This page refers to the 2021-2022 edition of Information and advice for bereaved families and friends following a death on the road in England and Wales.

Information and advice for bereaved families and friends following a death on the road in England and Wales

Download the guide (2021-2022 edition)

Contents

Introduction

Includes information about how to use this guide and your right to support

Section 1: What happens now?

Things that often happen in the first few days after a fatal crash. Includes information about seeing, touching and identifying a loved one's body; post-mortems; return of belongings; visiting the crash site; what happened in the crash; what happens to vehicles.

Section 2: Practical issues

Practical issues that often come up after a road crash. Includes information about informing people; burials or cremations; legal issues; personal finance; the media; memorials; if the crash happened abroad.

Section 3: Criminal investigations and charges

Includes information about: the police investigation; the Crown Prosecution Service; criminal charges.

Section 4: Court cases

Includes information about: attending court; being a witness in court; court procedures; appeals; prisoner release; inquests; the Criminal Justice System.

Section 5: Can I claim compensation?

Includes information about: types of fatal motor claim; fatal motor claim procedures; working with your solicitor; paying your solicitor.

Get help from a solicitor

Click here to view a list of solicitors based around England and Wales who may be able to help you

Other essential information

Organ and tissue donation

Organ and tissue donation is possible after some deaths

Read more

Useful organisations

Get help from organisations that help road victims

Read more

Get help if a crash happened abroad

How Brake's National Road Victim Service can help you if a crash happened abroad

Read more

Criminal offences

Different offences that someone can be charged with after a crash, and their penalties

Read more

Government agency codes and standards

What you should expect from officials who provide help, information and advice after a road crash

Read more

Legal support

How an expert solicitor can help you, if bereaved or seriously injured

Read more

The National Road Victim Service

0808 8000 401

Brake’s free support service if you are bereaved, seriously injured, or helping a road crash victim.

Meet your named caseworker. Call 0808 8000 401 or email help@brake.org.uk