Find a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer

Updated: December 8, 2025

Reviewed by: Jayne Orme

Updated: December 8, 2025

Reviewed by: Jayne Orme

Bike Accident Solicitor

Jayne is a Bike Accident Solicitor from one of our panel law firms.

Losing a loved one at any time is traumatic. But when someone you love dies in a fatal road accident that was not their fault, it can feel as if your world has ended too.  

Not only does suddenly losing a loved one cause emotional distress but an unexpected death can also leave partners and dependents in financial turmoil. 

With our help, you can focus on dealing with your bereavement. You will be safe in the knowledge that an experienced lawyer is managing your loved one’s estate. 

Fatal road accident claims can arise from any incident where it was not the victim’s fault, or where they were only partially to blame. Examples of fatal road traffic accidents include being a driver, passenger or pedestrian. A fatal car accident or fatal motorbike accident are some of the most common kinds of fatal road accident in the UK. 

Who can claim for a fatal car accident? 

Following fatal road accidents, dependents of the deceased can make a fatal accident claim. Dependents are: 

• Spouses 

• Partners that have cohabited for at least 2 years 

• Civil partners 

• Parents (including step parents and adoptive parents) 

• Children (including stepchildren and adoptive children) 

• Siblings 

• Grandparents 

Those who represent the deceased’s estate can also make fatal car accident claims on behalf of the beneficiaries.  

What type of car accident can I claim for? 

Pedestrians crossing the road 

If your loved one was killed as a pedestrian you could make a fatal car accident claim on their behalf. It could be that the driver failed to look properly, or they may have been speeding. Whatever the circumstances, we’re on hand to support you – call us for further advice or request a callback.  

Hit and run 

Losing a loved one in a road traffic accident is emotionally devastating, but if the driver left the scene, this could make the situation even more difficult to process.  

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) was set up to support those affected by road accidents involving untraced and uninsured drivers. While you do not need to instruct a solicitor to start your claim with the MIB, having an experienced personal injury solicitor on your side can help you navigate the hit and run claims process, which can sometimes be complex.  

Rear-end collision 

You could be eligible to make a claim if you lost a loved one due to a rear-end collision. In cases like these, it is often the vehicle behind that is liable for the collision, although every case will be assessed on an individual basis. 

We work with a network of solicitors who specialise in claims like these, who can ensure you receive the best possible legal advice and support.  

Car passenger claims 

Drivers have a duty of care to ensure that passengers in their vehicle don’t come to harm during travel, so you may be eligible to make a car accident passenger claim if you lost a loved one under these circumstances.  

What is the time limit to make a fatal road accident claim? 

You have three years to file a claim for a road traffic accident. This means that court proceedings need to begin within three years from the date of the accident. 

However, in some cases, different time limits may apply, and the court might extend the deadline based on the specific circumstances. During your free initial consultation with us, our team will go over these details with you. 

Causes of Fatal Road Accidents 

There are many causes of fatal road accident claims. According to government figures, the top contributory factors in fatal road collisions in 2022 were loss of control, driver or rider failed to look properly, and driver or rider careless, reckless or in a hurry.

A fatal car accident or fatal motorcycle accident can also be caused by poor conditions. These include inadequate lighting, large potholes, unclear signs, and other distractions such as smoke from a bonfire in a neighbouring field blowing across the road. 

Motor Insurers’ Bureau Claims 

If the fatal road accident was caused by an uninsured or untraced driver, you may still be able to make a claim.  

The Motor Insurers Bureau is an organisation that insurance companies pay into in an accident with these drivers. This would be the case if the driver drove away from a fatal road accident, or if they were uninsured.  

A fatal car accident must be reported to the police at the time of the accident, or soon afterwards. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau will then pay the compensation rather than the insurance company. 

Where you have been involved in an accident with a driver and intend to make a claim against an uninsured or untraced driver, you are not required to use the services of a claims management company to pursue the claim.  

This is the same when it’s a fatal car accident in the UK involving a foreign-registered vehicle, or claim involving a vehicle accident abroad (EEA/Green Card System). 

It may be possible for you to present the claim yourself directly, for free, with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. 

What can be included in a fatal road accident claim? 

After the sudden and unexpected death of a loved one, not only will you be dealing with significant emotional distress, but you may also worry about practical factors such as funeral expenses, finances, and more.  

A fatal car accident lawyer will help you to decipher the law surrounding fatal road accident claims. They will also help you understand what you can and cannot claim compensation for. 

The amount of compensation you can claim for depends on a number of factors. These include the level of financial dependency that the deceased had, the age of the deceased, life circumstances and more. 
 
Possible inclusions in fatal car accidents claims: 

• Funeral expenses 

• Loss of earnings, cost of care and other reasonable expenses for the deceased, where death is not instant 

• Bereavement Award (this can be claimed by the parent or spouse of the deceased under the Fatal Accident Act 1976) 

• Compensation for pain and suffering 

• Dependency – this will take into account the loss of income from the deceased, employment benefits such as healthcare, and loss of lifestyle contributions e.g. property maintenance, DIY etc. 

How We Can Help 

Here at The Compensation Experts we work with solicitors who have years of experience dealing with all manner of claims. 

This includes fatal road accidents. Contact us today by filling in our contact form. Or call us on 0800 182 2186 to speak to one of our friendly knowledgeable advisors.