A practical guide to the Coroner, release of your person, and arranging a funeral.
If someone you love has died in a road accident in Victoria, you’re likely feeling shocked, overwhelmed, and unsure what happens now. This guide is here to walk you through the practical side of what comes next, so you can focus on your family.
Three things are worth knowing straight away:
- A road accident death is what’s known as a “reportable death,” which means it’s automatically referred to the Coroners Court of Victoria for investigation. This is a standard process, not a sign that anything is wrong.
- A funeral director will liaise with the Coroners Court on your behalf, including applying for your person’s release, so you don’t have to navigate that process alone.
- You don’t need to wait for the coronial investigation to finish before you start planning. You can contact a funeral director immediately.
The sections below explain each part of this in more detail, what happens in the first 24 to 48 hours, how and when your person is released, and what kind of funeral or memorial is funded by the TAC (Transport Accident Commission).
Why does a road accident death go to the Coroner?
In Victoria, deaths caused by accident or injury, including road accidents, are legally classified as “reportable deaths.” This means they must be referred to the Coroners Court of Victoria for investigation, regardless of how the death occurred or how clear the cause may seem.
This isn’t a sign that anything unusual is suspected. It’s a standard, routine part of the process for any death of this kind. The coroner’s role is to formally confirm the cause of death and, where relevant, consider whether anything could be done differently in future to help prevent similar deaths. Even when the cause of death appears obvious, the coroner is still required to investigate and confirm it properly.
Understanding that this step is automatic, rather than a reflection of anything being wrong, can make the rest of the process feel a little less daunting.
What happens in the first 24 to 48 hours after a road accident death?
Once your person is in the Coroners Court’s care, several things happen at once, and it can feel like a lot to take in.
A preliminary medical examination is carried out. This is done by a doctor or pathologist and is described by the Court as minimally invasive. It may involve a visual examination, some samples for testing, and imaging such as X-rays or CT scans. A full autopsy is only carried out in some cases, not automatically. If one is recommended, the Court will contact your family to explain why and answer any questions before it goes ahead. Families also have the right to formally object to an autopsy on religious, cultural or other grounds.
Your person’s identity is confirmed. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve a family member visually identifying them, or scientific methods like fingerprinting, dental records or DNA comparison. Coronial Admissions and Enquiries (CA&E) staff support you through whichever process is needed.
A senior next of kin is established as the Court’s main point of contact. This is usually a spouse or partner, or otherwise the next closest relative in order, such as an adult child, parent or sibling. This person will receive updates on the investigation and any medical procedures, and can appoint a lawyer or representative to communicate with the Court on their behalf if they’d prefer.
You can reach the Court’s Coronial Admissions and Enquiries team any time on 1300 309 519 if you have questions at any point in this process.
Do I need to wait for the Coroner before arranging a funeral?
No. You don’t need to wait for the coronial investigation to finish before you start planning. It’s a good idea to choose and contact a funeral director now. They can start liaising with the Coroners Court on your behalf straight away, which takes one thing off your plate at a time when everything feels like too much.
If the death resulted from a transport accident, it’s also worth choosing a funeral director with genuine experience handling TAC claims, since this can help you access and make the most of the TAC funeral benefit. More on that further in this article.
Can I choose my own funeral director?
Yes. You’re not obliged to use the funeral director who initially collected your person and brought them into the Court’s care. You’re free to choose whichever funeral director feels right for your family from this point forward.
How is my person released from the Coroner?
Your funeral director applies for the release of your person on your family’s behalf, using the Court’s official release application form. The coroner authorises the release once all the medical processes needed for the investigation are complete, and lets your funeral director know as soon as that happens. If more than one person applies for the release, the coroner will decide who your person is released to.
How long does it take for the Coroner to release my person?
The Coroners Court says release usually happens within five to seven days, though this can vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the examinations needed. Once you appoint a funeral director they will keep an eye on the case via their online portal – they should keep you updated on the progress. Or you could check the Court’s website for the most current guidance.
Do we need to have a traditional funeral with the coffin present?
No, that’s entirely your choice. Tomorrow Funerals doesn’t offer traditional funerals with the coffin present. Instead, we arrange the cremation straight away, then help you hold a celebrant-led memorial afterwards, giving you the chance to create a personal farewell at a place that feels right for your family, as opposed to a funeral parlour. If you feel a traditional service is what your family needs, we’re happy to talk it through with you.
