RAF Claim Process
There’s no need to be overwhelmed when you understand the RAF claim process.
Our interactive diagram will show you all the steps involved as well as the people or departments with whom you may be interacting along the way.
Click on the buttons to read more about each step of the process.
The blocks below show you all the steps involved, as well as the people or departments with whom you may be interacting along the way. Click on the buttons to read more about each step.
1. Front Desk
2. Consultation Phase
Consultation Phase
After receiving a request to engage the specialised services of Gert Nel Incorporated, we move into the second step of the process. A prospective client will be contacted by one of our friendly staff members to arrange a consultation at a location, date and time which will be suitable to the client, nationwide.
3. Preparation & Lodgement
Preparation & Lodgement
Preparation and lodgement takes place after consultation and careful evaluation of the instruction by the attorneys at Gert Nel Incorporated. This is typically when instructions are handed over to our “preparation” department. Stringent statutory requirements have to be met in most instances and our attorneys and staff ensure that these requirements are adhered to.
4. Summons & Opposing of Claim
Summons & Opposing of Claim
The fourth stage, Summons and Opposing of Claim, begins once the Road Accident Fund defaults on their statutory obligation to make an offer. The attorney is compelled to serve a summons on the Road Accident Fund in order to protect the client’s interests and expedite the settlement of the matter. The instruction is transferred to our litigation department.
5. Litigation & Preparation for Trial
Litigation & Preparation for Trial
Once Gert Nel Incorporated receives the Road Accident Fund’s plea, we progress to Process Litigation & Preparation for Trial, during which pleadings become closed and a pre-trial is scheduled with the attorneys acting on behalf of the Road Accident Fund. Once a pre-trial minute is signed by both parties an application for a trial date is lodged with the Registrar of the High Court.
6. Court Date & Settlement
Court Date & Settlement
One of our friendly staff members meets our clients at court to ensure that they are comfortable and well informed about what to expect. Attorneys are to ensure that each individual client’s needs are addressed and that the offer made by the Road Accident Fund speaks to all the elements of the claim.
7. Payment Procedure
Payment Procedure
Once the matter is settled, the file is handed over to our finance department where it is prepared and handed over to a cost consultant to draft and prepare the relevant attorney and client and the party and party bills of cost. Party and party costs are the costs that the Road Accident Fund pays as a cost contribution to the attorneys’ fees and are usually ordered by the Court in favour of the client.
8. Undertaking & Finalisation of the Claim