Celebrating 30 years

Thorrington-Smith & Silver is proud to have been providing specialist legal advice and representation since 1995.

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About Us

Personal Injury Law Firm

A proven track record of excellent results.

Thorrington-Smith & Silver was established in 1995 by founding partners David Thorrington-Smith and Wade Silver. We have been assisting clients throughout South Africa for over 30 years, specializing in personal injury law, with a particular focus on claims against the Road Accident Fund (RAF).

At Thorrington-Smith & Silver, we believe in building strong client relationships. We offer personalized legal counsel and work closely with each client to understand their unique needs.

Thorrington-Smith & Silver combines 30 years of experience with a commitment to client care. We have successfully finalized thousands of RAF claims and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible results for every client.

No win. No fee.

At Thorrington-Smith & Silver, we handle cases on a no win no fee basis. This means you only pay our firm if your claim is successful. We cover all disbursements necessary to finalize your case. Our fees are capped ensuring you receive a fair share of compensation awarded. If your case is unsuccessful, you owe us nothing.

Road Accident Fund

Are you a victim of a road accident? We can help you claim from the Road Accident Fund.

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A track record of proven results.

Our firm has been in existence for over 30 years providing specialist legal advice and representation.

    • If you’re looking for someone to trust with your RAF claim..this is the firm. We have truly been fortunate to have them on board with us. Quick, efficient and effective

      Donne
      Client

    • Best RAF attorneys around. With years of experience.

      Clinton
      Client

    • During the whole process Wade has been consistent and has constantly kept chipping away at the RAF, sometimes through the courts. He has been approachable and willing to listen and respond appropriately to any concerns that I’ve had.

      Jonathan
      Client

Get your questions answered, we’re here to help.

Do you want to know if you have a claim or need legal representation? Our expert team is here to assist you.

Frequently asked questions

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, contact us directly.

    • Who is entitled to make a claim?

      Motorists, passengers, motor-cyclists and pedestrians who have been seriously injured in a motor-vehichle accident which was not their own fault. Dependents of a breadwinner killed in an accident.

    • What is the time period in which to submit a claim?

      The Road Accident Fund Act imposes deadlines for claim submissions. For identified claims (driver identified), you have 3 years to lodge a claim, and 5 years within which to serve summons if the claim has not been settled by then. Hit and run claims (driver unidentified) need to be submitted within two years and summons served within 5 years.

    • Should I file a direct claim with the RAF?

      Road Accident Fund claims are complex. While self-submissions are an option, engaging legal expertise offers significant advantages. Attorneys ensure thorough claim preparation, including accurate documentation and comprehensive loss quantification. They secure essential medical opinions, negotiate effectively with the RAF, and advocate for your best interests, including litigating when necessary. Furthermore, legal counsel provides expert guidance on settlement offers and assists with navigating potential appeals, maximizing your chances of receiving full and fair compensation

    • What is the Road Accident Fund?

      The Road Accident Fund (RAF) is a statutory body providing compensation to victims of serious or fatal motor vehicle accidents. It has branch offices in the major centres in South Africa

    • How is the Road Accident Fund financed?

      The Road Accident Fund (RAF) is primarily financed by a fuel levy, a fixed amount is added to the price of every litre of petrol and diesel sold in South Africa. The levy rate is set annually by the National Treasury based on the RAFs budget needs and total fuel sales.

    • How long does the claim process take?

      Road Accident Fund claims often take a considerable amount of time to process due to a confluence of factors. The requirement of a medical assessment after a claimant reaches Maximum Medical Improvement, particularly for serious injury claims involving general damages, introduces a significant delay. Moreover, achieving a fair settlement frequently necessitates legal action, including court proceedings, which can be a protracted process. Compounding these delays is the Road Accident Fund`s ongoing operational challenges, including a substantial backlog of unsettled claims.

    • What do we charge?

      We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. If we agree to proceed, we work on a contingency basis meaning that our firm will finance the claim and that you will only be responsible for the fees and disbursements incurred by our firm if the claim is successful and in such instance our fee is capped at a maximum of 25% of the claim proceeds. If the claim is unsuccessful you will not be responsible to our firm for the payment of any fees or disbursements