LEGAL SUPPORT
Find an expert lawyer to help you understand your rights and potential entitlements if you are bereaved or injured in a road incident.
For many people bereaved or seriously injured in a road crash, expert legal advice is crucial. It may help with things like wills, probate, and claims for damages.
In Victoria, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is a no-fault accident compensation scheme. When you register your vehicle, you take out insurance that covers you in a transport accident for medical and rehabilitation costs and, in some instances, income support. To receive benefits from the TAC, you must lodge a claim – you can call the TAC 1300 654 329 or go to www.tac.vic.gov.au.
If this process feels overwhelming, you may want to consider getting legal advice to help navigate these complex issues.
How to find a lawyer
Choosing a lawyer is an important decision.
Generally, we recommend using an accredited specialist who is a lawyer recognised as having additional experience, training, and expertise in a particular area of law.
We have partnered with four legal firms that give $15,000 each year to our counselling, support, and advocacy services.
Below we have provided the first point of contact at these firms, and they have provided a short bio to share. We understand they will give you an hour consultation at no cost.
The Law Institute of Victoria can also provide a list of all lawyers registered in Victoria at www.liv.asn.au, or call 03 9607 9311.
You may want to contact a couple of people to find the person who feels best for you.
We do not endorse or recommend a particular person or firm, and we will not share your details without your consent. Your decision will not impact the support you receive – from them or us.
Craig Lynch, Slater & Gordon Lawyers
Craig is an experienced transport accident lawyer, having worked at Slater & Gordon since 1997 and has been a long-term supporter of Amber Community. Craig is a personal injury law accredited specialist.
Craig believes that those injured or grieving the loss of a loved one need more than a legal expert. They need a good listener with life experience to guide them through the legal process when they need it most. Craig works closely with Slater & Gordon’s social work team to provide holistic care to his clients. Craig’s clients also have access to the full suite of specialist legal services offered by Slater & Gordon, including superannuation and disability insurance.
T. 0417 050 309 | E. craig.lynch@slatergordon.com.au
Melissa Stephens, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers
Melissa is a Senior Associate at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, specialising in road injuries. She is a passionate and strong advocate for her clients, and takes great pride in helping clients navigate the legal landscape to ensure the best possible outcome, whilst doing so with care, compassion and the understanding that each person’s claim and recovery is bespoke. Melissa has also proudly supported Amber Community, and its clients, for many years.
Maurice Blackburn is Australia’s leading social justice law firm and has been helping injured people for over 100 years. Maurice Blackburn also provide experts in other areas of law, including superannuation and disability insurance, wills and probate, which may also be of assistance following an injury.
T. 03 9784 6112 | E. MelissaStephens@mauriceblackburn.com.au
Henry Carus, Henry Carus + Associates
Henry Carus has been practising personal injury compensation law for over 35 years, first in New York City as a trial lawyer, and now for the last 25 years in Victoria. He is an Accredited Personal Injury specialist and the principal of Henry Carus + Associates, the firm behind the expression ‘You Deserve More’.
At Henry Carus + Associates, we know that every situation is different. We believe that ‘You Deserve More’ means a whole lot more than just the amount of compensation obtained. It means taking the time to connect with our clients to understand the unique circumstances surrounding their lives and injuries, offering respect and support so that a life-long trusting connection is created. Henry Carus + Associates are proud to support Amber Community in improving the wellbeing of our community.
T. 03 9001 1318 | E. info@hcalawyers.com.au
Megan Caines, Polaris Lawyers
Megan is a Principal Lawyer and head of the TAC department at Polaris Lawyers. Megan prides herself on her track record of representing injured Victorians, her strong communication skills, and providing straightforward advice to clients. Megan understands that an injury’s impact is different for each person and takes the time to understand each client’s unique story and the physical, emotional, and financial impact of their injury.
Polaris Lawyers is a boutique personal injury law firm combining over 50 years of big firm expertise with the personal service and empathy of a team dedicated to you and your case. Polaris Lawyers was awarded “Law Firm of the Year” at the Australian Law Awards in 2019.
