It’s a situation many Australians fear but few are truly prepared for. You’re driving along a quiet NSW road, perhaps just after sunset, when something suddenly darts into your headlights. In the blink of an eye, you hit the brakes, but it’s too late. You’ve hit a kangaroo with your car.
A kangaroo car accident is more than just a surprise. It can leave you rattled, confused and unsure of what to do next. Whether the damage is minor or your vehicle is no longer drivable, the experience of a kangaroo hit by car can be both distressing and disruptive. If you’ve been injured or if the crash occurred while driving for work, the legal and insurance questions that follow can feel even more overwhelming.
In this guide we’ll explain your legal rights after an injury from hitting a kangaroo in your car, motorcycle or truck, and how the team at Withstand Lawyers can support you in claiming the compensation you are entitled to on a No Win No Fee basis.
Kangaroo Car Accidents in NSW
How Often Do Kangaroo Collisions Happen in Australia?
Kangaroo collisions are not a rare occurrence in Australia. In fact, they are one of the most common types of animal-related road accidents across the country. According to national road safety statistics, tens of thousands of kangaroo car accidents are reported each year, with the highest number recorded in the early morning or late evening when kangaroos are most active. Nine out of ten animal collisions on Australian roads involve kangaroos.
In NSW, regional highways and rural roads are hotspots for these incidents. Cars, motorcycles and trucks are all at risk of colliding with kangaroos and other wildlife in these areas. For drivers and passengers, especially those who commute long distances or travel through wildlife-heavy areas for work, the risk of hitting a kangaroo is a very real concern.
Insurance companies regularly receive claims related to kangaroo impacts, making it a known and recognised road safety issue.
Why Kangaroo Accidents Are Most Common in Regional and Rural NSW
The risk of hitting a kangaroo increases significantly in regional and rural parts of NSW. This is because these areas offer natural habitats for kangaroos, with open land, minimal fencing and fewer urban barriers to restrict their movement. As kangaroos travel in search of food or water, they often cross busy roads, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Roads with high speed limits and limited street lighting only increase the danger. In remote areas where emergency assistance may not be readily available, a kangaroo hit by car can lead to more serious consequences, including injury to the driver or passengers, vehicle damage and even secondary accidents. Car and truck accidents across these long and isolated stretches of road are not uncommon.
Understanding where and why these animal collisions occur is the first step in staying safe and being prepared. But when a kangaroo collision happens, especially if it leads to injury or work disruption, it’s just as important to understand your legal rights and your options for support.
If you’ve been involved in a car or truck accident with a kangaroo, our dedicated team of motor vehicle accident lawyers can explain your rights in simple terms. Contact us today for a free claim check so you know where you stand after a collision involving a kangaroo.
Is Hitting a Kangaroo Considered a Car Accident for Insurance Purposes?
In most cases, hitting a kangaroo is treated as a single-vehicle accident by insurers. While it may not involve another driver, it is still considered a legitimate car accident in the eyes of your insurance provider. If you hold comprehensive car insurance, damage caused by a kangaroo collision is usually covered under your policy.
Can You Claim Insurance for a Kangaroo Collision in NSW?
Yes, you can claim insurance for a kangaroo collision in NSW, but the type of insurance you have will determine what compensation you are eligible for. Comprehensive car insurance often includes cover for accidental damage involving animals like kangaroos. This may cover vehicle repairs, towing and related costs.
If you’ve been injured in the collision, you may make a compensation claim under the NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme. CTP insurance covers injuries to people, not property, and you may be eligible for medical expenses, lost income and other support depending on the severity of the injury and the circumstances of the crash.
Even in an accident involving only a single car, such as a kangaroo collision, you are entitled to make a claim against the Green Slip insurer of the vehicle you were driving.
Making a CTP Claim for Injuries Caused by a Kangaroo Car Crash
In NSW, the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme provides compensation for people injured in motor vehicle accidents, even if the accident involved no other drivers. If you are injured in a kangaroo car accident, you may be entitled to make a CTP claim for medical treatment, rehabilitation and loss of income.
