Do You Need to Contact an Attorney After a Car Accident?
Driving on South African roads is a frightening and stressful experience. With road accidents costing the economy some R300 billion each year, it is safe to say that everybody who invests in a car in South Africa should simultaneously take out a funeral policy. Being on South Africa’s roads is a hair raising experience – you can’t be sure you’ll arrive alive. But what is the procedure to follow after a car accident? Do you need to contact an attorney after a car accident if nobody was hurt?
After a car accident, it is important to report the accident to the nearest police station. This must be done within 24 hours of the accident. Injuries or death will also mean a claim being made with the Road Accident Fund. This fund has been created to offer assistance to those who have lost income as a result of injuries or death.
You’re Up Against Uninsured, Unlicensed and Intoxicated Drivers
In South Africa, unlike other countries, you don’t have to insure your car. There are countless people driving on the roads each day uninsured, unlicensed and under the influence of alcohol. If someone causes an accident it shouldn’t be you having to foot the bill for repairs to your car. What about if someone is seriously injured in a car 
accident or even killed? Brain injuries and death can alter the lives of people irrevocably. In instances like this an attorney’s help will be imperative.
Good legal advice from attorneys who deal with legal and medical matter will be invaluable after an accident. This is because with their help you will get the outcome you deserve.
A motor vehicle accident attorney represents those who have been involved in an accident and make sure that justice prevails. They know how virtually impossible it will be for accident victims to try and recover compensation for losses. They also know how certain rules and regulations specific to South Africa will complicate insurance claims.
Very Little Compensation from Road Accident Fund
These days the compensation available to victims of car accidents has been significantly reduced by the Road Accident Fund Amendment Act. In South Africa, victims of personal injury receive very little compensation for the pain and suffering they endure. The South African Government has removed the right of road accident victims to compensation from accidents as from August 2008.
So Many Complex Legalities
The entire claim process can be so frustrating and complicated that without an accident attorney, it would be
virtually impossible to complete it. They will assist you with all the legalities of making a claim and advising you on the procedure for possibly going to court.
- Did you know that even though your medical aid has paid all expenses for your injuries, you are still entitled to claim this from the RAF?
- Your attorney will deal with all documents and advise you about whether you will need to reimburse the medical aid
- Future loss of income is an extremely complex part of the claim. To properly investigate, calculate and claim future loss of income will almost certainly require the services of an expert attorney.
Excellent Law Firms will Represent You
The truth of the matter is that in South Africa it is always a good idea to get legal representation after a car accident. South Africa doesn’t have a good road safety record but they do have excellent law firms. The lawyers support people who have been in accidents and are looking to have justice served. Just a few to mention are Malcolm Lyons & Brivik Inc, Munro Flowers Vermaak, De Broglio Attorneys and many others.
Do research before choosing an accident lawyer and choose a long-standing, reputable firm. Most accidents happen because of someones negligence, and by getting a lawyer on your side means someone to take you through the legal procedures towards compensation and peace of mind.
All info was correct at time of publishing