Have you been involved in a motor vehicle accident?
Have you sustained injuries as a result of the accident?
Have you suffered financial loss as a result of the accident?
The RAF compensates victims who have sustained bodily injuries or loss of support due to a motor vehicle accident. This includes drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and dependents of deceased victims.
Steps in the Claim Process
Compiling the evidence in support of your claim.
As your legal representatives, we will assist you in collecting and organizing the necessary evidence to substantiate your claim. This process includes:
- The police report detailing the circumstances of the accident.
- Statements from any witnesses present.
- Copies of medical records from hospitals and other relevant healthcare providers.
- Invoices and statements that document medical expenses related to your injuries.
- Pay slips and other financial documents if you are claiming loss of income due to the accident.
Completion of Required RAF Forms
We will guide you in filling out the necessary claim forms mandated by the RAF, which include:
- The RAF 1 form, which provides essential information regarding the accident and the amounts being claimed.
- The RAF 3 form, a statutory accident report form.
- The RAF 4 form, to be completed by a medical professional if you are claiming general damages.
The types of damages that may be claimed encompass:
- Past and future medical expenses,
- Past and future loss of income,
- General damages for pain and suffering in cases of serious injuries,
- Funeral expenses for dependents, and
- Loss of support.
Lodging the Claim
Once all necessary documentation is prepared, we will submit your claim to the RAF. The claim will then be registered in the official RAF claims system.
RAF Investigation
The RAF is allotted 120 days to investigate your claim. During this period, they may request further information or require you to undergo an assessment by a doctor or specialist of their choosing.
The reality unfortunately, is that the RAF seldom offers a settlement or resolves a claim within the 120 days.
Summons
If we have not received a settlement offer after the 120-day period has passed and the RAF has not raised any valid objections to your claim, we will proceed to issue a summons to the RAF, indicating that we are advancing the matter on your behalf in court.
The RAF will then be obligated to either make a settlement offer or defend its position in court.
Setting a Trial Date
Once it is determined that the case will proceed to court, it is essential to attain a trial date. This process can be quite lengthy and is influenced by the duration required to complete the necessary pre-trial procedures.
In certain instances, it may be required to arrange multiple trial dates.
Typically, at this stage, both parties, with the assistance of medical and legal professionals, engage in negotiations to reach the most favorable settlement outside of court.
If an agreement cannot be reached, the trial will proceed, culminating in the resolution of the claim. The duration of the trial may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.
Settlement and Payment
Due to the current cash flow challenges faced by the RAF, there may be delays, sometimes up to 180 days before the RAF pays the awarded amount.
Nevertheless, the RAF will be responsible for paying interest on the settlement sum.
