just legal expertise. It required persistence, compassion, and a commitment to securing the best possible outcome. To build the strongest case, our team engaged a wide network of professionals:
Numerous medical specialists, including neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, rehabilitation physicians, plastic surgeons, and urologists.
General practitioners and senior medical advisors who documented the long-term impact of the injuries.
Occupational therapists who assessed daily care needs, home modifications, and equipment requirements.
Financial and allied health experts who mapped out the lifetime cost of treatment and support.
This breadth of expertise allowed us to present a robust and undeniable picture of our client’s future needs. We fought to ensure that every aspect of his life was accounted for, and through careful negotiation and unwavering advocacy, we secured him a settlement that truly reflected the extent of his accident.
The $6.3 Million Settlement Outcome
What the settlement covered
The $6.3 million settlement was more than just a financial figure, it was recognition of the lifelong impact of the accident. The compensation was carefully structured to cover:
Medical and rehabilitation costs for ongoing specialist treatment, hospital admissions, and therapies.
Lifetime care services, ensuring access to daily personal support, nursing care, and assistance with mobility and household needs.
Aids and equipment, including wheelchairs, home modifications, and specialised devices to improve comfort and independence.
Loss of income and superannuation, acknowledging that the client would never be able to return to his career or earn a sustainable wage in the future.
Psychological support, recognising the emotional toll of living with a catastrophic injury.
This settlement provided our client with stability and dignity, giving him and his family the reassurance that his care and financial needs would be met well into the future.
Why early settlement negotiations can protect clients
Making a successful claim through the courts can take years, often adding unnecessary stress to an already difficult situation. For catastrophically injured clients, waiting for compensation can mean missing out on vital treatments or care when it is needed most.
By negotiating an early settlement, our motor vehicle accident lawyers ensured that our client received the support he needed without the uncertainty of a lengthy trial. Importantly, the settlement reflected the true cost of catastrophic injury compensation in WA, rather than an undervalued figure that might have been offered without strong legal representation.
This case demonstrates a key lesson: engaging an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer early can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim.
If you’re struggling to get the compensation you deserve after an accident, our experienced team of motor vehicle accident lawyers are here to help. Contact us today for a free claim assessment to find out how we can help maximise your claim on a No Win, No Fee basis.
A $250,000 TPD Payout: Another Step Toward Security and Independence
In addition to the $6.3 million motor vehicle accident settlement, our team at Withstand Lawyers also pursued a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claim through our client’s superannuation fund. Our TPD lawyers were successful in securing him a $250,000 TPD payout (from TPD cover that he didn’t even know he had).
For many injured Australians, superannuation can be an overlooked source of financial support. Most workers have TPD insurance automatically included in their super fund, which provides a lump-sum benefit if an injury or illness permanently prevents them from returning to work in their usual occupation, or any other job they have training or experience doing. In our client’s case, this entitlement became another line of support for his long-term care and stability.
How the TPD Claim Was Secured
After the motor vehicle accident, our client’s severe spinal cord injury meant that he would never be able to work again in any job he had education, training or experience in. Despite obvious impact on his ability to work, superannuation insurers still require extensive evidence before accepting a claim, including detailed medical assessments, reports from treating doctors, and clear proof that the claimant is permanently disabled under the policy’s definition.
Withstand Lawyers coordinated the entire process on his behalf. Our legal team:
Reviewed his superannuation policies to confirm the applicable TPD cover and entitlements.
Gathered comprehensive medical reports from treating specialists and independent medical examiners.
Prepared detailed claim submissions addressing each eligibility requirement under the insurer’s policy.
Communicated directly with the insurer to overcome delays, request reviews, and ensure the claim was properly assessed.
Thanks to the attention to detail of our TPD lawyers, the insurer approved the claim without dispute and released a $250,000 TPD payout for our client.
Why Combining TPD and Motor Vehicle Claims Matters
This case highlights how multiple legal avenues can work together to achieve full financial recovery. While the $6.3 million settlement was a fair outcome, the additional TPD claim provided an immediate payout, giving our client flexibility to cover personal costs, mobility equipment, and other essentials that are needed from day one.
At Withstand Lawyers, we look to maximise every avenue of compensation. Our clients access every entitlement available, from motor vehicle accident compensation to TPD insurance and any other benefits within their superannuation or insurances they hold.
If you’re unable to return to work and are unsure whether you have TPD cover through your super fund, our team can help you find out with a free claim assessment. We’ll guide you through the process from start to finish, all on a No Win, No Fee basis.
Why a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer is Essential to Maximise Your Claim
When a motor vehicle accident results in catastrophic injuries (such as spinal cord damage, brain trauma, or severe fractures) the financial and personal consequences are immense. Victims are often left unable to work, facing lifelong medical expenses, and dependent on daily care.
