Concussion after a car crash in WA: an ICWA guide

Car, motorbike and bike crashes are a common cause of concussion, often together with whiplash, which can add neck pain, headaches and dizziness. In WA, compulsory third party (CTP) insurance through the Insurance Commission of WA (ICWA) covers injuries from crashes involving WA-registered vehicles.

How the scheme works

• It’s largely fault-based. ICWA may pay for your treatment if another driver was at fault. If you were at fault, or no other driver can be found at fault, you may not be covered.
• Treatment must be necessary, reasonable and caused by the crash, and ongoing treatment generally needs to be helping you improve.
• Fees: physiotherapy and other allied health are paid at WorkCover WA’s fee rates, and doctors at AMA rates. If the clinic charges more, you may pay a gap, so ask when you book.
• How clinics get paid: clinics using HICAPS can be paid by ICWA directly. If you paid yourself, you can claim the cost back from ICWA with your receipts.
• Time limits: claims generally need to be lodged within three years of becoming aware of the injury. Different limits apply to people who were under 18.

Severe brain injuries

People with catastrophic injuries from a crash in WA, including severe traumatic brain injury, can get lifelong treatment, care and support through ICWA’s Catastrophic Injuries Support scheme, whether or not anyone was at fault. This applies to severe injuries, not to most concussions.

Concussion and whiplash together

After a crash, headaches, dizziness and neck pain can come from the neck as well as the concussion, and the two often need treating together. A physiotherapist with concussion training can assess both and plan your return to work, study and driving. If symptoms are still there after about 10 days, there’s no need to wait to get help.

Getting back to work

Most people recover from a concussion within a few weeks, and a gradual return to work usually helps recovery rather than slowing it. Staying home until every symptom has gone isn’t recommended.

• Start with reduced hours or modified duties, then build up as symptoms allow.
• Screen and concentration-heavy work: regular short breaks, larger text, and fewer meetings back-to-back.
• Noise and bright light: a quieter workspace if these bring on symptoms.
• Safety-critical tasks — driving, operating machinery, working at heights, or anything where slowed reactions put you or others at risk — should wait until your doctor clears you.
• A small rise in symptoms is OK. If symptoms clearly worsen or don’t settle within an hour, ease back.

Your doctor records what you can do on your certificate of capacity, and a concussion physiotherapist can help plan the stages with you and your employer.

Questions about your claim

Contact the Insurance Commission of WA (icwa.wa.gov.au) for questions about your claim, what it covers, and time limits.

Find a provider

Browse providers who treat ICWA motor injury claims, or find a provider by area. Scheme details were confirmed by the directory in November 2026 — it’s still worth mentioning your claim when you book, and asking about any gap fee.

Work, car crashes and claims

• Concussion at work (WorkCover)What to do, the claim process, and returning to work.
• FIFO and regional workersOn-site care, telehealth and getting back on roster.
• For insurers, case managers and employersWhy early care matters and how to find a provider fast.

More concussion information

• The first 48 hoursRest, screens, warning signs, and when to get checked.
• ED, GP or physio?Warning signs that need ED, and when a GP or physio is right.
• Symptoms after 4 weeksWhat persisting symptoms mean and what treatment helps.