Quick answer
Prepare your ID, accident report, hospital and medical records, statutory medical report, proof of income, witness details and RAF claim forms. If someone else is claiming on behalf of a child or injured person, authority documents may also be needed. The Road Accident Fund expects a claim to be supported by documents, not only a description of the accident.
Key takeaways
- Prepare your ID, accident report, hospital and medical records, statutory medical report, proof of income, witness details and RAF claim forms. If someone else is claiming on behalf of a child or injured person, authority documents may also be needed. The Road Accident Fund expects a claim to be supported by documents, not only a description of the accident.
- Start with the accident details. Record the date, place, vehicles, drivers, police station, case number, witnesses and treating hospital. Then request medical records and keep every receipt, sick note, referral letter and specialist report.
- RAF claims can be document-heavy and slow. Costs depend on whether a lawyer is reviewing the claim, lodging it, gathering medical evidence, negotiating or litigating. Ask how fees work, what disbursements may arise, and whether expert reports are likely.
- This personal injury and raf claims article is general information and still needs legal review for specific facts.
Documents and facts to prepare
- Certified ID copy.
- RAF 1 claim form and medical report.
- RAF 3 accident report form where applicable.
- Official accident report, docket details and sketch plan.
- Hospital and medical records.
- Specialist reports and referral letters.
- Proof of income and employment records.
- Witness details or statements.
- Birth certificate and authority documents if claiming for a minor.
- Power of attorney and fee agreement if represented.
Common mistakes
- Only keeping photos of the vehicle and not medical records.
- Waiting too long to get the accident report.
- Losing hospital stickers, discharge notes or referral letters.
- Not recording witness details.
- Assuming the RAF will collect all documents for you.
- Signing forms without understanding what is being claimed.
Why this situation happens
After a crash, people focus on treatment, transport, family arrangements and vehicle damage. Legal documents are often scattered between the police, hospital, doctor, employer and insurer. By the time the claim is prepared, key records may be missing or hard to get.
Legal explanation
The Road Accident Fund's own claim guidance says the first step is to gather the necessary documents. Its listed standard documents for injury claims include a statutory medical report, hospital and medical records, ID documents, official accident report and sketch plan, consents, and authority documents where someone claims in a representative capacity.
The RAF also publishes claim forms, including RAF 1 for compensation and medical report, RAF 3 accident report form, and RAF 4 serious injury assessment report.
What to do next
Start with the accident details. Record the date, place, vehicles, drivers, police station, case number, witnesses and treating hospital. Then request medical records and keep every receipt, sick note, referral letter and specialist report.
If you lost income, ask your employer for written confirmation of absence, pay loss and job details. If you are self-employed, keep invoices, bank statements and tax records.
Costs and timeframes
RAF claims can be document-heavy and slow. Costs depend on whether a lawyer is reviewing the claim, lodging it, gathering medical evidence, negotiating or litigating. Ask how fees work, what disbursements may arise, and whether expert reports are likely.
FAQs
What is the first RAF document to look for?
The RAF claim form and medical report are central, but the official accident report, ID documents and hospital or medical records are also important.
Should I keep proof of income?
Yes. If you lost income or earning ability, payslips, employment records, bank statements and tax records may become important.
Can I wait until I feel better before collecting documents?
Medical treatment comes first, but document collection should start early. Missing accident and hospital records can delay assessment.
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Source notes
Legal note
This article is general legal information for South African readers. It is not legal advice. Speak to a qualified legal professional about your specific facts before taking action.