Supporting someone bereaved or affected by injury after a road crash

You may feel you don’t know what to say to someone suddenly injured or bereaved by a road crash, but your support can make a huge difference. Being there for them and prepared to listen if they want to talk can help.

Acknowledge what’s happened. Let them know you’ve heard the news.

Express your care and concern. Tell them that you’re there for them and want to support them, now and in the days to come.

Listen to them. Don’t push them to talk or to tell more than they want to. Their emotions may be very strong but let them get out what’s inside. They might repeat themselves so be patient. Repeating is a way of processing what’s happened. Don’t jump in with advice. Understand if they’d rather talk with someone else. You can show your support and care in other ways.

Let the person grieve. Grief comes after any kind of difficult change or loss. It’s painful, but grief is also normal and healthy. Don’t minimise their loss or criticise how they’re dealing with it. Let them grieve in their own way, at their own pace. Respect any cultural differences.

Silence might be what they need. Don’t fill silence with words. You can also show support through eye contact, a squeeze of the hand, or a reassuring hug.

It’s okay to feel emotion yourself. Just make sure your main focus is on the person. If you get overwhelmed, take a break to catch your breath. You don’t want the person to feel they’re responsible for supporting you.

Ask how you can help or make specific offers. Don’t force help on them. Offer to do things like take them to an appointment, have a coffee, or drop off a meal. It’s okay if they say no - offer again another time.

Avoid giving opinions and strong advice not asked for. You don’t need to know the answers to all their questions. If you do have some suggestions, start by saying… "Have you thought about..." or "You might like to..." so the choice stays with them.

Check in regularly. Don't assume how they are – ask. The grieving process can be long and complex, so continue to support them. For those bereaved, remember key dates such as anniversaries and birthdays. When the moment seems right, share positive memories.

Watch for signs that they might need some extra help. If any of their reactions concern you, or you are worried about their safety, talk with them about it and encourage them to seek some help, e.g. "I’m very concerned about you right now. I think you need to talk with someone about how bad you’re feeling and get some good help. How can I support you to find that help?”

If children or young people have been affected by what’s happened
See our information sheet for parents and caregivers about Supporting your child or young person after a crime or traumatic event.

Take good care of yourself. Supporting someone after a serious injury or sudden death can be challenging, especially if you’re also grieving the loss. Your well-being also matters. Sometimes, things that another person has experienced can start to have a secondary effect on you. This is known as vicarious or second-hand trauma and grief. It may cause some strong reactions in you. The links below may be helpful if this has been happening to you.

Our helpful information sheets may help you learn more about their grief and trauma experience:

Other useful websites and information

Helping Someone Who’s Grieving

64 of the Best Things Ever Said to a Griever

Brake – a NZ road injury and bereavement charity