Injury / Inquest solicitors

Inquest support for a death involving a road traffic collision

When a loved one has been killed in a road traffic accident you will want to understand how it happened and to ensure it doesn’t happen to anyone else

Contact us to find out more about our inquest support

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Here to help you find out what happened.

Your specialist representation when a loved one has died in a road traffic collision.

Examples include:

  • Where a pedestrian is killed in a collision with a car, lorry, motorcycle or other vehicle
  • Vulnerable road users such as horse riders, pedestrians or cyclists killed in collisions with motor vehicles
  • Deaths arising from the use of e-scooters
  • Deaths arising from unsafe road design, avoidable hazards, obstructions or defects in the road
  • Passengers killed whilst travelling in motor vehicles
  • Deaths arising from dangerous driving
  • Fatal collisions involving children
  • Incidents involving multiple vehicles
  • Fatal collisions caused by taxis

Inquests relating to a road traffic death, often include large volumes of documents, technical reports and witness statements. Our inquest specialists are experts in inquests of this kind and can guide you through the process, advising you on each stage and supporting you from start to finish.

We can also advise you on bringing a claim for a bereavement award and compensation arising from your loved one’s death.

Our inquest specialists understand that this is a distressing time for you and we work to alleviate the burden of the legal proceedings as much as we can. We can also put you in touch with specialist organisations that can provide further support during this difficult time.

  • Independently accredited, top ranked firm
  • Trusted experts in inquests and road traffic accidents
  • Supportive and understanding
Contact us
Contact our inquest solicitors today
Frequently asked questions about inquests
Do you need a solicitor for an inquest?

There’s no obligation to instruct a solicitor for an inquest; you can represent yourself if you wish. However, there are many benefits to having a solicitor represent you, particularly where the hospital/treatment provider is likely to have legal representation.

We strongly urge people to consider specialist legal representation for an inquest in all but the most straightforward and uncontroversial deaths.

The formalities and procedure of an inquest hearing are likely to be a daunting prospect for the family of the deceased, particularly whilst grieving for the loss of their loved on;  having your own lawyer fighting your corner will ease the burden.

Furthermore, the other Interested Parties are likely to be far more familiar with the process outlined above and will also have their own legal teams acting for them. This can mean that family members who represent themselves feel intimidated and ill-prepared when faced with experienced advocates.

Will I have to pay legal costs?

There are a number of ways to obtain legal representation at an inquest, many of which come at no cost to you.

Where Article 2 is engaged, it is likely that Legal Aid public funding will be available to help fund representation and legal advice free of charge. For more information please call us, without cost, to discuss it further.

It is always best to call us, so we can offer tailored advice about which options are available and which may be best for you.

Is this just about money?

You may just be seeking answers, in which case we can help you to fully investigate what happened to your loved one, seek an apology, and strive to ensure this doesn’t happen to someone else.

However, if negligence caused the death of someone close to you then financial compensation may also be sought. This can help you to cover the cost of expenses as a result of the death, for example funeral expenses, and to ensure that future costs are covered; such as loss of earnings, pensions, and childcare support.

Other services

How we can help after a fatal injury

We have a wide range of specialist solicitors, who can help with a number of issues relating to a bereavement.

Bereavement guide
A guide to everything you might need to consider when you experience a bereavement.
Article 2 inquests
If a loved one has died in the care of the state, you may find yourself involved in an ‘Article 2 Inquest’ exploring the circumstances of their death. Our specialist team of inquest solicitors are here to help you find answers and hold those responsible to account.
Deaths in military service
When your loved one dies in military service it can lead to a lot of unanswered questions. We may be able to help answer them.
Deaths in prison
When your loved one has died in prison – whether due to violence from another prisoner, suicide, or natural causes – an Article 2 inquest will be held to find out the circumstances surrounding their death.
Deaths involving the police
When your loved one has died following police contact or whilst in police custody, you and your family will want answers to understand how the death occurred or why your loved one was not kept safe.
Fatal injury claims
If you’ve lost a loved one it will undoubtedly be a very distressing time for you and your family. This is especially the case if you believe the death occurred as a result of an accident or due to substandard care.
Infant loss
The distress of infant loss can be greatly exacerbated by concerns that there has been substandard medical treatment and that the death could have been avoided. An inquest can help answer your questions.
Inquest or fatal claim
If you are concerned that a loved one’s death may have been caused by an accident or substandard care, a distressing time can be made even worse. Here we explain whether you may wish to bring a claim for damages, whether an inquest may be appropriate, or both. We will guide you through the process from start to finish.
meet the team

Meet our inquest team

Legal insights

Insight from our legal specialists

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How to fund specialist legal advice for an inquest or a claim
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Becky Randel looks at how lawyers and charities can work together to support individual families at inquests whilst also identifying wider patient safety issues.   When families approach us to investigate something that might...
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Your employment rights following a bereavement
Chris Amys and Gabrielle Laurin explain your rights in employment when you’ve experienced a bereavement. Millions of people experience the death of a loved one each year. According to the UK Commission on Bereavement...
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Charity spotlight: The Coroners’ Courts Support Service
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How we can ensure lessons are learned following a death – Interview with INQUEST
In a recent episode of our podcast Ali Cloak from our Inquest and Fatal claims team was joined by Deborah Coles and Aniesha Obuobie of INQUEST. They talked about the importance of learning lessons following deaths, the challenges in implementing care improvements , and how their No More Deaths hopes to secure systemic change.
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What is a Family Liaison Officer (FLO)? In conversation with Avon and Somerset FLOs
Roisin O’Dubhlaoidh interviews Family Liaison Officers (FLOs) to help share more about their role and why they do what they do. Family Liaison Officers perform a vital role in supporting families after the sudden...
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Does there really need to be a law for causing death or serious injury by dangerous, careless or inconsiderate cycling?
Mark Hambleton looks at the Government’s proposed law on dangerous cycling and asks: do we even need this new law? Back in 2018 I wrote about the recommendations made to the Government to introduce the offence...
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What is a coroner’s inquest and what should I expect?
Ali Cloak explains what you need to know about a coroner’s inquest. Often the first time a person becomes involved in an inquest is when their family member has died and they are contacted...

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