Free, no-obligation first consultation. No win, no fee, with legal fees charged only if the claim succeeds. The firm says the at-fault insurer usually contributes to legal costs, and explains this at the first interview
Office
198 Grange Road, Flinders Park SA 5025
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Paul Alvaro Lawyers is a western suburbs injury firm on Grange Road at Flinders Park, with a Salisbury office by appointment. Paul Alvaro has run injury claims since 1979 and set up the firm in 2003. The firm says Doyle's Guide rates him preeminent for car accident claims, and that it has settled more than 8,000 injury claims. It takes over CTP claims the insurer has denied or delayed, and advises on the Lifetime Support Scheme. The firm says clients deal with a senior lawyer. The first consultation is free, and claims run on a no win, no fee basis.
Founded in 2003
Also worth knowing
It takes over CTP claims that the insurer has denied or delayed.
Confidential, no-obligation discussion by phone or online. No win, no fee for car accident claims, with no upfront legal fees and fees payable only once the claim is resolved
Office
76 Light Square, Adelaide SA 5000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Tindall Gask Bentley is a large Adelaide firm based on Light Square, with more than a dozen other offices around SA. It says it has the biggest personal injury team in the state. Its car accident work covers CTP claims for car occupants, motorcyclists, bus and truck passengers, pedestrians and cyclists. Partner Toni Emanuele is named on the firm's guide to SA motor accident claims, which sets out the ISV points needed for each type of damages. It suits people with serious claims who want a deep team. Claims are no win, no fee, with nothing upfront.
The firm says it has more than 50 years of history
Also worth knowing
Has 14 South Australian offices, from Norwood and Salisbury to Port Lincoln and Whyalla.
Lawyers
Tim White, Managing Partner
Toni Emanuele, Partner, named on the firm's SA motor accident guide
Olla Kutieleh, Partner
Barney Gask, Partner
Lianna Ferraro, Partner
Dimitra Bouras, Partner
Michael King, Senior Lawyer
Peter Milte, Senior Lawyer
Simon Newman, Senior Lawyer
Areas of car accident law handled
CTP claims
Motorcycle accident claims
Pedestrian and cyclist claims
Hit and run claims
General damages claims
Loss of income claims
Future medical and care costs
Voluntary care claims
Loss of consortium claims
Office
76 Light Square, Adelaide SA 5000
Other details
Other offices
Norwood, Reynella, Salisbury, Gawler, Semaphore, Mount Barker, Murray Bridge, Mannum, Port Lincoln and Whyalla in SA, plus interstate offices
Free, no-obligation first interview by phone or in person. No win, no fee for most claims, conditions apply. The firm says it explains costs upfront and that insurers often cover a good part of the legal fees
Office
69 Franklin St, Adelaide SA 5000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Andersons is a long-running full service firm on Franklin Street, with five more offices from Port Adelaide to Murray Bridge. Its injury team, led by partner Matthew Fuss, runs CTP claims for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorbike riders, plus Lifetime Support Scheme matters. The firm publishes guides on claims after a fatal crash, interim payments for financial hardship and claims where the other vehicle can't be identified. It suits people with brain or spinal injuries. The first interview is free, and most claims run on a no win, no fee basis.
The firm says it has served South Australians for over 50 years
Also worth knowing
Six offices, from the CBD to Morphett Vale, Murray Bridge and the Barossa.
Lawyers
Matthew Fuss, Partner, heads the civil law team
Francisco De Sousa, Special Counsel
Simon Flower, Special Counsel
Julie Brownett, Consultant
Alisha Testa, Senior Associate
Julia Arena, Senior Associate
Melissa Paradiso, Senior Associate
Elena-Marie Aloi, Associate
Ryan North, Associate
Areas of car accident law handled
CTP claims
Motorbike and cycling accident claims
Pedestrian claims
Lifetime Support Scheme matters
Brain and spinal injury claims
Nominal Defendant claims
Dependency claims after a fatal crash
Interim payment requests
Claims for injured children
Office
69 Franklin St, Adelaide SA 5000
Other details
Other offices
Morphett Vale, Murray Bridge, Nuriootpa, Port Adelaide and Woodville
Free initial case assessment and free, no-obligation consultation. No win, no fee. The firm says it discusses fees openly to avoid surprises
Office
Suite 2, Level 1, 395 Payneham Road, Marden SA 5070
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
C+F Lawyers is an injury-only firm on Payneham Road at Marden, founded by managing partner Roberto Clemente, who has run litigation since 1996. The firm says Doyle's Guide has listed him as a leading SA car accident lawyer every year since 2015. Christian Finocchio has done injury work since 2007, and partners Kirstine Ashworth and Natasha Budimski complete the senior team. It runs CTP claims and Nominal Defendant claims for hit and run or unregistered vehicles. It suits people who want a small specialist team. The first case assessment is free, and the firm offers no win, no fee.
