This page refers to the 2024-2025 edition of 'When someone dies in a road crash: Information and advice for bereaved families and friends following death on the road in England and Wales'

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 and advice about: the police investigation; the Crown Prosecution Service; charging someone; criminal offences.

Section 4: Court cases

Includes information and advice about: attending court; being a witness in court; court procedures; appeals; prisoner release; inquests; restorative justice.

Section 5: Can I claim compensation?

Includes information and advice about: whether or not you can claim compensation; hiring and paying for a solicitor; types of compensation; preparing and negotiating your claim.