Step 5. Litigation & Preparation for Trial
Once Gert Nel Incorporated receives the Road Accident Fund’s plea, we progress to RAF Claim 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.
Clients should take note that the actual trial date may only be a year after the first application for a trial date is filed due to the unavailability of earlier trial dates. For example, if an application is lodged on the 24th of March 2016 the actual trial date may only be on the 24th of March 2017.
For this reason, Gert Nel Incorporated maintains pressure on the Road Accident Fund and ensures that the Court Rules are adhered to as to ensure that the claims are not delayed unnecessarily.
The time frame we are dealing with allows us just enough time to properly prepare on the merits and quantum (value of the claim) of each individual matter.
The quantum is proven by making use of various experts that the client is requested to consult for the purposes of medico-legal examinations.
Our supporting staff ensures that the appointments are kept by arranging bookings in guest houses and making travel arrangements for our clients travelling from the outskirts of Pretoria.
Clients that are not able to travel to the experts, are requested to attend at our office to be transported by one of our designated drivers to the different experts.
The attorneys attend to inspections, consult with clients, experts and advocates to ensure that we are fully prepared and ready to go on trial should it be required.
