Your guide to Road Accident Fund claims - and why the right legal support is essential.

No one gets into a car thinking: “This might be the day everything changes.” But in a single moment, a road accident can alter the course of your life - physically, emotionally and financially. The trauma doesn’t stop at the scene. For many, the real struggle begins in the weeks and months that follow: the medical bills, the loss of income, the pain and the uncertainty.

What few people realise is that South Africa has a legal safety net designed to ease this burden. The Road Accident Fund (RAF) exists to compensate victims of road accidents caused by negligent drivers. It’s funded by a portion of the fuel levy included in every litre of petrol and diesel, and it’s meant to ensure that no one who suffers on our roads is left to face the consequences alone.

If you’ve been seriously injured in an accident and were not solely responsible for it, you may be entitled to claim. The RAF covers a broad range of individuals: drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists; even the dependents of someone who lost their life in a crash! Citizenship doesn’t matter, as foreign visitors injured on South African roads have the right to seek compensation as well.

While the RAF won’t pay for damage to your car or personal belongings, it does provide compensation for what really counts. This includes past and future medical expenses, loss of income (including the potential earnings you’ll never see if your injuries prevent you from working), and general damages for pain, suffering, and a diminished quality of life. For families who’ve lost a loved one, the RAF can also assist with funeral costs and the loss of financial support.

But here’s the catch! Claiming from the RAF isn’t easy. The process is complex, slow-moving and riddled with red tape. Claims often fail due to incomplete documents, insufficient medical evidence, or missed deadlines. And when individuals submit their claims directly without legal guidance, they are frequently underpaid, delayed for years, or simply rejected.

That’s why legal representation is more than just helpful – it’s essential.

At Moloto Weiss Attorneys, we understand the legal system and, more importantly, we understand what you’re going through. We’ll take on the burden of compiling and submitting your claim, gathering expert reports and supporting documents, and fighting for the compensation you’re truly entitled to. If your case ends up in court, you’ll have a legal team with the experience and commitment to stand by you all the way.

You didn’t ask for this. But you don’t have to face it alone.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a road accident, speak to us today. Your recovery deserves the right support - both in healing and in justice.