If you or a close family member has been injured in a road accident, you may be investigating how to claim from the Road Accident Fund (RAF). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The RAF claims process is complex and time-consuming and generally takes several years to finalise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is according to DSC Attorneys partner, Kirstie Haslam<\/strong>, who says it can help to be familiar with the actual claims process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The process can take a long time to complete due to a number of factors.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAmong these are the RAF\u2019s heavy caseload, inefficient administration, the time it takes to secure consultations with leading medical experts, delays in securing court dates and the complex nature of road accident investigations,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your attorney gathers and compiles evidence to support your RAF claim. Haslam says this includes:<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYour attorney will compile the collected information and evidence for submission to the RAF using the prescribed RAF forms, along with supporting documents,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the claim forms have been submitted, the RAF registers the claim on its claim system and after registration, the validity of your claim is investigated.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Haslam says the RAF has 120 days to conduct its investigation. The RAF often fails to complete its investigation process within the allotted time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the 120-day period has elapsed, Haslam says your attorney can issue a summons to inform the RAF that you will pursue the claim in court. The RAF is then compelled to make a settlement offer or defend its decision in court.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf the case appears likely to proceed to trial, you\u2019ll need expert medical testimony to back up your claim. A lawyer specialising in RAF claims will have access to the right medical experts, as well as the appropriate legal know-how and experience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Haslam says that the RAF may make a settlement offer at any point in the claims process.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAssisted by medical and legal experts, the parties negotiate the best possible settlement out of court. An experienced attorney is familiar with court rulings about compensation in a broad range of road accident cases,\u201d she says. \u201cSo the attorney can advise on whether a particular settlement offer is in your best interests.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n If no settlement offer is received, the claim is pursued in court. She says it may take a considerable amount of time to secure a trial date.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Each division of the High Court has different pre-trial procedures that must be followed before a case is considered \u201ctrial ready\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt can also be challenging to secure a date when key medical experts are available to testify,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some cases, it is necessary to secure more than one trial date. \u201cAn initial court hearing may establish the liability or negligence aspect of a claim and a further hearing may then determine the amount of compensation that\u2019s due,\u201d she adds. \u201cIf no settlement is reached, the trial proceeds and a court decision is reached.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n It may take the RAF as long as 180 days, or even longer, to pay you the awarded compensation.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA good attorney will insist that more interest be paid to you on the outstanding amount, starting 30 days after the date of the court order or settlement,\u201d she concludes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information visit dsclaw.co.za<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you or a close family member has been injured in a road accident, you may be investigating how to claim from the Road Accident Fund 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Submission of documents<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Registration and investigation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Issuing a summons<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Negotiating a settlement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Securing a trial date<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Payment of compensation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n