The Road Accident Fund provides compensation for injuries or death as a result of motor vehicle accidents on South African roads. Unfortunately, like most state-run enterprises in South Africa, the wheels of justice turn unbelievably slowly at the RAF headquarters. Sometimes it can take years before any payment materialises by which time the financial hole you’re in is so deep, you may never get out. A huge backlog in processing claims, red tape and financial woes make for a very unpleasant journey claiming from the RAF.
RAF Claims Process
The first step to an RAF payout is lodging your RAF claim. Most claimants choose to make use of a personal injury attorney to help put together a strong case for a successful payout. Your RAF attorney will help you compile the medical reports and police reports you’ll need to lodge your claim.
When you formally submit your claim, the RAF has 2 months to launch its own investigation into the matter. As can be expected, they rarely stick to the 2-month timeframe and delays start early on.
Once their investigation is underway, your attorney can submit a summons to deal with the matter in court. The court system is heavily strained and there is often a delay to secure a trial date. The judge will make a ruling on the validity of your RAF claim and determine the amount you are due to be compensated. The RAF loads the ruling onto their system and the waiting game starts again!
There is a way to fast-track receiving your RAF payouts, however. Applying for an RAF cash advance can give you a substantial portion of your settlement amount early, eliminating that excruciating final waiting period.