Direct claims faster with RAF
Direct claims improve service delivery by the RAF through direct interaction between the fund and the claimant, something which is not possible where the claimant is represented by an attorney.
MBOMBELA – The Road Accident Fund (RAF) is urging road accident victims to lodge their claims directly with them.
This was explained by Phumelela Dhlomo, RAF’s chief marketing officer, during the media engagement session held at the Mbombela offices at Canary Walk Mall last week.
He said RAF now has a dedicated direct claim department in each of its regional offices.
“Claim staff in this department are trained to deal with direct claims and claimants. An updated direct claim management policy and process regulates the internal management and requires that RAF employees ensure that direct claims are neither under-settled nor over-settled,” said Dhlomo.
He said there are various advantages of claiming directly.
“The number of direct claims increased to 32 622 in the 2017/18 financial year as opposed to 25 797 reported in 2016/17, representing an increase of 26,5 per cent.
Read More: When and how do I claim from the Road Accident Fund?
They are processed faster because the process does not lend itself to litigation and subsequent time taken to get to trial.”
He said from a claimant’s perspective, a contingency fee agreement, which is standard practice in RAF matters, may seem like a good deal, since the they are not required to pay the attorney anything up front.
“In addition, the attorney will also pay for all medical, legal and other disbursements necessary to lodge and finalise the claim. Direct claims improve service delivery by the RAF through direct interaction between the fund and the claimant, something which is not possible where the claimant is represented by an attorney,” continued Dhlomo.
He said the direct claimant therefore has first-hand feedback from the RAF on the status of the claim.
“Payment of the compensation is also made in full directly to the direct claimant. The payment received by the direct claimant will also not be reduced by an attorney in respect of contingency fees and expenses,” concluded Dhlomo.
Further information about RAF’s support may be obtained from its Mpumalanga customer service centre at Canary Walk Mall, shop 11, 8 Bester Street. The fund is also accessible at hospitals, including Rob Ferreira, Tonga, Themba and Mapulaneng.