Also worth knowing
The firm cites more than 65 years of combined experience.
Lawyers
Roberto Clemente, Managing Partner and founder
Kirstine Ashworth, Partner
Natasha Budimski, Partner
Christian Finocchio, Lawyer, personal injury litigation since 2007
Kate Jolly, Lawyer
Areas of car accident law handled
CTP claims
Nominal Defendant claims
Hit and run claims
Loss of earnings and superannuation claims
Non-economic loss claims
Future care and medical expenses
Mental harm claims
Loss of consortium claims
CTP claim form help
Office
Suite 2, Level 1, 395 Payneham Road, Marden SA 5070
Free, no-obligation first consultation, with no charge if there is no case. No win, no fee for most claims
Office
Level 5, 28-30 Grenfell Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
PMN Lawyers, short for Palios Meegan Nicholson, is a compensation-only firm on Grenfell Street that has acted for injured people since 1982 and never for insurers, it says. Managing partner Julia Palios runs its car accident and work injury claims. The firm lodges the CTP claim, gathers the medical evidence and deals with the insurer, whether you were in a car, on a motorbike or on a bike. A Mount Gambier office covers the South East. It suits people who want a partner on the file. The first consultation is free, and most claims are no win, no fee.
Founded in 1982
Also worth knowing
Has a Mount Gambier office for clients in the South East.
Lawyers
Julia Palios, Managing Partner, car accident and work injury claims
Peter Palios, Founding Partner
Andrew Nicholson, Partner, personal injury, workers compensation and medical negligence
Free online claim check and free first chat by phone or in person. No win, no fee for most claims. Contact available outside business hours, any day of the week
Office
375 King William Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
MKF Lawyers is an injury-only firm on King William Street, run by managing director Matt DeGregorio with directors Katie Sajatovic and Floyd Bakewell. Principal Fiona Campbell focuses on serious car accident and medical negligence claims. The firm says Doyle's Guide named it a recommended motor vehicle accident firm in 2022. It acts for drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians, and for families after fatal crashes. It suits people who want to reach a lawyer by text or video. The claim check and first chat are free, with no win, no fee for most claims.
Also worth knowing
New enquiries are taken any day of the week, by phone, text, video or email.
Lawyers
Matt DeGregorio, Managing Director
Katie Sajatovic, Director
Floyd Bakewell, Director
Fiona Campbell, Principal, serious car accident and medical negligence claims
Free, no-obligation phone call, free 15 minute callback, or free half hour interview. Rather than no win, no fee, the firm defers its normal fees to the end of the case on matters it takes, with no uplift. Costs explained from the start. Home and hospital visits available
Office
22 Waymouth St, Adelaide SA 5000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Moloney & Partners has worked from Waymouth Street since 1988, with a second office on Salisbury Highway. It says it has more than 30 years of car crash claims behind it, and serious injury claims are a particular focus. Guy Maegraith, in practice since 1986, handles car accident work, with Peter Moloney on serious injury claims. It suits people who want advice before dealing with the CTP insurer. A phone chat or half hour interview is free. Rather than no win, no fee, the firm says it defers its normal fees to the end of the case, with no uplift.
Opened in 1988
Also worth knowing
Defers its normal fees to the end of the case with no uplift.
Lawyers
The firm gives all its lawyers the title Associate.
Guy Maegraith, Associate, car accident and personal injury
Peter Moloney, Associate, started the firm; personal injury and WorkCover
Ian Milsom, Associate, personal injury, WorkCover, Comcare and asbestos
Martin Hynes, Associate, personal injury and WorkCover
Nishara Perera, Associate, personal injury and WorkCover
Free, no-obligation first consultation and case assessment, followed by a written offer. No win, no fee for SA personal injury claims, with investigation costs not charged unless the claim succeeds (conditions apply). Home or hospital visits
Office
Level 9, 60 Waymouth Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Turner Freeman is a national compensation firm with an Adelaide office on Waymouth Street and a southern suburbs office at Aberfoyle Park. Partner Alice Church leads its local car accident work, with three senior associates and a lawyer listed for motor vehicle claims. It acts for drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians, and for dependants after a fatal crash. The firm says its lawyers will visit you at home or in hospital, and that you get a written offer setting out your options after the first meeting. The first consultation is free, and SA injury claims run on a no win, no fee basis.
