Claim against the Road Accident Fund

Good day Michael,

I was involved in a motor vehicle accident in August 2015 where I was hit from behind by another speeding vehicle as my vehicle was in a stationary position. It was so terrifying as I suffered from severe whiplash and I also had a serious concussion. At first I did not realise the seriousness of my injury and after numerous physiotherapy appointments and a visit to a Neurosurgeon, I’ve realised that my neck was seriously injured. The thought of claiming from the RAF never crossed my mind, till one evening in December 2016 (after I received the bad news that I require neck surgery) I saw the De Broglio Attorneys add on TV. The next day I contacted the number I took down and was helped by David John.

David send me a lot of documents, but after reviewing all the documents, I did not understand the process and after reading all those costs, etc, I was skeptical to complete and sign the documents and to return it. After about a month, David phoned me back and told me that I need not worry and that he can assure me that I do have a claim and that I should not worry about the costs in the documents I received. It is just to indicate what costs could be involved.

De Broglio’s took my case in January 2016 and told me beforehand that I was looking at a minimum of 20 – 36 months before settlement. They kept me informed throughout and I also cooperated by providing all relevant documents as soon as they asked for it. As I’m living in Bloemfontein, they even made arrangements that most of my medico-legal appointments was scheduled in the same week so that I could save on travelling and accommodation. In the end I only travelled to Gauteng 4 times, which including the day in court.

My case was heard on 16 October 2018 in court and on 28 January 2019 I received part of my settlement. That was just over 3 months after the court date even though I was told I might wait 6 – 8 months. The second portion of my payment will happen soon now as only the taxation process needs to be finalised.

I since had a second neck surgery on 16 January 2019 and my medical aid just wants the Undertaking Certificate from RAF and they will claim the costs back from RAF.

My future loss of income trail took place on 21 July 2021. I would like to make use of this opportunity to thank Shristi Ramgathi, as well as Advocate Erasmus for the outstanding way in which they dealt with my case. Their services exceeded my expectations. Shristi even accomodated me with my second set of Medico Appointment by scheduling them all in one week so that I will have minimum travel cost

As my trail date came closer, I was kept informed of all the information that I needed to know and they also had a MS Team consultation with me prior to the trail.

I’m also extremely grateful for the settlement that they were able to obtain for me. That value blew my mind, as I did not expect it at all.

Thank you very much for the excellent service I received from your Law Firm since the inception of my case, which was in 2016. It was at time difficult to be patient, but your bi-weekly e-mails kept me informed of the delays to be expected and the fact that I should remain patient.

I will forever be grateful to you Law Firm as I was very sceptical at the beginning when I first approached you.

May God bless you and your employees today and forever.

Thank you Michael and everyone else involved in my case to date.

Regards Martha