What this involves
RAF claims are notoriously slow and heavily procedural, and there is a hard three-year prescription period from the date of the collision. Tell us the date of the collision below so we can check where you stand on time.
A valid RAF1 claim form, supported by a police accident report, medical records, and (for loss of earnings or general damages) a serious injury assessment report, must be lodged before the three-year prescription period runs out — missing this deadline generally ends the claim entirely, with almost no exceptions.
General damages (for pain, suffering, and loss of amenities) are only payable where a qualifying medical practitioner certifies the injury as "serious" under the RAF's narrative test or a whole-person impairment threshold — this assessment is often disputed by the Fund and is where a large part of claim value is won or lost.
Because the RAF is a state-funded entity handling a very high volume of claims, delays of a year or more between lodging and settlement are common; we manage the follow-up and, where necessary, litigation to compel a response, so the claim keeps moving rather than sitting in a queue.
How long does it take?
RAF claims are notoriously slow — expect 12 months at the earlier end, with many claims taking 2 to 3 years or longer to settle.
What will it cost?
R6 000 to R15 000 excl. VAT
Covers: Initial assessment and lodging the claim. Ask us whether a contingency-fee arrangement may suit your claim.
Based on 4 to 10 hours of Attorney time at our rate of R1 500 per hour, excluding VAT.
This is an estimate, not a quote. The final fee depends on the facts and how complex your matter turns out to be, and your Attorney confirms it in writing before work starts. Court fees, sheriff’s fees, counsel and other disbursements are charged separately.
Ask for a firm quoteThis page is general information, not legal advice for your situation. See our Disclaimer.