Condition Guide

Whiplash from a Car Accident? Get Your Certificate Today.

Q: Can I claim CTP compensation for whiplash?

Yes. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries claimed under the NSW CTP (Compulsory Third Party) scheme. You are entitled to statutory benefits including treatment expenses, lost earnings, and domestic assistance regardless of who was at fault. You need a Certificate of Fitness from a doctor to access these benefits.

Q: How long does whiplash take to recover?

Most whiplash injuries resolve within 2–3 months with appropriate treatment. However, approximately 25–40% of people develop chronic symptoms lasting beyond 3 months. Your Certificate of Fitness is reviewed regularly, and your doctor will adjust your work capacity and treatment plan as your recovery progresses.

Same-day CTP telehealth consultation. Certificate of Fitness issued during the call. $0 cost with a valid CTP claim.

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Whiplash and CTP Claims in NSW

Whiplash is the most commonly reported injury following a motor vehicle accident. It occurs when the head and neck are suddenly forced forward and backward (or side to side), causing strain to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the cervical spine. Under the NSW CTP scheme, whiplash injuries entitle you to statutory benefits including medical treatment, weekly income replacement, and domestic assistance — regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

To access your CTP entitlements, you need a Certificate of Fitness from a medical practitioner. This document records your injury, your fitness for work, and your recommended treatment pathway.

Symptoms of Whiplash

Neck pain and stiffness

Reduced range of neck movement

Headaches (often from base of skull)

Shoulder and upper back pain

Dizziness or vertigo

Tingling or numbness in arms/hands

Jaw pain (TMJ symptoms)

Difficulty concentrating or memory issues

Delayed Onset

Whiplash symptoms frequently do not appear immediately after the accident. It is common for pain and stiffness to develop 24–72 hours after the collision. Even if you felt fine at the scene, you should still seek medical assessment within 28 days of your accident to preserve your CTP entitlements.

What Your Certificate of Fitness Will Include

Your diagnosis and clinical findings from the consultation
Your current fitness for work: unfit, fit with restrictions, or fully fit
Specific work restrictions — for whiplash, common restrictions include no heavy lifting, limited driving, no prolonged computer work, and reduced hours
Recommended treatment — physiotherapy, pain medication, imaging if indicated
Review date — your Certificate of Fitness must be reviewed within 28 days

CTP Entitlements for Whiplash

Under the NSW Motor Accidents Injuries Act 2017, you are entitled to statutory benefits regardless of fault. These include:

Treatment expenses: Medical consultations, physiotherapy, imaging, medication, and specialist referrals — all covered by your CTP insurer
Weekly income replacement: If your whiplash prevents you from working, you may receive weekly payments to replace lost earnings
Domestic assistance: If your injury prevents you from performing household tasks, you may be entitled to assistance
Lump sum damages: If your whiplash results in permanent impairment or was caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to additional compensation

How Claims Doctor Helps

Claims Doctor provides same-day video consultations for whiplash injuries from motor vehicle accidents. Your doctor assesses your injury, issues your Certificate of Fitness during the call, and arranges referrals for physiotherapy and imaging as needed. $0 cost with a valid CTP claim.