Motor vehicle accidents usually give rise to three legal processes:
- A criminal case where the State will prosecute the wrongdoer or accused;
- A civil claim for the material damages to the vehicles and its contents or load (usually dealt with by your insurer); and
- A statutory claim against the Road Accident Fund for damages as a result of injuries or the death of a party involved in the accident.
It is very important to understand that, although these are three separate legal processes concerning motor vehicle accidents, they are very closely linked and the outcomes of each might affect the other.
Contact STBB if you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident and need assistance or representation.