To qualify, the accident must be reported to the police and a claim must be lodged with the CTP insurer of the vehicle you were driving. The process can be complex, which is why many people choose to seek legal support early on. Our team of car accident lawyers can simplify the process and act on your behalf, so you can rest assured you are getting the compensation you deserve.
Your entitlements after a kangaroo car accident depend on two key factors: how the accident occurred and the severity of your injuries.
Compensation if the Accident Was Not Your Fault
If you were not mostly at fault and sustained a significant injury such as:
then you may be entitled to more than just your basic benefits. In addition to lost income and medical expenses, you could be eligible for a lump sum compensation payout for the long-term impact of your injuries. This is especially important if your ability to work or enjoy your daily life has been seriously affected.
Limited Entitlements if the Accident Was Mostly Your Fault
If you were mostly at fault, or your injury is assessed as soft tissue only without a psychological diagnosis, you may still be eligible for up to 12 months of income support and medical expense coverage. However, you would not qualify for a lump sum payout in this situation.
Not sure where your injury fits or what you’re entitled to? Our experienced car accident lawyers can review your situation during a free claim check and quickly determine your eligibility for compensation. We’ll give you clear, honest advice so you know exactly where you stand.
Your Compensation Entitlements After a Kangaroo Car Accident
Here’s a breakdown of what you may be entitled to after a kangaroo related car accident:
✅Medical Expenses
You can claim the cost of reasonable and necessary treatment including hospital care, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, medications and other accident-related health services.
✅Income Support Payments
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can receive payments to help replace lost wages while you recover.
✅Paid Domestic and Personal Care
If you require help at home—such as assistance with cleaning, cooking or personal hygiene—you may be entitled to support services during your recovery.
✅Lump Sum Compensation Payout
This is a one-off payout available to those who have suffered significant injuries, and it includes:
Economic Loss: Covers your current and future lost income, and may also account for missed opportunities, like a side business that hadn’t yet become profitable or a position that you planned to reach in your career.
Non-Economic Loss: Compensation for pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. To qualify, your injuries must exceed a 10% whole person impairment (WPI) threshold. Click here to read more about whole person impairment assessment and find out which injuries may meet the threshold for a lump sum compensation claim.
The maximum amount for non-economic loss currently sits at $654,000, though the exact amount you may receive depends on your level of impairment, your age and the impact the injury has on your life.
If you’re unsure whether you meet the threshold, our lawyers can refer your case to the appropriate medical experts for assessment. We simplify the claims process, so you can focus on your recovery after an accident. Contact us today for a free claim assessment so you can move forward with confidence, knowing your rights.
Workers Compensation Entitlements After Hitting a Kangaroo While Working
If you were injured in a car accident involving a kangaroo while carrying out work duties, such as delivering goods, travelling between job sites, or performing mobile services, you may be entitled to workers compensation under NSW law.
Workers compensation is a no fault system designed to support employees injured in the course of their employment, even if the injury occurred while driving and involved no other vehicles.
Your Entitlements After a Kangaroo Car Accident While Working
✅Weekly Payments for Lost Wages
If your injury from a collision with a kangaroo stops you from working, you can receive income support to help replace your lost wages.
First 13 weeks: You can receive up to 95% of your pre-injury average weekly earnings.
Weeks 14–260: Payments may continue at up to 80%, depending on your capacity to return to some form of work (95% if you can work 15+ hours)
Beyond 260 weeks: Payments can continue if you’ve been assessed with a Whole Person Impairment (WPI) of over 20%
✅Medical and Treatment Expenses
This covers all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your injury. It may include GP visits, hospital stays, medication, surgery, physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, counselling and psychological care.
✅Rehabilitation Support
You may be entitled to vocational and physical rehabilitation services to assist in your recovery and return to work.
✅Travel Expenses
Reimbursement for the cost of travelling to and from medical appointments may also be included in your entitlements.
✅Domestic Assistance
If your injury leaves you unable to carry out everyday tasks, you may be eligible for help with personal care and household duties such as cleaning and cooking.
✅Permanent Impairment Compensation
If your injury results in long-term or permanent disability, you may be entitled to a lump sum payment and a work injury damages claim. This is based on the degree of permanent impairment as assessed by a qualified medical expert.
