What Parents Can Claim From the Road Accident Fund in South Africa

When a road accident involves a child, fear, confusion and uncertainty often take over long before families have had time to understand what support is available to them. In South Africa, many parents are unaware that the Road Accident Fund (RAF) exists to provide medical support and financial relief to victims of road accidents and their families.

According to child safety advocates, thousands of eligible families never submit claims simply because they do not know what they can claim for or how the process works. For parents, this lack of information can have long-term consequences, particularly when injuries affect a child’s development, education or future earning potential.

This guide from RoadCover explains what parents are entitled to from the RAF, why early action matters and how parents can secure their full compensation quickly, fairly and with no legal fees.

Understanding the Road Accident Fund

The RAF is a state-supported body established to compensate people injured in road accidents caused by the negligent driving of another motorist. It also supports families who lose a loved one in a fatal accident.

“The Road Accident Fund exists to ensure that victims of road accidents are not left financially destitute because of someone else’s negligence,” explains RoadCover. “The problem is that many parents do not realise how wide the scope of support actually is.”

Claims can be made for accidents involving cars, taxis, buses, trucks and motorcycles. Children qualify as claimants whether they were passengers, pedestrians or cyclists.

Medical Expenses Parents Can Claim

One of the most important forms of support available through the RAF is coverage for medical treatment.

Parents may be able to claim for:

• Emergency medical treatment immediately after the accident
• Hospitalisation and surgical procedures
• Follow-up doctor visits and specialist care
• Medication and medical devices
• Rehabilitation such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy

According to RoadCover, parents should keep every medical record and invoice, even months or years after the accident.

“In cases involving children, medical needs can change as the child grows,” says RoadCover. “What looks like a minor injury at first can later require ongoing treatment. Proper documentation is essential.”

Claims For Future Medical Care

Children who suffer serious injuries may require medical support well into adulthood. The RAF allows claims not only for current treatment but also for future medical expenses.

This can include anticipated surgeries, therapy, psychological support and long-term rehabilitation.

“Parents often do not realise that future care can be included in a claim,” RoadCover explains. “This is especially important for head injuries, spinal injuries or trauma that affects learning and development.”

Medical experts are often required to assess the long-term impact of an injury and estimate future costs. These assessments form a critical part of a child’s claim.

Loss of Support Claims When a Parent Is Killed

If a breadwinner is killed in a road accident, children may be entitled to claim for loss of support. This only applies when a parent dies as a result of a road accident. 

Loss of support claims are calculated based on the income the child would reasonably have received from their parent had the accident not occurred.

“Children are often the silent victims when a parent is killed,” says RoadCover. “The Road Accident Fund recognises this and provides a mechanism to protect their financial future.”

Funeral Expenses After a Fatal Accident

In the tragic event that a child or parent dies in a road accident, families may be able to claim funeral expenses from the RAF.

This can include:

• Burial or cremation costs
• Funeral service expenses
• Transportation related to the funeral

RoadCover notes that families should retain proof of payment and funeral documentation to support these claims.

General Damages For Pain and Suffering

In cases of serious injury, parents may also be able to claim general damages on behalf of their child. These damages compensate for pain, suffering, loss of amenities in your day-to-day living and reduced quality of life.

Not all injuries qualify. The RAF applies a legal threshold to determine whether an injury is serious enough for general damages.

“Parents are often surprised to learn that pain, suffering, loss of amenities in your day-to-day living and reduced quality of life can be considered,” RoadCover explains. “This is particularly relevant for children who experience pain and suffering after severe accidents.”

Why Timing Matters For Parents

There are strict time limits for submitting claims to the RAF. Missing these deadlines can result in a claim being rejected.

For children, the rules differ slightly, but delays can still complicate matters.

“Parents should seek information as early as possible,” RoadCover advises. “Even if you are unsure whether you qualify, understanding the process early can prevent costly mistakes later.”

Protecting Children Through Knowledge

Road accidents can change a family’s life in seconds. While no claim can undo trauma, access to proper support can ease long-term financial and medical burdens.

As RoadCover puts it, “This is not about encouraging claims. It is about ensuring families know their rights so children are protected when they are most vulnerable.”

Understanding what you can claim from the RAF is not only bout the legalities. It is an essential step in safeguarding your child’s future after a road accident, whether you pass away or they get injured. 

With RoadCover, you get full support for road challenges, including RAF claims, legal aid and repairs from an expert team.

For more information, visit the RoadCover website