Fatal Road Accidents: What Happens Next?

If a loved one has been involved in a fatal accident, we understand that the thought of making a legal claim may seem impossible at what will already be an incredibly difficult time. Whilst there is no sum of money that will ever begin to compensate you for your loss, we understand that you may be worried about how you will cope financially going forward.

 

That’s why at Bonnar Accident Law, our experienced solicitors will always treat our bereaved client’s relatives with compassion and care.

 

Tragically there were 1,752 fatalities from road traffic accidents reported in the UK in 2019. We understand that behind each statistic, is a family dealing with the devastating aftermath. We have significant experience handling fatal road traffic accidents and we are here to help every step of the way.

 

Am I Entitled to Claim?

If someone else was at fault in causing the accident we can help you to claim compensation to ensure that you and your family don’t suffer any unnecessary financial hardship. The law allows close relatives of the deceased to make a claim, which can be any of the below:

 

• A spouse or a former spouse
• Civil partners of the deceased.
• Children, grandchildren, adopted children and other descendants
• Parents and grandparents of the deceased
• Brothers and sisters

 

In certain circumstances, other relatives who were financially dependent on the deceased may also be entitled to claim.

What Does Compensation Cover in a Fatal Road Traffic Accident Claim?

The amount you could be awarded in a successful claim can vary greatly, as it’s very much dependent on a variety of factors.

• Bereavement Award

This covers grief, distress and suffering for the loss of a loved one.

 

• Actual Losses

This covers the expenses if you were caring for your loved one between their accident and the time of their passing such as any medical costs. It also covers the cost of the funeral and the legal cost of dealing with your loved one’s estate.

• Loss of Earnings and Services

If you or your loved one were unable to work in the period between their accident and when they passed away the loss of earnings can be covered. Services include any duties your loved one may have performed such as childcare or caring for another family member.

• Dependency Losses

If you and your family depend on the income of your loved one, the long-term financial loss will be carefully calculated to ensure the deceased dependents are financially supported in the future. This can include income, pensions and benefits.

 

How Can We Help?

 

Following a fatal road traffic accident, the police will have carried out a detailed investigation into the circumstances that caused the accident. We will gain access to these reports and speak to the police offers involved, whilst also instructing our own independent road accident investigators to review the police evidence and findings.

 

Here at Bonnar Accident Law, our solicitors have the expertise and experience to guide your family through the claims process step by step and we will work tirelessly to achieve the maximum amount of compensation for each family member who has a claim.

 

If you would like to discuss your options for making a compensation claim as a result of a fatal accident, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.