Fatal road accidents can be avoided
If you've lost a loved one because of a fatal road accident, whether they were a driver, cyclist, passenger or pedestrian, we can help.
Nobody expects to be told that their loved one or friend has passed away because of the negligence of somebody else. And nobody should be left to deal with the impact that can have without support.
We know that experiencing the death of a family member or close friend is extremely traumatic and overwhelming.
Compensation can't take the sense of loss or pain away. However, it can help you take steps towards rebuilding stability and financial security after the loss of a loved one.
Can you make a claim?
We regularly speak to people who are unsure whether they have a claim, and we realise that you may be especially unsure whether you can make a claim if you're thinking of doing so on someone else's behalf.
As a helpline, part of our service is to help you understand if you have a compensation claim. To do this, we listen to everything you want to say about your experience. We'll also ask you some questions so that we can understand:
- When the accident happened
- Who was involved in the accident
- Whether somebody was at fault for your accident
- What the impact of that accident was
Where an accident has caused a death, we know that the impact will be life-changing and distressing. We also know that you might not feel ready to talk about what happened.
For that reason, we advise that if the accident happened in the last three years, caused a fatality and was somebody else's fault, then it's likely you can make a claim for the impacts the accident has had on your life, and for the passing of your loved one.
What can your compensation cover?
Really there's no limit to what your compensation can cover, because once you've received it, it's yours to use how you choose.
However, when your solicitor negotiates your compensation, they'll look to cover a number of things. This includes:
- Any loss of earnings you've experienced - this includes the loss of future earnings if your partner has passed away
- Any additional costs you've had to cover - for example funeral costs, treatment costs or travel costs because of the accident
- Any care costs - including care for your loved one before they passed, or care for your children while you were needed elsewhere
If it was your partner who suffered a fatal accident, you could make a ‘dependent's claim' if you were partially or entirely financially dependent on your loved one. You can read more about making a dependent's claim here.
Claiming for a fatal bicycle accident
Cyclists are some of the most vulnerable road users. No matter how protected you are while cycling, fatal cycling accidents are all too common, especially where larger vehicles, speed or reckless driving has been involved.
Claiming for a fatal cycle accident involving your friend or relative is like claiming for any other type of road accident. For a successful claim to be made there must be somebody at fault (liable) for the accident, and that accident must have taken place in the last three years.
You can read more about our work with bike accident claims here.
Claiming for a fatal motorcycle accident
Motorcycle accidents can quickly become serious or fatal. The fast speeds and lack of protection on a motorcycle can mean that even the slightest impact or accident can have life-changing consequences.
Motorcycle accidents are often caused by other drivers forgetting to check for motorcyclists at a junction or when merging. While we know that nobody intends to be negligent, accidents like these drastically impact the person involved in the accident and their family.
If your loved one has died because of a motorcycle accident, we can help you find out if you have a compensation claim. Please contact us today on, where one of our friendly advisors will have a confidential and advisory chat with you about your options.
Road accidents and life-changing injuries
We know that not all serious road accidents are fatal. There are some cases where a road accident, such as an accident involving a cyclist, pedestrian or motorcyclist, may lead to serious or life-changing injuries.
If that's the case, you may still be able to make a claim on behalf of your loved one, particularly if they're now dependent on you or are unable to make legal decisions as a result of their injuries.
We have more information about making a claim on behalf of somebody else here. Or you can visit our serious injury claims page to learn more about our work with life-changing injuries.