Touting agents for RAF Claims are wreaking havoc with desperate and vulnerable victims of road accidents in South Africa. Creating awareness is essential to bringing a stop to this practice.
The background
Finding the right lawyer to manage your RAF claim when you’ve been in a road accident can be overwhelming. If you’ve been injured, you’re probably left dealing with pain and injuries, emotional distress, and, of course, the financial strain that goes along with any type of accident or injury.
Here in South Africa, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) was designed to provide compensation to victims of road accidents. Unfortunately, as time has gone by, the process of claiming has become complex and daunting, with payouts being caught in the system for months and even years in some cases. That’s why securing the right legal representation is crucial. Having a professional at your side will help you navigate the complexities of the system and ensure that you get what you rightfully deserve in terms of compensation.
Unfortunately, a concerning amount of unsolicited touting agents are starting to emerge in connection with RAF claims in the wake of the ‘broken’ system. Even more concerning is how these agents have no conscience when it comes to preying on vulnerable accident victims by making false promises of quick and easy compensation payouts. While victims may be tempted to believe these agents in the hopes of quick resolution, engaging with them can open up a world of even greater risks and distress.
What is a touting agent?
Because you may be so intent on finding the right lawyer to manage your RAF claim, you can mistake an individual who solicits clients for legal services without proper authorisation as someone trying to help you. Unfortunately, they certainly do not have your best interests in mind.
A touting agent, more often than not, is operating outside of the regulated legal profession, driven by their own agenda. They are not qualified legal professionals and are primarily out to gain financially from your trust and misfortune.
Where do touting agents ‘prey’ on vulnerable victims?
These agents can target victims in many different ways and locations, including:
- Hospitals where they often approach their victims and their families directly right after the accident has happened, when all parties are still in shock and are at their most vulnerable.
- Police stations where accident reports are being filed where they can gather important information about the victim to strengthen their story.
- Accident scenes where they may be at the scene to offer “assistance”.
Savvy touting agents can even go so far as introducing themselves as being legal practitioners or even RAF employees in an effort to find victims on social media by placing false adverts or entrenching themselves in local communities where they can find their victims through word of mouth.
What do they do with your information?
The first stop for touting agents is to gather your personal and sensitive information, including:
- Medical records
- Accident details
- Contact information
- Financial details
They then sell this information to lawyers, often without your informed consent. This practice violates your privacy and can also compromise the integrity of your claim.
Why are these unsolicited agents so dangerous?
Engaging with touting agents is risky because:
- Your sensitive information may be shared without your knowledge or consent, potentially leading to identity theft or other forms of fraud.
- These agents often prioritise their own financial gain over your best interests which can potentially mean that when your case is reviewed you could inadequate compensation, and in some cases you may even lose your claim.
- They are not qualified legal professionals meaning they have no experience in providing sound legal advice. This can also seriously impact the validity of your claim.
- They often charge exorbitant fees (some up to R 30 000.00 or more) that will eat into your claim if and when it gets paid meaning you ultimately will not get nearly the right amount of compensation you deserve.
- Because they are not regulated, they can essentially do whatever they please with no recourse for unethical or negligent behaviour.
Protect yourself and your claim.
At Gert Nel Incorporated Attorneys, we strongly advise against engaging with touting agents. Protecting your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation is our priority, which is why we’re sharing these important tips on how to keep yourself protected:
- Always verify credentials: Always ensure the person you are dealing with is a qualified legal practitioner. Ask for their practice number and verify it with the relevant legal authority.
- A non-legal practitioner is not allowed to advise any member of the public or road crash victim for that matter on technical legal issues also known as reserved work. Ask for references: Request references from previous clients to get an unbiased understanding of the person’s reputation and track record. Don’t rely on just one reference; request a few from different sources.
- Do your own homework: Research well so that you choose a reputable law firm that has experience in dealing with RAF claims. Don’t rely on unsolicited offers.
- Avoid quick-fix promises: If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Be wary of anyone promising quick and easy payouts. No matter who you are or what your situation is, RAF claims are complex and require thorough legal expertise.
- Meet in person: It is important to meet your lawyer in person. Insist on a meeting and make sure you feel comfortable with the professional before you do anything else.
Remember, you have the right to choose your legal representative. Don’t be pressured into engaging with someone you don’t trust.
What will the right lawyer do for you?
A qualified and experienced lawyer will:
- Provide expert legal advice
- Handle all aspects of your claim, from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements
- Protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation
- Communicate with you transparently and consistently to keep you informed throughout the entire process
Don’t become a victim twice. By taking the necessary precautions and choosing a reputable law firm, you can protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. At Gert Nel Attorneys, we understand the complexities of RAF claims and are committed to providing compassionate and professional legal representation.
Contact us today for a consultation, conducted by a specialist personal injury practitioner and let us help you navigate the road to financial recovery.