Highlights
- Prioritise your safety and reporting the incident to the police.
- Insurance will cover your medical expenses, rehabilitation and future financial loss.
- If you were on you way to work, you might be covered by workers compensation and/or journey cover.
'May PERAan' is SBS Filipino's podcast series which features financial experts seeking to answer the most common questions about money and finances.
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"For Filipinos who are new to Australia, be careful when on the road. Roads here are the opposite of what we're used to," insurance adviser Richard Labrador.
If you get into accident while walking or crossing the street or, you become a victim of a hit-and-run, Richard gives advice on what you should do next.
Insurance doesn't cover criminal acts
Richard explains that when a road accident occurs, people will typically stop to help.
"A hit-and-run is a criminal act, like driving without a license or drink driving. If you commit a criminal act, you are not covered by insurance.
"In New South Wales, before you register your car, you need a compulsory third-party insurance or CTP Green Slip. Rules will differ from state to state. Some registrations come with insurance, some don't. Check what applies to you."
If you're the victim
Richard says that you should prioritise your safety if you're a victim of a hit-and-run.
"Call 000. Ask for an ambulance and go to the hospital.
"You also need to report it to the police.
"Take photos, gather witnesses and take notes of where and how it happened. CCTV cameras might have captured the incident."
Richard shares that your insurace will cover medical bills, rehabilitation and future financial loss.
"It's important to get the registration of the car that hit you, if possible."
If you were on your way to work
"If you get into an accident at work or on your way to work, it's a different kind of insurance.
"Depending on the situation, you can be covered by workers compensation or journey cover."
In the past, workers compensation covered a person's journey from the home to the workplace. The two covers are now separate. Richard shares that it's important to check with your employer about this.
"If you weren't able to get the registration of the car that hit you and you experience loss of income because you can't go to work, talk with a financial adviser. You might have income protection cover. Ask for the help you can get."
Disclaimer: The information in this article serves only as a guide. For additional information regarding your particular issue or situation, consult with legal, financial and/or tax experts.
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