The firm says it has helped Australians for more than 70 years
Also worth knowing
Offices on Waymouth Street and at Aberfoyle Park.
Lawyers
Lawyers the firm lists for motor vehicle claims in Adelaide.
Alice Church, Partner, car accident, medical negligence, public liability and work injury
Sophie Perkins, Senior Associate
James Adams, Senior Associate
Teresa Tripodi, Senior Associate
Dimitri Ntafillis, Lawyer
Areas of car accident law handled
CTP claims
Passenger claims, including public transport
Pedestrian and cyclist claims
Fatal accident and dependency claims
Loss of earnings claims
Medical and rehabilitation costs
Care and assistance claims
Settlement conference representation
Office
Level 9, 60 Waymouth Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Other details
Other offices
Aberfoyle Park and Whyalla in SA, plus offices in other states
Lindbloms is an Unley firm on King William Road that has practised in Adelaide since the 1990s, covering family law, wills and property as well as injury claims. Partner Tiffany Laslett has acted for injured people for over 25 years in WA, Queensland and SA, and the firm says Doyle's Guide recommends her for accident compensation. It takes CTP claims for car, truck, motorbike and bicycle accidents and pedestrians, and publishes case studies on brain injury and car crash settlements. It suits people who want one local firm for other family matters too. The first 30 minutes are free.
The firm says it has served Adelaide since the 1990s
Also worth knowing
The first 30 minutes of an enquiry are free.
Lawyers
Lawyers the firm names for motor vehicle accident claims.
Martin Faull, Principal
Tiffany Laslett, Partner, personal injury and medical negligence
Obligation-free first consultation by phone, online or at the office. No win, no fee (conditions apply), with disbursements such as medical reports possibly payable
Office
Ground Floor, 25 Franklin St, Adelaide SA 5000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Shine Lawyers is a national compensation firm with a ground floor office on Franklin Street. Its injury work for WA, SA and the NT is led from Adelaide by special counsel Nicholas Kitchin, and special counsel Dionne Franklin has built her SA injury practice since 2011. Car accident claims sit alongside work injury, public liability and abuse claims, and the firm's national pages cover fatal crashes and uninsured drivers. Interpreters are offered from the first call. It suits people who want a large firm with national backing. The first consultation is obligation-free, and most work is no win, no fee.
Also worth knowing
Wheelchair accessible CBD office near the Victoria Square tram stop.
Lawyers
Nicholas Kitchin, Head of Personal Injury WA, SA and NT, Special Counsel
Dionne Franklin, Special Counsel
Toya Nguyen, Special Counsel
Rebecca Geyer, Legal Practice Manager and Special Counsel
Firm details come from each firm's own website. Google ratings are shown as published on Google and don't set the order. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Not sure which firm suits you?
Tell us a little about your matter and we'll put you in touch with a Adelaide car accident lawyer. It's free and there's no obligation.
How we compiled this list
We include firms with an Adelaide area office that handle car accident and CTP claims as a main part of their practice. For each firm we read its own website in October 2026 and wrote the description ourselves. The Law Society of South Australia doesn't accredit personal injury specialists, and we don't describe anyone as one. Free consultations, no win, no fee terms and deferred fees are as each firm describes them, so confirm them in your costs agreement. We show Google ratings with the date we checked them.
Firms can pay for a featured listing on some of our pages, which affects where they appear. No firm on this page pays. Payment doesn't buy the write-up. We write those ourselves, and firms don't get to edit them. If something here is out of date, let us know. There's more detail on how we rank law firms.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules, time limits and amounts are as published by the CTP Regulator, the Legal Services Commission of South Australia, the Courts Administration Authority and in South Australian legislation in October 2026.
After a crash in Adelaide: getting the claim started
A CTP claim in South Australia starts with one form, the injury claim form, sent to the right insurer. Most of the early work is collecting what that form asks for.