In these situations, the role of a motor vehicle accident lawyer in Perth is critical. A lawyer doesn’t just prepare legal documents, they ensure that every aspect of a client’s future needs is recognised and properly valued. This includes medical treatment, rehabilitation, domestic support, equipment, and even modifications to housing and vehicles.
Without strong representation, it is common for insurers to underestimate the long-term costs of care. An experienced lawyer knows how to bring together medical evidence, expert testimony, and financial analysis to demonstrate the true impact of catastrophic injuries, and to demand fair compensation their clients.
The success of our client’s $6.3 million motor vehicle accident compensation settlement in WA is a clear example of how having the right lawyer changes outcomes.
If you’ve had a claim denied or are struggling with lodging your claim, our experienced team of motor vehicle accident lawyers are here to help. Contact us today for a free claim assessment to find out where you stand after your motor vehicle accident.
How Withstand Lawyers Support Clients Through Recovery
For many clients, a settlement is not the end of the journey, but a beginning of a new chapter. Living with catastrophic injuries requires more than financial resources; it also demands emotional resilience, practical support, and access to ongoing medical care.
At Withstand Lawyers, we recognise that securing compensation is only part of our responsibility. Our role extends to guiding clients through the next stage of their recovery, connecting them with trusted care providers, helping them plan for future expenses, and ensuring they have access to the resources that will improve their quality of life.
We know that no amount of money can truly undo the trauma of a devastating accident. But what it can do is provide a foundation for stability: a safe home, reliable care, and the ability to live with dignity. By focusing on the whole person, not just the legal claim, we ensure our clients feel supported long after their case is resolved.
And because we work on a No Win, No Fee basis, our clients can claim compensation without the stress of upfront legal costs. This means you only pay legal fees if we succeed in winning compensation for you.
Our compassionate, client-focused approach, backed by our true No Win, No Fee cost agreement, is what sets us apart as a leading personal injury law firm in WA.
Not all No Win, No Fee lawyers are equal. Click here to read about what sets us apart from other firms.
Thinking About a Motor Vehicle Accident Claim?
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, the decisions you make in the early stages can shape the rest of your life. Initial settlement offers may appear generous, but they often fail to cover the true cost of lifelong care and lost income. Without the guidance of an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer in Perth, it’s easy to underestimate what you are entitled to.
At Withstand Lawyers, we are committed to standing by our clients through every stage of the journey. Our proven track record, including a $6.3 million motor vehicle accident compensation settlement in WA, shows how we fight tirelessly to maximise entitlements and secure justice for those whose lives have been turned upside down.
If you’re considering a motor vehicle accident claim, don’t leave your future to chance. Reach out to our experienced team at Withstand Lawyers today and discover how the right legal team can protect your rights and your future.
Issa Rabaya
• Bachelor of Laws
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
• Approved Legal Service Provider to the Work Cover Independent Review Office
• Member of the Law Society
Frequently Asked Questions about Car Accident Compensation in Perth (FAQs)
In Perth, the amount of compensation you can receive for a car accident claim varies depending on the specific circumstances of your claim. Of course, every case is different, and there is no set amount of compensation that is guaranteed.
Generally however, compensation amounts in Perth can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars (to even millions in some circumstances). The more severe and impacting the injuries and losses, the higher the compensation is likely to be.
Under the Motor Vehicle and Workplace Accidents (Catastrophic Injuries) Regulations 2016 (WA), catastrophic injuries include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, severe burns, and permanent blindness. These injuries entitle victims to lifetime treatment, care, and support funded by the Insurance Commission of WA (ICWA).
If you were partly at fault in a car accident, it could affect the amount of compensation you receive. In Perth, the compensation will be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you’re found to be 25% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 25%.
Even if you were partly at fault, you may still be entitled to some compensation.
It’s best to speak with a lawyer who is experienced in car accident claims to understand your entitlements and how to maximise your compensation. Call our experienced Perth car accident lawyer on 1800 952 898.
In Perth, not wearing a seatbelt doesn’t automatically mean you can’t claim compensation however how much compensation you receive may be impacted or reduced. The ICWA may argue that your injuries would not have been as severe had you been wearing a seatbelt and as such apply a deduction of liability.
In Western Australia, the time limit for starting a motor vehicle accident claim is three years from the date of the accident. However, there can be important exceptions, for example children and people with certain disabilities may have longer to claim.
It’s always best to get legal advice as soon as possible, because delays can affect your ability to collect evidence and maximise your compensation.
A lawyer ensures all future care, income loss, and medical needs are included in your claim. In catastrophic cases, having an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer in Perth can mean the difference between financial struggle and securing the support you need for life.
