RAF: How to CLAIM for death of a loved one

God forbid you should every lose a loved one who you rely on for support. However, should the unthinkable happen, here’s how to claim from the RAF (Road Accident Fund) for death of a loved one. As a reminder, if a loved one has been injured or died on South African roads due to negligence, you do have rightful claim. And here’s how you go about it …

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HOW TO CLAIM FROM THE RAF FOR LOSS OF SUPPORT

Accordingly, when it comes to how to claim from the RAF, you must gather as much admissible information as possible. Moreover, as this is a difficult process, we recommend engaging with a lawyer or attorney, so your claim to the RAF is researched and filed correctly.

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You need to supply the following when claiming death or loss of support from the RAF:

• A calculated amount for compensation.
• Official Accident Report Docket and sketch plan.
• Consent for RAF to obtain and inspect hospital and medical records.
• Statutory Medical Report (if deceased did not die at the scene).
• Hospital and medical records (if the deceased did not die at the scene).
• Certified copy of claimant, dependents and the deceased.
• Death Certificate of the deceased.
• Unabridged birth certificate (for a guardian claiming on behalf of a minor).
• Court Order or Masters’ letter of appointment.
• Power of Attorney (if you’re represented).
• Contingency fee agreement (if you’re represented)
• Any statements/documents in accordance with your RAF claim.
• A Postmortem/ Inquest Report/Charge sheet proving that the deceased was killed as a result of a collision.

FINANCIAL RESTITUTION

Therefore, to prove the cost of any funeral expenses, you must produce a tax invoice for funeral expenses, as well as valid proof of payment of the funeral, and a way to prove your relationship with the deceased.

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Accordingly, in the instance of a loss of support, the following documents are required by the Road Accident Fund:

• Certified copy of marriage certificate.
• Un-abridged birth certificate If not married.
• An affidavit setting out the legal basis of claimant’s dependency on deceased
• Employer’s certificate of deceased’s service showing nature of employment, the period of service, remuneration, prospects of advancement and compensation and retirement age.
• Payslips and/or copy of maintenance order.
• Employer’s certificate of surviving spouse indicating period of employment, remuneration, prospects of advancement
• Proof of guardianship (if claimant not biological parent)
• Academic registration for children or dependent.
• Past medical expenses.

ALWAYS MAKE COPIES

Make sure you have copies of all relevant paperwork in the event of an administration error. Once the claim is submitted, legal proceedings will only begin when the claimants’ evidence is considered by the Road Accident Fund. As part of the process, the RAF will determine whether the claim is valid and what the merits of the case are.

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