See a doctor. Get treatment, and ask for a medical certificate. You'll need one for the claim
Note your SAPOL report number. The insurer will ask for it, along with details of the accident and the other vehicle
Find the right insurer. You claim from the CTP insurer of the vehicle that caused the crash. Since 1 July 2019 owners pick their own insurer when they register, so it may not be the one on your own registration. If the other vehicle was registered interstate, use the SA claim form and send it to that vehicle's CTP insurer
Gather the rest. Photo ID, proof of the income you've lost, and receipts for what you've paid out
Lodge within 6 months. If you're later than that, you'll need to give the insurer a reason for the delay, such as being too unwell or not knowing you could claim
If the other car was unknown or unregistered. You can still claim. Send the claim form to the CTP Regulator, which passes it to an insurer to manage the claim. If the vehicle can't be identified, lodge as soon as reasonably practicable after that becomes clear.
You don't need a lawyer to lodge or manage a CTP claim, and you can get advice at any stage. The CTP Regulator answers questions on 1300 303 558.
Who the SA scheme covers, and where fault comes in
South Australia's CTP scheme is fault based. A claim is generally accepted if the accident was caused by a South Australian vehicle, someone other than you was at least partly responsible, and the accident happened less than three years ago.
Passengers, pedestrians and other road users: the test is the same. What matters is that a South Australian vehicle caused the crash and someone else was at least partly to blame
If you were partly at fault: you can still claim, but your damages can be reduced
Children under 16: covered for necessary and reasonable treatment, care and support even if they caused the accident. Compensation such as damages for pain and suffering generally depends on someone else being at fault
If nobody else was responsible: a CTP claim generally won't be accepted, though the Lifetime Support Scheme may still help with a serious injury
The Lifetime Support Scheme
If a crash leaves you with a moderate to severe brain injury, a spinal cord injury, severe burns, permanent blindness or certain amputations, you may be covered by the Lifetime Support Scheme even if your CTP claim isn't accepted. It's a no fault scheme. It pays for treatment, care and support, but not for lost income or pain and suffering. Those come through a CTP claim, which depends on someone else being at fault.
What a CTP claim pays, and the ISV thresholds
A CTP claim can cover medical and treatment costs, lost earnings and, for more serious injuries, pain and suffering, which the scheme calls non economic loss. How much of that is open to you depends a lot on your injury scale value, or ISV.
What you're claiming
The rule
Medical and treatment costs
Claimable, including when your ISV is under 11
Past lost earnings
Claimable at any ISV, but the first week off work isn't covered
Future lost earnings
Only if your ISV is 8 or more, except in exceptional cases
Any lost earnings
Compensation for past and future lost earnings is reduced by 20 per cent
Pain and suffering
In most cases only if your ISV is 11 or more, unless the consequences of your injuries are exceptional
Unpaid care at home
Only care from your spouse, domestic partner, parent, step parent, child, step child, grandparent or grandchild, with an ISV of 11 or more, for at least 6 hours a week over at least 6 months in a row
Unpaid care also has a cap on the hourly rate, and the total is capped at four times state average weekly earnings unless a court orders more.
What an ISV is worth. For an accident in the 2026 to 27 financial year, non economic loss damages are $4,320 at an ISV of 11, $17,280 at 20, $31,680 at 30 and $129,600 at 50, up to $431,980 at an ISV of 79 and above. At 10 or less, nothing is paid in most cases. The CTP Regulator publishes a new table each financial year, and your accident date decides which year's table applies.
Settling the claim, and what the legal fees look like
The CTP Regulator sets rules for how insurers manage claims and resolve disputes, aimed at fair, transparent and consistent service for injured people. The current Regulator Rules are dated 1 July 2024.
When settlement can start: once the insurer has decided who was at fault, your injuries have stabilised and their long term effects are clear. Settling early, before you know how an injury will turn out, is where a lawyer's advice matters most
Your offer: when you make a settlement offer, the insurer must reply in writing within 30 days, or by a later date you agree to
Payment: once you've signed the settlement papers, payment usually follows within five business days
No settlement after three years: if an adult's claim isn't resolved within three years, court action has to start before the third anniversary of the accident
Legal fees. The $25,000 line matters. If you receive more than $25,000, you can recover part of your legal fees when the claim settles. At $25,000 or less, you pay your legal fees yourself. For a smaller claim, ask a lawyer early whether it makes sense to have them run it, or just to check the insurer's offer.
