Our hearts go out to all of those who suffer in road accidents around the festive season. Every year we help families navigate through the trauma and pain that arises from road accidents. We feel the effects of road accidents, and yet, the AA has confirmed that there is an average 14% increase in road accidents over December. If you or a loved one were in an accident this year, and you are wanting to claim from the RAF, then this article will guide you through the process.
Firstly, if you are involved in an accident as the driver, pedestrian, passenger, or cyclist/motorcyclist, then you have the right to claim from the RAF. Similarly, dependents of the deceased breadwinner can claim. You will be able to claim for medical injuries, inability to work or loss of income, or loss of support. In the unfortunate incident that you are in an accident, here are the next steps.
01 Record the Details at the Scene
In the event of an accident, you, a passenger, or a medic at the scene must record the following information:
- Record the date, time and place of the accident.
- Get the registration numbers of the vehicles involved.
- Get the full names and contact details of the driver of the motor vehicle you believe caused the accident.
- Record the full names and contact details of any potential witnesses.
After the accident, it is important to consult your doctor or local hospital for a thorough medical examination. Please ensure that they record the medical conditions that are needing attention. Also, remember to report the accident as soon as possible to your nearest SAPS station, they will give you a case number.
02 Meet with your Attorney
It is important to meet with your attorney as soon as possible to the date of occurrence. You will need to bring this to your personal injury attorney during the initial consultation. Your lawyer may ask you to gather a few more details, which we have listed below. It is possible to claim within 3 years from the date of the accident. Claiming from the RAF may be a long and tedious process. Our team is equipped to guide you through that process and ensure that it is handled smoothly and timeously. We have had clients who have struggled for months by themselves before coming to us – we would like to invite you to get in contact as soon as possible.
Documents you need when claiming
When claiming, your attorney may request a few more documents from here. Here is a list of the details that you need to gather when putting your claim together:
- SAPS case number and the name of the relevant police station – remember to report the accident as soon as possible, injury permitting.
- Details of any witnesses.
- An affidavit or statement detailing your version of events while it is fresh in your memory.
- Photos of the scene of the accident and vehicles involved. If you cannot take photographs yourself, ask friends and family to take pictures of the scene. These can be very helpful in your case at a later date.
- Proof of income, i.e., salary slip, employers’ certificate or letter confirming employment, bank statements, affidavits from suppliers or regular clients if you are self-employed.
- You may have received details of medical treatment, such as doctor’s bills, contact details, and relevant photos of any visible injuries/scarring.
- Policies. If you have claimed from your medical aid, vehicle insurance provider and/or against any funeral/life or income policy, keep a record of these claims.
While this can be a daunting process, remember that we are here to help you. Contact us today if you have any questions – once you come for a consultation with us, we will inform you of all the documentation you need to lodge your claim.
