my father in the car accident in 2001 and my mother did not get anything

my father was ****ed in the car accident in 2001 and the lawyer which was busy with the case was arrested due to *****, and now my mother didn't know what to do, she end up ill mentally because of stress in 2004. and that lead her not to carry on with the claim, So yesterday i went to road accident fund to try and help my her with regards to this issue they just told us that the claim has expired.So i need help from anyone who can assist on this matter to get proper feedback my number is ********** 572 Nhlanhla Ndebele