Starting a Road Accident Fund claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with injuries, medical treatment or the loss of income after an accident.
One of the first questions people ask is: “What documents do I need to claim from the RAF?”
The exact documents required can depend on the circumstances of the accident and the type of claim being made. However, having the right information available can help your attorney investigate the claim, establish what happened and assess the compensation you may be entitled to.
Here is a practical guide to the most important Road Accident Fund claim documents you may need.
What documents are needed for a RAF claim?
The documents required will depend on your circumstances. A claim involving personal injuries will not necessarily require exactly the same supporting documents as a claim following the death of a breadwinner.
Generally, you may need documents relating to your identity, the accident, your injuries, your finances and, where applicable, the deceased person and their dependants.
Identity and personal documents
Your identity and personal information will need to be established as part of the claims process.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need:
- Your South African ID document or other relevant identification
- A birth certificate where applicable
- Marriage or divorce documentation where relevant
- Documents relating to children or dependants
- Details of your residential address
- Other supporting documents relevant to your particular claim
If you are claiming on behalf of another person, additional documentation may be required to establish your legal authority to do so.
Documents relating to the accident
Evidence about the accident is important because the circumstances surrounding the collision need to be investigated.
Useful accident related documents and information may include:
- The police or accident report
- The case or reference number
- Details of the vehicles involved
- Information about the driver responsible for the accident, where known
- Witness names and contact information
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Photographs of the vehicles or surrounding area
- Details about where and when the accident occurred
- Statements or affidavits relating to the accident
If the accident involved an unidentified vehicle or was a hit and run, any information that
Medical documents and evidence
Medical evidence can be one of the most important parts of a personal injury claim.
You should keep records relating to your treatment, injuries and recovery, including:
- Hospital records
- Medical reports
- Medical accounts and invoices
- Specialist reports
- Treatment records
- Prescriptions and relevant medical documentation
- Details of rehabilitation or ongoing treatment
- A Serious Injury Assessment Report where applicable
Do not assume that an old medical record is irrelevant. Information showing the treatment you received, the nature of your injuries and their impact on your life may become important when assessing your claim.
Documents supporting loss of income
If your injuries affected your ability to work, financial evidence may be required to establish your loss of income or loss of earning capacity.
Depending on your circumstances, useful documents may include:
- Payslips
- Employment contracts
- Proof of earnings
- Employment records
- Tax documentation
- Information about your position and duties
- Evidence of time away from work
- Documentation showing changes to your income after the accident
If you are self employed, additional financial records may be required to demonstrate your income and the financial impact of the accident.
The more clearly your financial position can be established, the easier it may be to investigate the financial consequences of your injuries.
Documents for loss of support claims
A person who dies in a road accident may leave behind family members who depended on their financial support.
A claim for loss of support can therefore require documentation establishing the deceased person’s relationship with their dependants and the financial support that was provided.
Relevant documents may include:
- The deceased’s death certificate
- Marriage certificate or other relationship documentation
- Children’s birth certificates
- Identification documents
- Proof of income or earnings of the deceased
- Evidence relating to financial support
- Documents establishing the relationship between the deceased and dependants
The exact requirements depend on the circumstances of the claim.
Documents for serious injury claims
Some RAF claims involving general damages require the injury to meet the applicable serious injury requirements.
Where relevant, a Serious Injury Assessment Report and supporting medical evidence may form part of the claim.
Medical professionals assess the nature and consequences of the injury, while the legal team considers the requirements applicable to the claim.
This is an area where professional advice can be particularly valuable because the seriousness of an injury does not automatically mean that every type of compensation will be available.
Road Accident Fund claim documents checklist
Before speaking to an attorney, start gathering the following where applicable:
- ID documents
- Birth certificates
- Marriage or relationship documents
- Police or accident reports
- Case or reference numbers
- Witness information
- Accident scene photographs
- Vehicle information
- Hospital and medical records
- Medical reports and accounts
- Serious Injury Assessment Report where applicable
- Payslips and proof of earnings
- Employment information
- Death certificate for fatal accident claims
- Children’s birth certificates for loss of support claims
- Evidence of financial support
- Other documents relating to your particular circumstances
You may not have everything on this list and that is okay. The documents required will depend on the nature of your RAF claim.
What happens if you do not have all the documents?
Do not assume that you cannot make a claim
After an accident, you may not have every document sitting neatly in a file.
You may still be receiving medical treatment. A hospital may have certain records. Your employer may have your income information. The police report may not yet be available. You may also be unsure which documents are actually relevant to your claim.
That does not necessarily mean you should wait before seeking legal advice.
A RAF attorney can assess what information is available, identify what is still needed and advise you on the next steps.
The important thing is to avoid ignoring the claim simply because your paperwork is incomplete.
Should you keep copies of your RAF documents?
Yes.
Keep copies of documents and correspondence relating to your accident and claim wherever possible.
Create a folder containing your accident information, medical records, financial documents, correspondence and supporting evidence. If you receive new medical reports, accounts or other relevant documents, add them to the file.
Having organised records can make it easier to provide information when requested and helps keep the history of your claim together.
Can an attorney help you collect RAF claim documents?
Yes.
Preparing a RAF claim involves more than simply completing paperwork. The supporting evidence needs to help establish the accident, the injuries or loss suffered and the compensation being claimed.
PM Attorneys assists clients with Road Accident Fund claims and can advise on the documentation and evidence relevant to their circumstances.
If you are unsure what you need, it is better to ask before submitting incomplete information or overlooking important evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to claim from the Road Accident Fund?
The documents depend on the circumstances of your claim, but may include identification documents, accident reports, witness information, medical records, proof of earnings and other evidence supporting your losses.
Do I need a medical report for a RAF claim?
Medical evidence is generally important when claiming for injuries. Depending on the nature of the claim, medical reports and a Serious Injury Assessment Report may also be relevant.
Can I claim from the RAF if I do not have the accident report?
You should not assume that you cannot claim simply because you do not currently have the accident report. An attorney can advise you on what information is available and what further documentation may need to be obtained.
What documents are needed for a RAF loss of support claim?
Documents may include the deceased person’s death certificate, marriage or relationship documentation, children’s birth certificates, proof of earnings and evidence relating to financial support. The exact requirements depend on the circumstances.
You do not need to figure out the paperwork alone. PM Attorneys assists clients with Road Accident Fund claims in South Africa, helping them understand the legal process, gather relevant information and pursue the compensation they may be entitled to.
