37 years in practice
Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal
320 Smith Street, 10th Floor, Mercury House, Durban
031 307 3982
6 years in practice
Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal
514 Burlington Heights, Shallcross, Chatsworth, Durban083 725 2566
30 years in practice
Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal
311 Lenny Naidu Drive, Bayview, Chatsworth, 4092031 400 7504All of the 3 law firms we list in Chatsworth take on road accident fund matters, which shows how central this work is for local practices. By years in practice, the most experienced are Pravda and Knowles Attorneys (37 years), Shenaaz B Habib & Co (30 years) and MJN Attorneys (6 years). 2 of these firms have a full profile on our site, with their people, history and the courts they use.
If you were injured, or lost a breadwinner, in a road accident in South Africa, you may be able to claim from the Road Accident Fund under the Road Accident Fund Act 56 of 1996. Claims have strict time limits: generally three years from the accident where the driver is known, and two years for hit-and-run cases. Many RAF lawyers work on a contingency fee, which is capped by the Contingency Fees Act.
Claims of up to R200,000 can go to the district magistrate's court and up to R400,000 to the Regional Court. Larger claims are brought in the High Court. For Chatsworth that is the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court, which sits in Durban (about 16 km away). The Chatsworth Magistrate's Court at 1 Justice Street, Unit 5, Chatsworth 4030 serves Chatsworth.
Usually three years from the date of the accident if the vehicle owner or driver is identified, and two years if they are not. Missing the deadline can end your claim.
A 'no win, no fee' agreement. Under the Contingency Fees Act 66 of 1997 the fee is capped, and the agreement must be in writing. Read it carefully before signing.
Ask how many RAF matters the firm handles, what percentage they charge if you win, and who pays expert reports. Compare the firms listed above for Chatsworth.
Larger claims from Chatsworth go to the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court, which sits in Durban.
