Road Accident Fund Claims in South Africa
The Claims Process
The Road Accident Fund, commonly known as the RAF, helps people who were injured or financially affected by motor vehicle accidents on South African roads. The fund may compensate qualifying claimants for medical expenses, loss of income, loss of support, serious injury-related damages, and funeral expenses after fatal accidents.
Important: Liebenberg Goedhals Incorporated is an independent law firm. We are not the Road Accident Fund.
RAF Claim Information
Passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, drivers injured because of another person's negligence, and dependants of a deceased breadwinner may be able to claim, depending on the facts and evidence.
Claims may include medical expenses, loss of income, loss of earning capacity, loss of support, serious injury-related damages, and funeral expenses where applicable.
The RAF is a public fund created by law. Claims are assessed according to legislation, the accident facts, injuries, and provable losses.
The RAF is mainly funded through the fuel levy paid when South Africans buy petrol or diesel. A portion of every litre goes toward paying qualifying claims.
Who May Be Able To Claim:
- Passengers injured in any vehicle, even if the driver of that vehicle was at fault.
- Pedestrians hit by a vehicle.
- Cyclists injured in a road accident.
- Drivers injured because of another person's negligence.
- Dependants of someone who passed away in a motor vehicle accident.
- A spouse, child, parent, or other dependant who lost financial support after the death of a breadwinner.
The Claims Process:
Find out if you have a claim
Complete the claim assessment form. It is important to contact us as soon as possible after the accident so that documents such as police and medical reports can be obtained.
Meet with us
If we believe we can assist, we will arrange a consultation to discuss the RAF claim and the agreement appointing us as attorneys of record.
The investigation starts
Our claims team obtains information and assists with paperwork, which may include RAF1 documents, SAPS accident reports, sketch plans, witness statements, medical records, employment records, and photographs of injuries.
Your claim is lodged
Your file is prepared and lodged with the Road Accident Fund. Our attorneys work to present the claim properly and pursue the best possible outcome.
Settlement and payment
We endeavour to finalise RAF claims as efficiently as possible and understand the financial and medical pressure that can follow a serious accident.
Documents That May Help Your Assessment:
- Your ID document.
- Accident report or SAPS case details.
- Hospital or clinic records and medical reports.
- Photographs of the accident or injuries.
- Witness details.
- Payslips or proof of income.
- Death certificate, if the claim relates to a fatal accident.
- Marriage certificate or proof of dependency, where relevant.
- Any correspondence already received from the Road Accident Fund.
Why Contact Liebenberg Goedhals Incorporated?
Liebenberg Goedhals Incorporated is a proudly Limpopo-rooted law firm with a strong community presence and a reputation for personal, accessible legal service. Our approach is practical, personal, and relationship-driven.
Willem Hendrik Johannes Liebenberg
Director. B Iuris, North-West University. LLB, University of Pretoria. More than 20 years of legal experience.
Alexzander Goedhals
Director. LLB, UNISA. Joined the firm in 2022 and became co-director in 2024.
Reinier Roelof Mostert
Senior Criminal Law Consultant. B Iuris, UNISA. Served as a Senior Public Prosecutor for 34 years.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I claim from the RAF if I was a passenger?
Yes. Passengers injured in motor vehicle accidents may be able to claim from the Road Accident Fund, even if the driver of the vehicle they were travelling in was at fault.
Can pedestrians claim from the RAF?
Yes. Pedestrians injured by a vehicle may be able to claim from the RAF, depending on the circumstances and available evidence.
Can cyclists claim from the RAF?
Yes. Cyclists injured in road accidents may be able to claim from the RAF if the claim meets the legal requirements.
Can I claim if a family member died in a road accident?
A dependant of a deceased breadwinner may be able to claim for loss of support. Fatal accident claims usually require documents such as a death certificate, proof of relationship, and proof of dependency.
What documents do I need for an RAF claim?
Useful documents include your ID, accident report, hospital records, medical reports, proof of income, witness details, and any available photographs or correspondence.
How long do I have to claim from the RAF?
Time limits may apply to RAF claims. Because the time period can depend on the circumstances, it is important to get legal advice as soon as possible after the accident.
Is Liebenberg Goedhals Incorporated the Road Accident Fund?
No. Liebenberg Goedhals Incorporated is an independent law firm. We are not the Road Accident Fund and do not represent ourselves as the Road Accident Fund.
Can I submit the form if I am not sure whether I qualify?
Yes. You can complete the assessment form so that the available information can be reviewed.
Contact our RAF claims team
Louis Trichardt Head Office
31 Ruh Street, Louis Trichardt, 0920
General enquiries: 082 048 7256
RAF enquiries: 072 360 8775
RAF email: LandGAtterneysInc@gmail.com
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00-17:00