Scroll down to read or download our guides for adults, children, and carers of children.
You can also talk to your caseworker about anything in these guides, or something not in these guides, or for advice about choosing a solicitor.
If you have been bereaved, the police are required under their official rules to hand out printed copies of Brake’s guides for bereaved people (including guides for children and their carers).
If you have not received these, we can post them to you, for free. Talk to your caseworker.
You can also read a short book about coping with grief when someone you love is killed in a road crash. This book aims to help you cope and protect your mental and physical wellbeing. It is based on the experiences of many people bereaved in a sudden or shocking way, and what helped them.
Click on the link below to download.
Download the book
Support books for children and their adult carers
When someone you love dies in a road crash it is a shattering experience, whether you are a grown up or a child. As a parent or carer, it can be particularly difficult to know what to say to bereaved children or how to behave around them.
Someone has died in a road crash is a picture book for children to read with adults after a road death. It uses simple language and colourful pictures to communicate important messages and encourage discussion and honesty between children and their carers. It is a simple way for families in distress to share emotions and support each other at a bleak time.
Helping children bereaved by road death is a guide for adults who are caring for children bereaved by a road crash.
To order, call Brake's National Road Victim Service on 0808 8000 401, email admin@brake.org.uk or ask your police contact.
You can download both books for free below (but we recommend you call us for copies, too). Please click on the links below.
Picture book for children to read with adults after a road death
Guide for adults who are caring for children bereaved by a road crash
Information and advice following serious injury in a road crash
A serious injury caused by a road
crash is sudden, violent, and often has far-reaching effects on the
injured person's life and the lives of their loved ones.
Brake’s National Road Victim Service provides emotional and practical support.
To talk to your caseworker, call the National Road Victim Service on 0808 8000 401 or email help@brake.org.uk.
Coming soon...
New guidance for anyone who has been seriously injured in a road crash and anyone helping someone who has been injured in a crash. This includes information on financial, practical and emotional help as well as information on criminal processes if the injury was caused by someone else driving.
Get help choosing a solicitor who can support you after a road crash
Legal supportFind out more about organ and tissue donation after a death
Organ and tissue donationWhat you should expect from the officials who provide help, information and advice after a road crash
Government agency codes and standardsDifferent offences that someone can be charged with after a crash, and their penalties
Criminal offencesOrganisations that may be able to help you after a road crash
Useful organisationsThe 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