Fatal Road Accident Compensation
Losing a loved one in a fatal accident can be devastating. Suffering this kind of tragic loss can take a profound emotional and mental toll on families and friends. And although it may not be at the forefront of their minds, the financial effects on those left behind can be significant too, particularly for those who were dependent on the deceased’s income.
If someone you know has died in a motor accident, you may be entitled to make a fatal road traffic accident claim. When you’re ready, you can start your claim by comparing specialist personal injury solicitors.
Funeral costs
Funerals can cost thousands of pounds and, for many people, this can come as a shock. In addition to cremation or burial costs, relatives need to consider the cost of memorials, catering, flowers, limousine hire, venue hire and death notices, among other things. Even for a basic funeral, costs such as the funeral directors and officiant’s fees will likely need to be paid. Next of kin may have to pay a doctor’s fee if a second death certificate is required, and they may also need to pay for an executor to administer their loved one’s estate.
The financial aftermath
If you’ve lost your partner, your household income may have reduced and you may have to take sole responsibility for household bills, insurance expenses and mortgage, loan and credit card debts. This can feel overwhelming. For many, the thought of trying to make a personal injury claim is just too much. However, getting the compensation you’re entitled to could help you to pay for the costs of your loved one’s funeral and help you to rebuild your life.
Getting professional assistance from a specialist personal injury solicitor can help to ensure you receive the maximum payout you’re entitled to. Although this money obviously cannot bring your loved one back, it can help to make life easier from a practical point of view. And in many cases, it is vital to keep dependents financially afloat.
Am I entitled to make a fatal road accident claim?
You may be able to make a claim for compensation following the death of a loved one in a road traffic accident if you are classed as a dependent and the deceased’s death was the fault of someone else.
According to the Fatal Accidents Act 1976, you are classed as a dependent if you:
- are the deceased’s husband, wife or former husband or wife
- are the deceased’s civil partner or former civil partner
- were cohabiting with the deceased as though you were married or civil partnered for at least two consecutive years before their death
- a parent or other ascendant of the deceased
- were treated as a parent by the deceased
- a child or other descendant of the deceased
- a sibling, uncle or aunt of the deceased
- were treated as a child of the deceased because of the deceased’s marriage or civil partnership.
When it comes to fatal road accidents, it doesn’t matter whether your loved one was a driver, a passenger, a cyclist or a pedestrian. If they died as a result of another road user’s negligence or error, then you may be entitled to compensation.
How long do I have to make a claim?
Understandably, it can often take time before people who have been bereaved feel emotionally ready to even think about making a claim for compensation. However, it’s important to be aware that there is a three year statute of limitations on making fatal road accident claims. This means that you have three years from the death of the deceased to file a claim. When you’re ready to start the process, our comparison tool can help you to find legal support.
How much compensation will I get?
The amount of compensation paid out for fatal road accidents varies from case to case. The following factors will be assessed when calculating compensation amounts:
- Dependency losses – these refer to the long-term financial losses for dependents. Income, employee benefits, pensions and bonuses are all taken into account when calculating financial loss.
- Actual losses, such as funeral expenses, legal costs, the cost of medical treatment, hospital fees and childcare costs if required.
- Loss of earnings due to you or your loved one being unable to work before their death.
- Loss of services – these relate to services your loved one provided, such as childcare, acting as a carer for other family members, housework and gardening.
Find and compare fatal accident claim solicitors
No one wants to have to make a fatal accident claim. However, getting the money you’re entitled to could ease the financial burden that can be left in the aftermath of a loved one’s passing.
We understand that having the right solicitor by your side at such a difficult time is all-important. We take the hassle out of finding legal representation by helping you to compare a wide range of specialist lawyers quickly and easily.