How to prove another driver was texting while driving

Have you watched the Western Cape’s recent anti texting-while-driving advert? It’s quite brutal. Some people argue that the local government has gone too far, while others maintain that this kind of shock factor is exactly what is needed to deter drivers from texting behind the wheel. But whatever your opinion, the fact that there is […]

How do you know if an offer is reasonable?

Many clients ‘under settle’ due to poor advice, lack of investigation or defective claim preparation. If you have not been fully compensated for a claim, you can even potentially claim for professional negligence against the lawyer who advised you to ‘under settle’. However, whether an offer is reasonable depends on many factors, notably your own […]

Construction accidents in South Africa

Most people appreciate that construction work involves some inherent risks. However, in South Africa, the amount of accidents in the construction industry is rather alarming. According to a statement released by the government, there are at least 1.5 to 2.5 fatalities per week in the construction sector, which contributed 12% to the country’s GDP in […]

Slipping and tripping while shopping

Have you ever slipped and tripped in a shopping centre or supermarket? If so, then you should be aware that it’s not necessarily your fault. Even though we’re fortunate to have rather strict regulations and routine safety inspections in South Africa, shopping accidents are still a surprisingly common occurrence. These happen across the country and […]

Road accidents on the rise in South Africa

Road accidents are sadly on the rise in South Africa and have recently reached a dramatic 10-year apogée. Forecasts even suggest that, by 2020, road accidents will surpass malaria and HIV/AIDS as the main causes of death on the continent! Earlier this year, the AA released important information about road fatalities in South Africa. According […]

The recent increase in medical negligence claims in South Africa

The significant increase in medical negligence claims in South Africa in recent years has had a big impact on the health department’s budget. Doctors have warned that the country’s health system could even collapse, as practising certain specialities of medicine have become too risky and expensive, and many medical malpractice underwriters are questioning the sustainability […]

When do you legally have right of way as a pedestrian in South Africa?

Pedestrian deaths remain a huge concern for authorities in South Africa, as approximately 35-40% of road fatalities are those of pedestrians, and the AA believe that pedestrians remain the most vulnerable of all road users. Unfortunately, many citizens aren’t always clear about when they have legal and safe right of way as a pedestrian, as […]

Will new legislation regarding the use of marijuana in South Africa affect road safety?

Since April 2017 when judges of the high court in the Western Cape unanimously declared the legislation regarding marijuana consumption to be unconstitutional, South Africans have been allowed to smoke and grow the herb in the privacy of their own homes. Parliament has acknowledged the ruling to change sections of the Drug Trafficking Act and […]

Timeframes for claims

In South Africa, if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident — or you lose a loved one —as a result of another driver’s negligence, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit. If you can prove that you have suffered physical or psychological harm, or financial loss, as a result of the negligent […]

Tips to maximise recovery if involved in an accident

The Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) figures for 2016 highlighted that, last year, 14,071 people died on roads in South Africa, and pedestrians remain the most vulnerable of all road users. Accidents in recent times have been mainly due to human factors, such as drink driving, jaywalking, speeding, irresponsible overtaking, and driver fatigue. According to […]