Your lawyer must tell you at the start how they'll charge and give you a range of estimates of your total legal costs, and a costs agreement must be in writing or evidenced in writing. Most firms on this list offer a free first consultation and no win, no fee terms on most claims, as each firm describes them. Moloney & Partners says it defers its normal fees to the end of the case instead. Whatever the model, ask what counts as a win and who pays for medical reports along the way. The Legal Services Commission usually doesn't fund personal injury claims, because private lawyers take them on and are paid from the compensation.
Time limits for SA car accident claims
Step
Time limit
Injury claim form to the CTP insurer
Within 6 months of the accident. Later than that, give the insurer a reason for the delay
Vehicle that can't be identified
Lodge with the CTP Regulator as soon as reasonably practicable after it becomes clear the vehicle can't be identified
Outer limit for making a claim
A claim more than 3 years after the accident generally won't be accepted
Court action for an adult
If the claim isn't resolved, before the third anniversary of the accident
Court action for a child
The 3 year limit generally doesn't start until they turn 18. But if the insurer gives the parent or guardian written notice asking for court action to start, it must start within 6 months of that notice
A claim that goes to court can be heard in the Magistrates Court if it's worth up to $100,000. The District and Supreme Courts have no upper limit. The Adelaide Magistrates Court is at 260 to 280 Victoria Square, and the Higher Courts Registry for the District and Supreme Courts is in the Sir Samuel Way Building, 241 to 259 Victoria Square.
Free help and choosing a lawyer
CTP Regulator: 1300 303 558, [email protected], Level 8, 30 Wakefield Street, Adelaide. Send claims for unknown or unregistered vehicles here
Legal Services Commission: free general legal advice, including on CTP claims. Legal Helpline 1300 366 424, weekdays 9am to 4:30pm
Adelaide Magistrates Court Legal Advice Clinic: for people going to court without a lawyer, including over motor vehicle accidents, weekdays 9:30am to noon
The Law Society of South Australia doesn't run a personal injury accreditation scheme, so don't expect to find an SA accredited car accident specialist. Look at experience instead. Ask how many SA CTP claims the lawyer has run, who will handle yours day to day, and whether they've dealt with the Lifetime Support Scheme if your injury is serious.
Adelaide car accident law: common questions
Who do I claim against after a car accident in Adelaide?
The CTP insurer of the vehicle that caused the crash, not necessarily your own. SA owners have chosen their own CTP insurer since 1 July 2019. If the at fault vehicle was registered interstate, use the SA claim form and send it to that vehicle's CTP insurer.
What if the other driver didn't stop, or the car wasn't registered?
You can still claim. Send the injury claim form to the CTP Regulator, which passes it to an insurer to manage. If the vehicle can't be identified, lodge as soon as reasonably practicable after that becomes clear. The CTP Regulator is on 1300 303 558.
What do I need before I lodge a CTP claim?
A medical certificate, details of the accident and the other vehicle, your SAPOL report number, photo ID, proof of the income you've lost and receipts for your costs. Send the form within 6 months of the accident, or be ready to explain the delay.
Can I claim if I was partly to blame for the crash?
Yes, as long as someone other than you was at least partly responsible, but your damages can be reduced. If nobody else was at fault, a CTP claim generally won't be accepted. With a serious injury such as a spinal cord or brain injury, the no fault Lifetime Support Scheme may still cover your treatment, care and support.
Will I get anything for pain and suffering?
Only if your injury scale value is 11 or more, in most cases, unless the consequences of your injuries are exceptional. For an accident in 2026 to 27, an ISV of 11 is worth $4,320. Below that you can still claim medical costs and past lost earnings, and future lost earnings need an ISV of 8 or more.
Is a lawyer worth it for a smaller claim?
It depends on the amount. If you receive more than $25,000 you can recover part of your legal fees at settlement, but at $25,000 or less you pay them yourself. You don't need a lawyer to lodge or manage a CTP claim, and the Legal Helpline on 1300 366 424 gives free general advice.
My child was hurt in a crash. How long do we have?
Lodge the claim form within 6 months as usual. The 3 year court limit generally doesn't start until your child turns 18, but if the insurer gives you written notice asking for court action to start, it must start within 6 months of that notice. Children under 16 are covered for treatment, care and support even if they caused the accident.
