Hit and Run Accidents: How to Claim Compensation from the RAF

Hit and run accidents are a harrowing experience, leaving victims not only with physical injuries but also with emotional and financial distress. When a responsible driver flees the scene, it may seem like there’s no way to claim compensation. However, the South African Road Accident Fund (RAF) provides a vital safety net for victims of hit and run accidents, allowing them to claim for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

What is a Hit and Run Accident?

A hit and run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without providing their details or assisting the injured parties. Unfortunately, this situation often leaves victims stranded without a clear path to recovery or compensation. In South Africa, fleeing the scene of an accident is a criminal offense. However, the driver’s disappearance doesn’t mean you have no recourse for compensation.

Victims of hit and run accidents are still eligible to file a claim with the RAF, even if the responsible driver is never identified. The RAF exists to help provide financial relief to people who are injured or killed in road accidents, regardless of whether the at-fault driver is identifiable or insured.

Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident

If you are the victim of a hit and run accident, your first priority should always be your safety and health. Once you’re in a safe location and have received medical attention, you can begin the process of filing an RAF claim. Here are the key steps you should take:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if your injuries don’t seem severe at first, it’s crucial to seek medical attention after an accident. Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries, might not show immediate symptoms but can have long-term consequences.

2. Report the Incident to the Police

In South Africa, the law requires that you report all accidents, including hit and run accidents, to the police. The police will investigate the accident and create a report, which will be essential for your RAF claim. Provide them with all the details you can remember, such as the accident’s location, time, and any details of the fleeing vehicle, such as its make, model, color, or partial license plate number.

3. Gather Evidence and Witness Statements

If possible, take photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries you sustained. If there were witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information and ask if they can provide a statement. Any evidence you gather can help strengthen your RAF claim.

How RAF Hit and Run Claims Work

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) provides compensation to road accident victims, including those involved in hit and run accidents. Even though the at-fault driver is unknown, the RAF is available to provide financial relief. Let’s break down the types of compensation you may be eligible to receive from the RAF and the steps involved in filing your claim.

Types of Compensation You Can Claim

  1. Medical Expenses: Compensation for the medical treatment you receive as a result of the accident. This includes hospital bills, doctor consultations, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation. 
  2. Loss of Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, the RAF can compensate you for your lost income. This also applies if you are permanently unable to work or if your earning capacity is diminished due to the accident. 
  3. General Damages: You can claim compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional trauma. The RAF also compensates for loss of quality of life if the accident leads to permanent disability or reduces your enjoyment of life. 
  4. Funeral Expenses (in case of death): If the accident results in the loss of life, the family of the deceased may claim compensation for funeral expenses. 

How to File an RAF Hit and Run Claim

  1. Report the Accident to the Police: As mentioned earlier, a police report is essential to your claim. The police will provide you with a case number, which you will need when filing your claim with the RAF. 
  2. Gather Medical Documentation: You will need to submit medical records, including bills for treatment you’ve received. If your injuries require ongoing care, this will also need to be documented. 
  3. Provide Proof of Income: If you’re claiming loss of income, you will need to provide proof of your earnings, such as payslips or tax returns. 
  4. Submit Your RAF Claim: Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documentation, you can submit your claim to the RAF. They will review your case, and if approved, you will be compensated based on the extent of your injuries and losses. 

Challenges of RAF Hit and Run Claims

While the RAF exists to protect victims, the process of claiming can be complicated, especially when the responsible driver is unknown. Gathering sufficient evidence and meeting all legal requirements within the time frame can be difficult without expert guidance. Additionally, the RAF may contest your claim if it believes the documentation or information provided is insufficient.

How PM Attorneys Can Assist You with Your RAF Hit and Run Claim

The legal process for claiming compensation from the RAF can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with the aftermath of a hit and run accident. At PM Attorneys, we specialize in road accident claims, and our expert legal team is here to help guide you through the entire process, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.

Here’s how we can assist you:

1. Expert Guidance and Support

We’ll provide you with clear, step-by-step instructions on how to gather the necessary documentation and submit your claim. Our team will handle all the legal details for you so that you can focus on your recovery.

2. Evidence Collection

We can assist you in gathering evidence, including witness statements, police reports, and medical records, to ensure your claim is as strong as possible.

3. Negotiation with the RAF

Our attorneys have experience negotiating with the RAF to ensure that you receive fair compensation. We’ll handle the negotiations on your behalf and fight for the maximum amount you’re entitled to.

4. No Win, No Fee

At PM Attorneys, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. This ensures that you get the legal help you need without the financial burden of upfront costs.

Secure the Compensation You Deserve with PM Attorneys

If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident, don’t let the uncertainty of the situation prevent you from claiming compensation. The Road Accident Fund is there to help, and PM Attorneys is here to make the process smoother and more manageable. Our team of experts will ensure that your claim is handled efficiently and professionally, giving you the best chance of securing the compensation you deserve. Contact PM Attorneys today for a consultation.