To qualify for a lump sum payment:
Physical injuries must meet a minimum 11% WPI threshold (or 1% for exempt workers)
Psychological injuries must reach 15% WPI threshold
🔍 Click here to learn more about workers compensation claims.
Not sure if your injuries qualify? Contact our experienced team of workers compensation lawyers for a free claim assessment. We’ll talk you through the claims process and your entitlements in simple terms so you know where you stand.
TPD Claims When a Kangaroo Car Accident Leaves You Unable to Work
If a kangaroo car accident causes serious injuries that prevent you from returning to work in a job you have training or experience in, you may be entitled to a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claim through your superannuation fund. This type of claim provides a one-off lump sum payment to help you manage financially when your ability to earn an income is lost due to injury or illness.
A TPD claim is separate from both workers compensation and CTP claims, and can be made at the same time without affecting other entitlements. It’s paid through your super fund and is not limited by who was at fault for the accident. Most working Aussies already have some form of TPD cover, and our team of TPD lawyers can help you find out how much you could claim.
Who Can Make a TPD Claim?
To be eligible to make a TPD claim after hitting a kangaroo while driving, you generally must meet the following conditions:
You had active TPD cover at the time of the car accident
Your injury has resulted in you being unable to return to your usual job or any other job that matches your education, training or experience.
Your treating doctors confirm your condition is permanent
Unsure if you qualify? Our team of TPD lawyers can provide you with a free claim assessment, so you know what your payout could be worth. We can handle everything on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any upfront costs to make a claim.
Joseph, a 36-year-old fire technician from regional New South Wales, spent most of his working life on the road. His days were long and physically demanding: loading equipment, inspecting systems, and travelling between job sites on the road. One late afternoon, while driving to his final job for the day, a kangaroo jumped in front of his van. Joseph struck it head-on with no time to avoid the impact.
The van was a write-off, but Joseph considered himself lucky to walk away from the accident. The following morning however, the pain had set in. His shoulder was stiff, his neck sore, and he began experiencing intense lower back pain. A visit to the doctor confirmed a rotator cuff tear, whiplash injuries, and a lumbar disc injury. He was prescribed time off work, referred to specialists and began a long journey of rehabilitation.
As a fire technician, Joseph relied on his physical strength and mobility. Now, even simple tasks were a struggle. He was placed on modified duties but couldn’t perform the essential parts of his job. His hours were cut, and so was his income. Concerned about how he’d support himself long-term, Joseph contacted Withstand Lawyers for a free claim check.
We identified that he was entitled to workers compensation and helped him access weekly income support payments, medical treatment expenses, and rehabilitation services to support his recovery. Over time, as his injuries failed to improve significantly, Joseph underwent a permanent impairment assessment. His rating met the 15% WPI threshold, allowing him to pursue a lump sum compensation payout, which resulted in a $385,000 settlement for permanent impairment and economic loss.
But Joseph’s story didn’t end there.
After assessing his long-term prospects, it became clear he would never return to full-time work as a fire technician. The constant driving, physical strain and high-risk nature of the role were no longer sustainable given his injuries. That’s when Withstand Lawyers guided him through the process of lodging a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claim through his superannuation fund.
With our help, Joseph successfully secured a TPD lump sum payment of $261,500. This one-off payout provided him with long-term financial stability and allowed him to start planning for a new future beyond his former trade.
Steps to Take After Hitting a Kangaroo in Your Car
A kangaroo car accident can happen in an instant, especially on rural or regional roads in NSW. While it’s natural to feel shaken, knowing what steps to take immediately after hitting a kangaroo can protect both your safety and your legal rights.
Here’s what you should do if you’ve been involved in a car accident with a kangaroo:
As soon as it’s safe, pull over to the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights and assess your surroundings. Stay inside your vehicle if the road is busy or conditions are dangerous.
Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if you feel okay, some injuries like whiplash or internal bruising may take hours or days to appear. If anyone is injured, call 000 for emergency assistance.
In NSW, it’s necessary to report the accident to police. Police will provide you with an event number which is essential if you plan to make a CTP insurance claim.