Can we arrange to view our person before the memorial?
If you choose a memorial-style service, this doesn’t mean you can’t see your person again. We can arrange a viewing at our mortuary facility if it’s important to you or your family. Our experienced mortuary team will make you comfortable and answer any questions beforehand.
Whether to have a viewing is a deeply personal choice, and there’s no right or wrong answer. We’ve written more about the pros and cons to help you think it through: “Should I view my loved one after death? Exploring the pros and cons”
Given the nature of a road accident, it’s worth knowing that whether a viewing is a good idea might depend on your person’s physical condition. Our mortuary team will always give you honest, gentle guidance on this once your person is in our care, but ultimately, it is your choice.
When can we hold the memorial after a road accident death?
Within that memorial-style approach, you’re free to choose whatever kind of farewell feels right for your family. Some families choose a cremation followed straight away by a memorial. Others prefer to hold the cremation first and plan the memorial for later, once there’s been time to gather family from further afield or simply catch their breath. There’s no single right way to do this, and the choice is entirely yours.
What does the funeral director do during the coronial process?
Your funeral director acts as your main point of contact and takes care of the practical steps so you don’t have to manage them alone. This typically includes liaising with the Coroners Court about your person’s release, arranging the transfer of your person once release is authorised, handling the necessary paperwork and death certificate, booking the cremation, and helping you plan the memorial itself, from choosing a venue to working with a celebrant.
Can we start planning before our person is released from the Coroner’s?
Yes. You don’t need to wait for release to begin planning the memorial. While you’re waiting, you can start thinking about the kind of event you’d like, choose a venue, begin gathering photos and stories for a tribute video, and have early conversations with your celebrant. Having this groundwork in place often makes the days after release feel less rushed.
Was the death caused by a transport accident? You may be entitled to TAC assistance
If your person died in a Victorian transport accident, your family may be entitled to funeral assistance through the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), a government-run, no-fault scheme. Choosing a funeral director experienced with TAC claims can help make sure this benefit is properly accessed and put to good use.
We’ve written a full guide covering how the TAC funeral benefit works, what it covers, and how to claim it: “TAC Funeral Benefits Victoria: How to Claim, What’s Covered & How to Maximise the Payment”
What happens after the cremation?
Once the cremation has taken place, at Tomorrow, we personally hand deliver your person’s ashes to you, generally within a week. From there, the memorial, or celebration of life, can happen whenever feels right. Your celebrant will work with you to plan an event that reflects your person’s life, at a venue that feels right to you, from a favourite restaurant, event space, pub or sports club to a beach or your own backyard.
How Tomorrow Funerals can help
Tomorrow can guide your family through the practical side of what comes next after a road accident death. This includes liaising with the Coroners Court on your behalf, arranging your person’s transfer once release is authorised, managing the necessary paperwork, arranging the cremation, and helping you plan a memorial that genuinely reflects your person’s life.
We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 1300 690 137.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a road accident death go to the Coroner in Victoria?
Yes. In Victoria, deaths caused by accident or injury, including road accidents, are legally classified as reportable deaths and are automatically referred to the Coroners Court of Victoria for investigation.
Do I have to use the funeral director who collected my person?
No. After a road accident, the initial transport into the Coroner’s care is usually arranged by police or the Coronial Admissions and Enquiries office. You’re free to use that same provider if you’d like, or choose any other funeral director for the rest of the arrangements, whether that’s a traditional, corporate-style funeral business or a more modern, independent one. [Here’s a guide to the different types of funeral providers in Melbourne] to help you decide what’s the right fit for your family.
How long does the Coroner keep someone after a road accident?
The Coroners Court says release usually happens within five to seven days, though this can vary depending on the circumstances and the examinations required. Your funeral director can give you the most current estimate for your specific situation.
Can I have a cremation after a coronial death?
Yes. Once the coroner authorises release, cremation can go ahead as part of your funeral arrangements.
Can I get financial help with funeral costs after a transport accident?
Possibly. If your person died in a Victorian transport accident, your family may be entitled to funeral assistance through the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
What should I do first after an unexpected death?
Contact Coronial Admissions and Enquiries on 1300 309 519 if the death hasn’t already been reported, then choose a funeral director you trust to help guide you through what comes next.
We’re always here to help
Call us 24-hours / 7 days on 1300 690 137
Our Journal contains our entire list of resources for creating personal memorials.
Or visit our funerals page, for more information on our unique memorial style funeral package.