Losing money due them just sitting on files

I was involved in a motor vehicle collision on 28th November 2020. The collision was due to the negligence of the third party who was renting a vehicle and was intoxicated. I lodged an insurance claim which was then handed to VFV attorneys for litigation. On 20th August 2021 I contacted VFV attorneys to follow up on the recovery as I wanted my excess fee of R8000.00. I provided them with all the information of the third party including cell number, email address and ID number. I provided my accident report, tax invoices, drivers license' of both parties and all other relevant documents. I followed up again on 2 December 2021 and I was advised that litigation was pending. On 28th December 2021 I once again requested an update and I provided VFV with the residential address of the other driver. At this point all sufficient information to proceed with the Summons had been provided by me to VFV, I was advised by VFV on 18th January 2022 that a letter of Demand was sent and the third party disputed liability. This confirms that the address was correct and the prospects of success for proper service of a summons would have been good. On June 2022 I called VFV for an update and I was advised that the recovery had been abandoned as the third party was deceased and I would have to forfeit my claim for the R8 000.00 (EIGHT THOUSAND RAND) excess fee. I am.of. the opinion that the period of one year that it took VFV to send the third party two letters and not even attempt to proceed with legal action constitutes negligence on their part. As the other driver is now deceased I am unable to proceed against him for my R8 000.00 excess fee. I am of the opinion have been negligent in their treatment of my claim