If you were travelling for work at the time of the accident, you must notify your employer as soon as possible. You may be eligible for workers compensation, even if the accident involved wildlife and not another vehicle.
You should also contact a local wildlife rescue service such as WIRES on 1300 094 737 if the kangaroo is injured as a result of the collision.
When possible, take photos of:
Vehicle damage
The location of the accident
Injuries (if any)
The kangaroo (from a safe distance if visible at the scene of the accident)
This evidence can support your insurance or legal claim later.
Even if your injuries feel minor, always see a GP or visit a hospital. Not all injuries are obvious, and early documentation of your condition is important for both recovery and potential compensation claims.
Inform your own insurance company about the incident. However, avoid making formal statements or accepting liability without legal advice.
The most important step after hitting a kangaroo? Speak with experienced motor vehicle accident lawyers. At Withstand Lawyers, we help you understand your rights, lodge your CTP claim correctly, and negotiate with insurers to secure the maximum compensation you’re entitled to, all on a No Win No Fee basis.
Why Choose Withstand Lawyers For a Kangaroo Car Accident Claim?
Navigating the aftermath of a kangaroo car accident can be stressful, especially when injuries, insurance claims, and lost income are involved. But that’s where Withstand Lawyers comes in.
We’re a dedicated team of personal injury lawyers with deep expertise in motor vehicle accidents, workers compensation, and TPD claims across NSW. When you choose us, you’re choosing a firm that puts your recovery and financial security first.
Here’s why injured Australians trust Withstand Lawyers:
✅ Decades of Personal Injury Experience
We focus exclusively on personal injury claims, which means we know the ins and outs of NSW law and how to maximise your entitlements.
✅ No Win No Fee Guarantee
You don’t pay us unless we win your case. It’s that simple. There are no upfront costs or surprise legal fees.
✅ Free Claim Assessment
Unsure if you have a claim? Our free claim assessment gives you fast, no-obligation advice on your rights and options.
✅ We Handle Everything for You
From paperwork and insurer negotiations to medical assessments and court representation if needed, we take care of the entire legal process so you can focus on healing.
✅ Personalised, Compassionate Support
We treat every case with care. You’re not just another file on the desk. We’ll guide you through every step with clarity and respect.
If you or your passengers have been injured after a car accident involving a kangaroo or other wildlife, contact our team of car accident lawyers today on 1800 952 898 for a free claim check and discover what you could be entitled to claim.
Issa Rabaya
• Bachelor of Laws
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
• Approved Legal Service Provider to the Independent Review Office
• Member of the Law Society
Issa Rabaya
• Bachelor of Laws
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
• Approved Legal Service Provider to the Independent Review Office
• Member of the Law Society
Kangaroo Car Accident FAQ's
It depends on what insurance you have. CTP insurance is mandatory for all vehicles on NSW roads, but it only covers people, not property damage.
If you have comprehensive car insurance however, this typically includes cover for animal-related damage.
To access income support payments and medical expenses from the date of your car accident involving a kangaroo, you must submit an Application for Personal Injury Benefits within 28 days of the incident.
If it’s been more than 3 months since your accident, you will still be able to make a claim, and depending on the reasons you will be required to provide, to explain the delay, it may still be accepted. Contact our team of experienced car accident lawyers so you know what options are available.
Our experienced team of lawyers work on a No Win No Fee basis, which means you do not pay for our legal costs unless you receive compensation. The legal fees we charge will be clearly outlined during your free claim assessment and are only payable if your claim is successful.
Yes. If the accident occurred during the course of your employment, such as driving between jobs or making deliveries, you may be entitled to workers compensation. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and lump sum compensation for permanent impairment.
Yes, you can but the extent of compensation benefits may be less if you are wholly or mostly at fault. If the accident was wholly your fault, you are still entitled to claim medical expenses and income support payments for time off work for the first 12 months.
Yes. A TPD claim is a separate claim through your super fund and can be made at the same time as a CTP claim if you meet the eligibility requirements outlined in your TPD policy.
If you are unsure whether you had active TPD cover at the time of the accident, our team of TPD lawyers can assist. Contact us for a free claim assessment today.
