Road Accident Fund Claims & Personal Injury Law in South Africa

Your Guide to Legal Protection After a Motor Vehicle Accident
Since 1897, Birmans Incorporated has been one of Middelburg’s trusted law firms, offering expert legal services with a focus on professionalism, integrity, and results. If you’ve been injured in a road accident, our personal injury team is here to help you navigate the Road Accident Fund (RAF) claims process and secure the compensation you deserve.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident

If you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident:

• Seek medical attention promptly.
• Report the accident to SAPS within 24 hours.
• Obtain a case number and ensure the accident report is accurate.
• Document everything: photos, witness details, medical records, and expenses.

Who Can Claim from the RAF?

You may be eligible to claim if:

• You were injured as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist.
• The accident was caused by another party’s negligence. Specifically, through that parties’ negligent driving of a motor vehicle.
• You are a dependent of someone who died in the accident.

The RAF covers:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of income or earning capacity
• Loss of Support where the main breadwinner is deceased as a result of the accident.
• General damages for pain and suffering
• Funeral costs (in fatal cases)

How We Help You Prepare Your Claim

Our legal team will:

• Assess the merits of your case
• Gather supporting documentation
• Appoint medical experts to evaluate long-term impact
• Calculate damages and prepare your formal claim

We specialise in building strong, evidence-based claims to ensure fair compensation.

Submitting Your Claim

• Claims must be lodged within 3 years of the accident (or 2 years if the driver is unknown).
• We submit your claim directly to the RAF and manage all correspondence.
• The RAF may request additional documentation or medical assessments.

Processing time: 12–36 months depending on complexity.

Settlement or Litigation

• If the RAF accepts liability, a settlement offer may be made.
• We negotiate to ensure the offer reflects your actual damages.
• If necessary, we proceed to court to secure a fair judgment.

Our litigation team is experienced in High Court proceedings and will guide you every step of the way.

After Your Claim Is Finalised

• Funds are paid directly to you or your appointed curator.
• We assist with financial planning and medical support referrals.
• Keep all documentation for future reference or tax purposes.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Delaying medical treatment or legal advice
• Submitting incomplete or inaccurate documentation
• Accepting early settlement offers without legal review
• Missing statutory deadlines — this can invalidate your claim

Why Choose Birmans Incorporated?

• Over 125 years of trusted legal service in Middelburg
• Experienced personal injury team led by Gideon du Plessis and Anina Vermeulen Marais
• Direct client support — we keep you informed every step of the way

Contact Us

Address: First Floor Alzu Building, 37 Dolerite Crescent, Middelburg, Mpumalanga
Phone: 013 282 5976
Email: gideon@birmans.co.za | anina@birmans.co.za
Website: birmans.co.za

Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our personal injury department today for expert legal guidance tailored to your case.