Dreadful situation

[cumbrialass]

My niece was driving home one night before Christmas when she hit pedestrian. Unfortunately the pedestrian died, obviously she has been devastated and has not driven since. The pedestrian was walking down the middle of a country lane, in the dark and wearing dark clothing-there was simply nothing my niece could have done, she wasn't speeding, there has been no suggestion she was using her phone, nothing. She gave a statement to the police, wasn't cautioned or anything and has heard nothing since-although they still have her car. But now she has been summoned to a coroners court. Obviously my sister is beside herself with worry. The family of the pedestrian have told the police they do not blame my niece, but obviously she blames herself dreadfully. Is there anyone who can give me any advice-what will happen at the coroners court, will my niece be charged with death by dangerous driving , could she be arrested at the court, should she have a solicitor? My sister ( and myself) just have no idea what to do. Any advice gratefully received.

Thank you for the most recent replies. There has been some progress ( for want of a better word) My niece has told her insurance company of the inquest and has agreed to go see her GP for some support. As dreadful as we feel for the family of the deceased, we are hoping that the inquest may be the beginning of some sort of coming to terms with what has happened ( assuming of course that the coroner is satisfied with all the evidence and confirms it was an accident)

Just wanted to update all those who kindly offered advice, The inquest was held today and the death was rules an accident. The police report made it very clear that there was absolutely nothing she could have done to avoid the pedestrian and that, if it hadn't been her it would have been someone else, she was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. A member of the pedestrian's family kindly came and spoke to her at the end and said that the family laid no blame on her at all, they just wanted her to try to put it behind her and move on. Hopefully she can now do just that, she has taken the first steps by seeing a support worker and has begun to speak about the accident more calmly. thank you for all the advice/information on here, it was much appreciated.

Ahh, really glad it has all been sorted. Must be such a relief for her. Sounds like she is taking some positive steps and hopefully she can now move forward knowing it really wasn't her fault.

So glad to read your update. Glad that the police report was so clear and that the family took the trouble to try and reasure.
Your poor neice .