HAVE YOU BEEN IN OR DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT?
If you answered “yes” to the above question, then this may be beneficial to you.
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) exists within South Africa in order to provide monetary compensation for certain loss suffered as a result of a collision.
An accident can be a traumatic event and the long-lasting effects may be endured for years after the incident.
The RAF can compensate you if you have suffered:
- General damages for pain and suffering (if you meet the criteria for having suffered a serious injury).
- Medical expenses due to the collision.
- Loss of earnings – should you be unable to work as a result.
- Loss of support – where the main income provider in your household passes away due to an accident.
This means, that if you or someone close to you has been involved in an accident (whether it be as a driver, passenger, cyclist, motorcyclist or even a passenger) whilst making use of a road within South Africa – a claim against the RAF may exist.
Do I have a claim?
All persons (including minors) involved in the accident may have a claim, provided that he/she was not the single reason for the collision, or the only person involved in the accident.
Should a person pass away as a result of an accident, family members and/or persons who were dependant on the deceased may be entitled to a claim from the RAF for the financial and compensatory loss suffered.
Be cautious, the clock is ticking!
This is because prescription is applicable, meaning that if you fail to lodge your claim within a certain, prescribed period of time, the claim can fall away.
Specifically, 2 (two) years where the driver is unidentified and 3 (three) years where he/she is identified.
Tuckers Incorporated are specialists in the field of Road Accident Fund claims. If you believe you have suffered due to a collision, contact us for more information and professional legal help on 011 897 1900, 076 777 1920 or infor@tuckers.co.za.
Article contributed by Ra’eesah Akoon of Tuckers Attorneys.