First, we’ll talk to you, to find out what’s happened and what support you need. We can help you with practical challenges and help you understand the complex, unfamiliar procedures that often follow a road crash.
You can talk to us if you’re worried about money or a court case, or how to find legal support. We can also help you support children affected by the crash, or tell other people what has happened.
If you’re finding it difficult to cope, we’re here to talk. We promise to listen to you, and provide a safe space for you to talk about your feelings.
Brake’s National Road Victim Service is a free, specialist support service run by Brake. We are here for you, from day one, for as long as you need us.
If you need help after a road crash
Get in touch
If someone you love has been killed or injured in a road crash, Brake is here to help.
Fill out this simple form, call 0808 8000 401 or email help@brake.org.uk
Open Monday to Friday 10am–4pm
How can Brake's National Road Victim Service help you?
Watch a short film to find out how Brake can help you if you have been bereaved or injured by a road crash.
Operating hours and response times
Our service is open from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, excluding bank holidays. To get help, fill out this short self-referral form, call 0808 8000 401 or email help@brake.org.uk.
Please note that calls may be monitored for quality and training purposes. Talking on the phone when driving is a major cause of distraction, which affects driver safety. If you call us while you are driving, we will ask you to end the call and then arrange another time to talk to you.
Due to demand on the service, our current response time is 10 working days.
If you've recently left a voicemail message and have not received a response within 10 working days, please email help@brake.org.uk.
If you need support before we are next available
Please use these webpages to find information to help you. Scroll down and click on the links below to find out more.
You can call the Samaritans on 116 123 who are available 24 hours a day, or access support on the Samaritans website. Go to Talk to us on the Phone | Samaritans.
You can call Cruse on 0808 808 1677 if you want to talk to someone before we are next available. You can also find help and support on the Cruse website. Go to Get support - Cruse Bereavement Support.
In case of an emergency
In case of emergency, or if you need help urgently, please call 999 immediately or your GP Out of Hours Service for urgent medical assistance.
We understand every road crash is different, every road victim is an individual, and your circumstance is uniquely painful and challenging.
- We promise to hear you, work with you to meet your needs, and help you feel safe and supported.
- Our aim is to help you cope, feel informed and listened to.
- We help you get the help you need from people and services in your community.
- We provide a safe space for you to talk about your feelings.
- We are an independent service working in partnership with other services to care for your needs.
- We do not replace the roles of emergency, police or health services.