Who may claim
Who may claim from the RAF?
In plain language
A plain-language overview of the categories of road users who may be able to lodge a Road Accident Fund claim, and the general conditions usually involved.
- RAF matters concern bodily injury or death arising from negligent driving in South Africa.
- The RAF's published guide lists injured people, dependants and certain representatives among the people who may bring claims.
- A category does not by itself confirm that a claim will succeed or what may be payable.
On this page
The starting point
The RAF's public guidance describes its role as providing cover for loss or damage resulting from death or bodily injury caused by negligent driving of a motor vehicle in South Africa. It is not a replacement for ordinary vehicle-insurance claims, and it does not deal with vehicle repair costs.
People commonly mentioned in RAF guidance
The official RAF leaflet refers to an injured person, a dependant of a deceased person, a close relative seeking necessary funeral expenses, and people acting for a minor or an estate. Passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists can be injured road users; the facts of the collision still matter.
- A person injured in a road crash
- A dependant of someone who died in a road crash
- A parent, legal guardian or other authorised person acting for a child
- A close relative dealing with funeral expenses, where applicable
Why the detail matters
The RAF investigates the circumstances, whether a claim complies with the statutory process, whether it was lodged in time, and the degree of fault that may be attributed to the people involved. A general website cannot make those findings for you.
If a driver was the only person responsible for an accident, or if the facts are unclear, professional advice may be useful. Use the documents guide to prepare facts and records instead of assuming a category settles the question.
General next steps
- 1Write down the role of each person and vehicle involved.
- 2Check whether a police report, hospital record or witness details exist.
- 3Read the guide that matches the accident type or your role.
Common questions
Official sources
RAF Guide summarises publicly available official material. Always confirm current requirements with the institution concerned.
- RAF claim guide leafletRoad Accident Fund · Official RAF leaflet covering the claims process, direct claims, common documents and accident-scene steps.
- Road Accident Fund Act 56 of 1996South African Government · The primary legislation establishing the Road Accident Fund and its framework.
- RAF claim forms and supporting-document checklistRoad Accident Fund · Official RAF forms and document categories used in claims administration.
Not sure what applies to you?
The free assessment asks a few general questions and points you to the information that may be relevant.
Start assessmentPrefer to speak to someone?
You may voluntarily request contact from a legal practitioner. This does not appoint a lawyer on your behalf.
Request legal assistance