Scholar Transport & School Learner Road Accident Claims — General Information
General public information for parents and guardians when a school child or learner is injured in a scholar transport vehicle, minibus, bus, or pedestrian accident.
- Children and learners injured while travelling in scholar transport, a minibus, a bus, or a private vehicle — or struck as pedestrians walking to or from school — are generally protected as innocent passengers or vulnerable road users under the Road Accident Fund (RAF) framework.
- A parent or legal guardian generally acts on behalf of a minor child to investigate and lodge a claim for past and future medical treatment, rehabilitation, and potential future loss of earning capacity if the injury has lasting effects.
- Under South African prescription law, the running of the 3-year prescription period for identified vehicles is generally suspended while the injured person is a minor under 18, though hit-and-run and other exceptions should always be checked early by a qualified attorney.
- Gather the child's unabridged birth certificate, clinic or hospital discharge notes, and the SAPS police case or accident report number.
Related Public Information Guides:
This is general information, not legal advice. Every case depends on its facts.
Who can claim from the Road Accident Fund?
Anyone injured in a road accident caused by a motor vehicle in South Africa, including passengers, pedestrians and cyclists. Family members who depended on someone killed in an accident may also claim.
How long do I have to claim from the RAF?
Generally 3 years from the date of the accident, or 2 years if the vehicle and driver weren't identified. Different rules can apply to children.
What counts as medical negligence?
When a doctor, nurse, clinic or hospital provides care below the expected standard and it causes harm, for example a mistake during surgery or birth, or a missed diagnosis.
Does it cost anything to use Ubulungisa?
No. The checker is free, and speaking to the attorney is free. Many claim attorneys work on a contingency basis, which they must explain to you in writing before you sign anything.
Will my information be shared?
Only if you ask to be contacted and give your consent. Then it goes to one independent attorney firm, and nobody else.
Important Legal Notice, Terms of Use & POPIA Privacy Notice
1. General Public Information Only (Not Legal or Actuarial Advice): Ubulungisa is an independent public information and referral platform operated by Jonny Marcus (ubulungisa.za@gmail.com). Ubulungisa is not a law firm, legal practitioner, or actuarial practice, and does not provide legal or actuarial advice under the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014. All content and questionnaire outputs are general educational information based on publicly available South African statutes.
2. No Attorney-Client Relationship & No Interruption of Prescription: Using this website or submitting a callback request does not create an attorney-client relationship, does not lodge a claim with the Road Accident Fund (RAF) or any organ of state, and does not interrupt statutory prescription or notice time limits. Only a qualified attorney who has formally accepted your mandate in writing can advise on your specific deadlines and lodge a claim on your behalf.
3. Limitation of Liability: While care is taken to keep general statutory information accurate, every case turns on its own facts and legal exceptions. To the maximum extent permitted by South African law, Ubulungisa and its operator accept no liability for any loss, damage, or expired time limit arising from reliance on general information on this website.
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