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.

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